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Refrigeration Technology Comparison
Comparison between conventional gas-based cooling and emerging solid-state technology.
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Barocal can cool your food and drink by squeezing a hunk of plastic ...
Refrigerators today run on the same basic technology as they did more than 100 years ago. You’d think we could have come up with something better by now. And we have, but nothing has been able to dethrone cheap, reliable vapor compression — the process that’s keeping your milk cold today. One startup hopes to change that. Barocal has developed an entirely new way of heating and cooling using nothing but an inexpensive solid material. Early prototypes are already as effective as existing refrigerator compressors, and the technology promises to use significantly less energy. Oh, and there’s no risk of leaking climate-warming gases, something that has plagued vapor compression. To prepare the technology for market, Barocal has raised a $10 million seed round, the startup exclusively told TechCrunch. Investors in the round included World Fund, Breakthrough Energy Discovery, Cambridge Enterprise Ventures and IP Group. Barocal’s core technology stems from research performed by Xavier Moya, the startup’s founder. “I’ve always been very interested in technologies for heating and cooling,” he told TechCrunch. He traces it back to his youth in Spain, where he would spend hours studying in a small, hot room. “I really remember when air conditioning came to the house — it was like wow!” he recalled. As a professor of materials physics at the University of Cambridge, he focused on refrigerants of all kinds, though he became particularly fascinated by solid materials could capture and release heat simply by squeezing and stretching them. In one of his favorite demonstrations, he asks people to take an deflated balloon, hold it to their lips, and repeatedly stretch and relax it. “If you stretch it, it gets hot. And then if you wait, when you let it go, it feels cold,” he said. Techcrunch event San Francisco, CA | October 13-15, 2026 That same principle applies to the class of materials Barocal has developed, which is related to an organic material widely used in a range of industries, from plastics to paints. Normally, the molecules inside the material rotate freely. But when they’re compressed, the molecules stop rotating. Since heat, at its most basic level, is the movement of atoms and molecules, the reducing that movement causes the material to give off heat. Removing the pressure allows the materials to absorb heat. Barocal uses these materials to transfer heat. In a refrigerator, for example, the material will pump heat from inside the fridge to outside, ...
Self-Cooling Beverage Cans: A Cool Innovation for the Future
Imagine grabbing your favorite drink and having it chilled at the perfect temperature without needing a fridge or ice. Sounds futuristic, right? Well, self-cooling beverage cans are turning this dream into reality, offering both convenience and sustainability in the world of packaging. What Are Self-Cooling Beverage Cans? Self-cooling beverage cans are specially designed containers that can chill the drink inside without any external cooling source. These cans come equipped with built-in cooling technology that activates at the push of a button, cooling the beverage within minutes. How Do They Work? The secret behind self-cooling cans lies in thermodynamic technology. Most self-cooling cans use a vacuum-based cooling system. When activated, the can releases CO₂ or another refrigerant gas, which absorbs heat from the drink, instantly lowering its temperature. This innovative method makes the beverage cold without using electricity or ice. Why Are They a Game-Changer? On-the-Go Convenience: Whether you're at the beach, hiking, or commuting, self-cooling cans let you enjoy chilled drinks without carrying bulky coolers. Energy Saving: These cans eliminate the need for refrigerators, cutting down on electricity usage and promoting eco-friendly consumption. Sustainable Future: Many self-cooling cans are designed with recyclable materials, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable packaging. Who's Leading the Way? Major beverage brands like PepsiCo and Heineken have already started exploring self-cooling can technology, with pilot projects making waves in the packaging industry. Self-cooling beverage cans could revolutionize the way we enjoy drinks, combining convenience, technology, and sustainability. As the world moves toward greener solutions, this innovation is set to redefine the future of packaging. Stay tuned—because the next time you crave a cold drink, the can itself might do the cooling for you! Categories
Quotes from Cool Runnings - Quote Catalog
When a Jamaican sprinter is disqualified from the Olympic Games, he enlists the help of a dishonored coach to start the first Jamaican Bobsled Team.
12 Cheap Frozen Kong Recipes That Your Dog Will Love!
Discover 12 cheap and easy-to-make frozen Kong recipes that your pup will love! These recipes are perfect for keeping your dog cool during the summer.
