‘Thermally Elastic’ Metal Could Replace Refrigerants
COLLEGE PARK, Md.—A new “smart” metal could replace the liquid refrigerant in air conditioners, according to researchers. The University of Maryland scientists say their “thermally elastic” metal alloy’s solid-state cooling technology would increase the efficiency of energy use by as much as 175% and reduce U.S. carbon dioxide emissions by 250 million metric tons per year. A 0.01-ton (0.04 kW) prototype is being tested to see if the technology is commercially viable for space cooling applications.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100722145932.htm