Direct and indirect electrocaloric measurements using multilayer capacitors

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of electrocaloric effects in commercial multilayer capacitors with BaTiO3, showing ~0.5 K temperature changes at high electric fields, with potential applications in cooling technologies.

Contribution

It demonstrates both direct and indirect measurement of electrocaloric effects in commercial multilayer capacitors, highlighting their potential for cooling applications.

Findings

Electrocaloric temperature change of ~0.5 K at 300 kV/cm.

Consistent results from direct thermometry and thermodynamic analysis.

Potential for optimized capacitors in future cooling devices.

Abstract

We report the discovery of serendipitous electrocaloric effects in commercial multilayer capacitors based on ferroelectric BaTiO3. Direct thermometry records ~0.5 K changes due to 300 kV cm-1, over a wide range of temperatures near and above room temperature. Similar results are obtained indirectly, via thermodynamic analysis of ferroelectric hysteresis loops. We compare and contrast these two results. Optimised electrocaloric multilayer capacitors could find applications in future cooling technologies.