Project Title:
Engineering Research Center for Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub (EARTH)
Overview:
The EARTH project aims to tackle critical scientific, engineering, workforce, and policy issues related to the future of refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC). With RAC systems accounting for nearly 20% of worldwide energy consumption, the goal is to develop innovative, energy-efficient refrigerants and cooling technologies to replace harmful hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are being phased out due to their high global warming potential (GWP). EARTH is positioned to lead the charge in addressing these challenges and will serve as a national hub for advancing research in this field.
Key Research Areas:
- Refrigerant Development: Developing new refrigerants that are environmentally safe, efficient, and cost-effective. This includes identifying new fluid mixtures, exploring alternatives such as hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), and balancing multiple factors like GWP, safety, and recyclability.
- New Cooling Technologies: Beyond traditional vapor-compression cycles, EARTH is investigating solid-state technologies like magnetocaloric, electrocaloric, and mechanocaloric effects, which have the potential to revolutionize cooling systems.
- HFC Recovery and Recycling: Millions of kilograms of HFCs are in use globally, and current methods for their recovery and separation are inadequate. EARTH is working on novel processes to safely recover and repurpose these chemicals.
Broader Impacts:
EARTH’s innovation will strengthen the U.S.’s leadership in the global refrigerants market while mitigating environmental impacts. The development of cutting-edge cooling systems and the recycling of HFCs will support economic growth, create jobs, and help prevent further global temperature increases. The initiative also focuses on workforce development, diversity, and building a sustainable innovation ecosystem.
Opportunities for Graduate Students:
- Multidisciplinary Research: Work with experts in chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, and data science.
- Cutting-edge Tools: Utilize advanced molecular simulations, high-fidelity experiments, and innovative design processes.
- Impactful Work: Contribute to research that addresses one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, with the potential for large-scale societal and environmental benefits.