Ferroelectric terpolymer films with enhanced cooling efficiency: An integrated approach considering electrocaloric response and dielectric losses

TL;DR

This paper presents an integrated approach to improve the cooling efficiency of ferroelectric terpolymer films by reducing dielectric losses through electrothermal poling and surface roughness control, significantly increasing efficiency from 1% to 10%.

Contribution

It introduces a combined treatment method that enhances electrocaloric response and reduces losses, boosting the efficiency of ferroelectric cooling devices.

Findings

Efficiency increased from 1% to 10% of Carnot efficiency.

Loss reduction achieved via electrothermal poling and surface roughness control.

Enhanced ferroelectric materials for energy applications.

Abstract

In response to the growing demand for more efficient and compact refrigeration and energy conversion devices, electrocaloric poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene) is among the most promising active substances. However, despite its high electrocaloric response, the maximum efficiency achievable over a cooling cycle is hampered by losses. To overcome this major limitation, losses have been reduced by using an electrothermal poling treatment as well as by controlling the surface roughness. The upper bound of the efficiency computed over a thermodynamic cycle mimicking the working conditions of an actual cooling device is increased from 1% to 10% of the Carnot efficiency. This represents a major improvement in enhancing ferroelectric materials for advanced energy applications.