Master Thesis Opportunity: Advanced Numerical Modeling of Elastocaloric Cooling Systems

Vor 7 Tagen


Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland Karlsruher Institut für Technologie Vollzeit

Position Overview

The field of refrigeration and air conditioning is responsible for a significant portion of global energy usage and carbon emissions. As urbanization accelerates, the demand for efficient and sustainable cooling technologies becomes increasingly critical in achieving carbon neutrality.

Elastocaloric cooling represents a promising technology that utilizes solid refrigerants, such as shape memory alloys (SMAs) and polymers, which can self-regulate temperature through mechanical stress. This innovative approach circumvents the environmental risks associated with traditional vapor-compression systems, providing a greener and more energy-efficient alternative. The regenerative elastocaloric cooling method, which incorporates active heat-transfer fluid cycles, holds great potential for enhancing cooling capabilities and advancing toward commercialization.

To maximize the cooling performance of these systems, optimization is essential across various components, including regenerator designs, system architecture, and operational parameters. The numerical modeling of active elastocaloric regenerators (AERs) serves as a vital tool for predicting system performance and informing design choices. Previous research has established a one-dimensional numerical model based on superelastic Ni-Ti alloys, and this project aims to expand the model to include diverse porous structures and additional factors such as hysteresis.

This project offers a comprehensive opportunity to delve into the numerical calculations of heat transfer while enhancing programming skills. Furthermore, it provides the chance to validate the developed model through practical proof-of-concept setups and the potential for co-authorship in academic publications.

Your Responsibilities:

  • Examine the mechanical properties of shape memory alloys through phenomenological modeling.
  • Refine the existing one-dimensional numerical model for porous elastocaloric regenerators utilizing current AER model codes (proficiency in MATLAB and a background in thermodynamics required).
  • Optimize operational parameters of the AER and assess its cooling performance.
  • Conduct comparative analysis with proof-of-concept AERs.

The institute is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a clean room, advanced prototyping technologies such as 3D printing and laser cutting, and various laboratories for assembly, joining technologies, and metrology. Comprehensive support is provided to ensure successful project completion within the designated timeframe.

Candidate Profile:

  • Field of study: Mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or related disciplines.
  • We seek motivated, innovative, and self-driven individuals who thrive in a multidisciplinary and international environment.


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