Elastocaloric cooling using low-cost shape memory alloys

Research topic/area

Mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics and related programs of study

Type of thesis

Bachelor / Master

Start time

-

Application deadline

31.12.2026

Duration of the thesis

6 months

Description

1. Why this topic?

Cooling and refrigeration already consume a large share of the world’s electricity, and demand is only growing. To meet this challenge, new technologies are needed that are more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.

Elastocaloric cooling is a promising alternative: it uses solid materials that heat up and cool down under mechanical stress instead of harmful refrigerants. In particular, polymer films combine low cost with excellent heat transfer properties, making them a strong candidate for the next generation of green cooling technologies.

2. What you will do

In this master thesis project, you will have the opportunity to:

- Explore the thermal and mechanical behavior of novel polymer films.
- Design and build a small-scale cooling demonstrator using these materials.
- Evaluate and optimize system performance through experiments.

3. Why join?

This project is hands-on, interdisciplinary, and future-oriented. You will gain experience in materials characterization, mechanical and thermal system design, and prototype development — skills that are highly valued in both academia and industry.

Working at the Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT), you will have access to excellent infrastructure, including:

- A 600 m² cleanroom,
- Prototyping equipment (3D printers, laser cutters),
- Advanced laboratories for materials and system testing.

You will receive close supervision, opportunities to present your results, and the chance to contribute to scientific publications.

4. Who should apply?

This thesis is a great fit if you are motivated, curious, and eager to work on technologies that could shape the future of sustainable cooling. Students from mechanical engineering, materials science, chemical engineering, physics, or related fields are welcome.

Requirement

Requirements for students

• • A strong background knowledge in machinal engineering, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and mechanics
• • Expertise in CAD, LabVIEW programming
• • Experience in microfabrication is a plus

Faculty departments

• Engineering sciences
  Electrical engineering & information technologies
  Mechanical engineering
  Material sciences & engineering
  Mechatronics & information technologies
  Mechanical Engineering
  Energy Engineering and Management

Supervision

Title, first name, last name

Dr. Jingyuan Xu

Organizational unit

Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT)

Email address

jingyuan.xu@kit.edu

Link to personal homepage/personal page

Website

Application via email

Application documents

• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcript

E-Mail Address for application
Senden Sie die oben genannten Bewerbungsunterlagen bitte per Mail an jingyuan.xu@kit.edu


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