Two-dimensional modeling and simulation of a conceptual barocaloric regenerator with polydimethylsiloxane rubber in a tube bank matrix design

One approach to address climate change is to replace vapor cooling systems with less harmful technologies. Solid-state refrigeration shows promise because it virtually eliminates the use of greenhouse gases. This paper proposes a concept for a barocaloric regenerator tube bank setup using a solid-state refrigerant, specifically encapsulated pure polydimethylsiloxane rubber. We presented the geometric requirements, operating parameters, and thermal performance of this setup. Given the complexity of simulating the full caloric process, we employed a simple two-dimensional finite element analysis to study the transient thermal and fluid phenomena. We discussed the temperature gradient of the active barocaloric matrix over time in the regenerator. For an isostatic pressure of 130 MPa, the best coefficient of performance for refrigeration achieved was 4.7 using a five-tube arrangement. Graphical abstract