Phenomenological Material Model for First-Order Electrocaloric Material

Caloric cooling systems are potentially more efficient than systems based on vapour compression. Electrocaloric cooling systems use a phase transformation from the paraelectric to the ferroelectric state by applying or removing an electric field to pump heat. Lead scandium tantalate (PST) materials show a first-order phase transition and are one of the most promising candidates for electrocaloric cooling. To model caloric cooling systems, accurate and thermodynamically consistent material models are required. In this study, we use a phenomenological model based on an analytical equation for the specific heat capacity to describe the material behaviour of bulk PST material. This model is fitted to the experimental data, showing a very good agreement. Based on this model, essential material properties such as the adiabatic temperature change and isothermal entropy change of this material can be calculated.

Automated summary

Caloric cooling systems based on electrocaloric effect offer higher efficiency compared to vapor compression systems. Lead scandium tantalate (PST) materials, which undergo a first-order phase transition, are promising candidates for electrocaloric cooling. In this study, a phenomenological model based on an analytical equation for specific heat capacity is used to describe the behavior of bulk PST material, and its accuracy is validated with experimental data. This model allows for the calculation of essential material properties such as the adiabatic temperature change and isothermal entropy change.