An analysis of lead-free (Bi0.5Na0.5)0.915-(Bi0.5K0.5)0.05Ba0.02Sr0.015TiO3 ceramic for efficient refrigeration and thermal energy harvesting

This article demonstrates the colossal energy harvesting capability of a lead-free (Bi0.5Na0.5)(0.915)-(Bi0.5K0.5)(0.05)Ba0.02Sr0.015TiO3 ceramic using the Olsen cycle. The maximum harvestable energy density estimated for this system is found to be 1523 J/L (1523 kJ/m(3)) where the results are presented for extreme ambient conditions of 20-160 degrees C and electric fields of 0.1-4 MV/m. This estimated energy density is 1.7 times higher than the maximum reported to date for the lanthanum-doped lead zirconate titanate (thin film) system. Moreover, this study introduces a generalized and effective solid state refrigeration cycle in contrast to the ferroelectric Ericson refrigeration cycle. The cycle is based on a temperature induced polarization change on application of an unipolar electric field to ferroelectric ceramics. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.