Solid-state fridge earns EPA award
13th July 2017
USA: A compressor-free laboratory refrigerator is the first solid-state refrigerator to earn Energy Star energy efficiency certification from the US EPA.
Phononic, a company based in Durham, North Carolina, is attempting to revolutionise cooling and heating with solid-state technology. The company has now announced that its Evolve 5.5ft³ compressor-free refrigerator for medical, pharmaceutical and laboratory applications is the first solid-state refrigerator to earn Energy Star certification.
Designed to provide cold storage for sensitive medical and scientific products, Evolve’s solid-state refrigeration system absorbs heat energy from the storage cabinet using a non-toxic, non-hazardous refrigerant embedded in the walls.
The Evolve refrigerator uses solid-state heat pump technology coupled with non-hazardous, non-toxic refrigerants. Heat energy is channeled up to a high-performance thermoelectric heat pump that cools the refrigerant and transfers the heat into the ambient environment.
The compressor-free design is said to meet guidelines for the controlled storage of vaccines and pharmaceutical drugs, while reducing energy consumption by up to 40% compared to traditional products.
“The Energy Star certification further validates how our proprietary solid-state technology is revolutionising refrigeration in the healthcare market,” said Jerilin Kenney, Phononic’s vice president/general manager of life sciences and healthcare.
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