Microcooling Technologies with Shape Memory Smart Materials

Research topic/area

Mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics and related programs of study

Type of thesis

Master

Start time

02.05.2025

Application deadline

30.04.2025

Duration of the thesis

6-8 Months

Description

In Germany, refrigeration contributes to 14% of total electricity consumption. Small-scale cooling, as required in applications such as electronic chips, lab-on-chip systems, and chemical or biological analysis, is often achieved using thermoelectric cooling compatible with miniaturized designs. However, this method tends to be relatively inefficient.
The pursuit of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly ("green") alternatives has recently increased interest in solid-state cooling technologies based on caloric effects. Among these, the elastocaloric effect in shape memory alloys stands out due to its high temperature changes and material-level coefficients of performance, which can exceed 80% of the thermodynamic maximum. Shape memory alloys, classified as smart materials, exhibit capabilities such as heat absorption, heat generation, actuation, and sensing.
This thesis investigates the potential of the elastocaloric effect in shape memory alloys for small-scale microcooling applications, with a focus on shape memory thin films. To achieve this goal, the existing setup within our research group will be enhanced by redesigning the SMA thin film, as well as the heat source and sink. The culmination of this work will be the development of a microcooling prototype employing out-of-plane loading of shape memory alloys.

To carry out the work, the IMT has extensive state-of-the-art equipment (600 m² clean room, rapid prototyping processes such as 3D printing and laser cutting, assembly and joining technology laboratories, various metrological laboratories). Intensive support ensures that the work can be carried out within the given time frame.

Requirement

Requirements for students

• • Prototype Development: Includes fabrication, performance testing, and characterization.
• • Simulation and Design: Utilizing COMSOL for modeling and optimization.
• • LabVIEW Programming: For controlling the piezo motor and acquiring data from the load cell and temperature sensor

Faculty departments

• Engineering sciences
  Electrical engineering & information technologies
  Mechanical engineering
  Mechanical Engineering
  Energy Engineering and Management
• Natural sciences and Technology
  Physics

Supervision

Title, first name, last name

Dr. Ali Ghotbi Varzaneh

Organizational unit

Institute of Microstructure Technology, IMT

Email address

ali.ghotbi@kit.edu

Link to personal homepage/personal page

Website

Application via email

Application documents

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae

E-Mail Address for application
Senden Sie die oben genannten Bewerbungsunterlagen bitte per Mail an ali.ghotbi@kit.edu


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