A New Refrigeration Method

Chinese scientists have developed a new refrigeration method that solves a long‑standing challenge in cooling technology. Published in Nature, the study responds to rising energy demands in applications ranging from food preservation to data centre cooling.

Traditional vapour‑compression systems consume vast amounts of electricity and rely on harmful refrigerants. In China, refrigeration accounts for nearly 20% of the nation’s electricity use and 7.8% of its carbon emissions（碳排放）. While solid‑state cooling avoids harmful gases, it suffers from poor heat transfer, limiting its real‑world application.

Led by Professor Li Bing from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the research team overcame this by combining solid cooling effects with liquid flow. They used a common, non‑toxic salt whose dissolution（溶解）in water absorbs large amounts of heat. Conversely, applying pressure causes the salt to come out and release heat. Cycling this pressure achieves continuous cooling.

“Unlike traditional solid methods, where heat moves slowly, our system integrates the refrigerant and heat‑transfer medium into a single liquid,” Li said. “This solves the ‘impossible triangle’—achieving low pollution, strong cooling, and fast heat transfer all at once.”

Lab tests showed a temperature drop of nearly 30℃ in just 20 seconds at room temperature, and up to 54℃ at higher temperatures—significantly outperforming existing solid coolers. A prototype cycle achieved a cooling capacity of 67 joules per gram with nearly 77% efficiency. The system also proved stable, reversible, and instantly responsive to pressure changes.

“This technology moves beyond traditional refrigeration principles,” Li added. “By turning the coolant into a fluid, it opens the door to high‑performance, zero‑emission cooling for homes and industry.”

He noted the method’s strong high‑temperature performance makes it an ideal candidate for heat management in next‑generation AI computing facilities. While engineering challenges remain, especially in achieving rapidly switchable pressure cycles, the principle could be adapted to other materials for diverse cooling needs.