Date of Completion
8-20-2013
Embargo Period
8-15-2013
Advisors
Dr. George Rossetti, Dr. Rampi Ramprasad
Field of Study
Materials Science and Engineering
Degree
Master of Science
Open Access
Open Access
Abstract
Ferroelectric thin films have been investigated recently for their electrocaloric properties. The electrocaloric effect is a coupling of electrical and thermal properties that results in a temperature change in response to an externally applied electric field. Through extensive material coefficient of performance (COP) calculations for Barium Titanate (BTO) and Lead Titanate (PTO), it is shown that electrocaloric materials provide comparable cooling efficiencies to thermoelectrics. The calculation is based on the Ericsson refrigeration cycle and results compare material COP values for various thermal and electric field boundary conditions. Direct application of this technology will be discussed, including on-chip cooling and different device geometries. However, there are some known challenges and opportunities regarding the ability to control directions of heat flow, which will also be reviewed.
Recommended Citation
Fonseca, Shawn C., "Electrocaloric Cooling Efficiency of Perovskite Ferroelectric Thin Films" (2013). Master's Theses. 487.
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/gs_theses/487
Major Advisor
Dr. Pamir Alpay