Grantee Research Project Results

CFC-Free Refrigeration Process

EPA Contract Number: 68D99067
Title: CFC-Free Refrigeration Process
Investigators: Boufelfel, Ali
Small Business: Sigma Technologies International Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1999 through March 1, 2000
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1999) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Pollution Prevention , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

Description:

Sigma Technologies proposes a process based on novel materials for low-temperature refrigeration. The proposed magnetic refrigerator presents several advantages that include compactness, low weight, reliability, no working fluid, and the ability to operate a wide range of temperatures. The properties of the magnetic materials can be tailored by varying their stoichiometry. In Phase I, the refrigerant material will be produced and characterized. The refrigerator will be built and tested in Phase II of this program.

Magnetic refrigerators potentially can be used in applications that require small, vibration-free devices. Examples of use include crycoolers for electronic chips, infrared detectors, and medical storage.

Supplemental Keywords:

small business, SBIR, pollution prevention, engineering, chemistry, EPA., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Air, Toxics, Sustainable Industry/Business, air toxics, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Sustainable Environment, Chemistry, Technology for Sustainable Environment, New/Innovative technologies, CFCs, tropospheric ozone, Engineering, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, refrigeration, stratospheric ozone, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), alternative materials, refrigerant, Refrigerants, chlorofluorocarbon, alternative refrigerants, pollution prevention, green technology

Progress and Final Reports:

Final