Researchers at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have unveiled the world’s first zero-degradation elastocaloric cooling device, maintaining stable performance through one million operational cycles. The innovation, powered by a fatigue-resistant solid-state refrigerant, promises to revolutionize sustainable refrigeration by addressing long-term reliability issues in green cooling technology.
The breakthrough, developed by a team led by Prof. SUN Qingping, Chair Professor in HKUST’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, overcomes a major hurdle in elastocaloric cooling: material degradation over time. Traditional vapor-compression systems, which rely on ozone-depleting refrigerants, are energy-intensive and environmentally harmful. HKUST’s device uses a novel quaternary TiNiCuCo alloy, engineered to maintain consistent cooling performance through numerous cyclic phase transitions without functional degradation, according to a press release from the university. Mirage News reported that the alloy’s stability stems from its ability to consistently release and absorb latent heat during cyclic phase transitions.
How the Device Works: Material Innovation and Engineering
Elastocaloric cooling leverages the reversible stress-induced phase transformation of shape memory alloys (SMAs), offering a greener alternative to conventional refrigeration. However, commercial adoption has been hindered by material fatigue and structural instability. The HKUST team addressed these challenges by designing a double-layer fin-type refrigerant structure, which enhances heat transfer efficiency and buckling resistance. This innovation achieved an ultra-high fatigue life exceeding 10 million cyclic compressive cycles, as reported by Mirage News. The device’s architecture was optimized to reduce thermal losses and improve system stability, cutting component numbers by 50% and lowering the proportion of ineffective parts from 15% to 5%, according to HKUST.
By integrating the TiNiCuCo alloy with this advanced design, the team achieved a constant cooling power of 400W and a temperature span of 41K (41°C) over one million cycles. Accelerated fatigue tests confirmed no degradation after 100 million cycles, with real-world performance expected to last over a decade, according to HKUST. Previously, HKUST researchers demonstrated a kilowatt-scale elastocaloric system in 2025, achieving 1,284 watts of cooling power, as noted by Interesting Engineering.
Key Researchers and Collaborators
Implications for Sustainable Cooling and Future Applications
The device’s durability could accelerate the adoption of elastocaloric cooling in air conditioning and refrigeration, reducing reliance on energy-intensive systems. This breakthrough brings the technology one step closer to real-world applications beyond laboratory demonstrations,
he said, according to HKUST. The innovation aligns with global efforts to combat climate change by minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional refrigerants, such as those that exacerbate the greenhouse effect and damage the ozone layer, contribute significantly to environmental damage. By replacing these with a solid-state refrigerant, HKUST’s device offers a sustainable alternative without compromising performance.
The research also highlights the potential for further advancements in SMA-based technologies.
Challenges and Next Steps
HKUST’s breakthrough underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing green technology. By combining materials science, mechanical engineering, and sustainable design, the team has set a new benchmark for elastocaloric cooling. As the technology moves toward commercialization, its success could redefine the future of refrigeration, offering a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional systems.
