Barocal can cool your food and drink by squeezing a hunk of plastic crystals

For over a century, refrigerators have relied on the same basic vapor compression technology. Despite advancements in other fields, this method remains dominant. However, a promising startup named Barocal is aiming to change the game with a groundbreaking approach to heating and cooling that utilizes a simple and affordable solid material. Barocal's innovative prototypes are already demonstrating performance comparable to traditional refrigerator compressors, but with a significant reduction in energy consumption. One of the standout features of their technology is its environmental friendliness; it eliminates the risk of leaks associated with climate-damaging gases that are common in vapor compression systems. To accelerate the commercialization of this technology, Barocal has successfully secured a $10 million seed funding round, as confirmed by the startup. Key investors include World Fund, Breakthrough Energy Discovery, Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, and IP Group. The foundation of Barocal’s technology comes from the research of Xavier Moya, the company's founder. His passion for heating and cooling technologies can be traced back to his childhood in Spain, where he vividly recalls the transformative experience of air conditioning in his home. As a materials physics professor at the University of Cambridge, Moya's research has particularly focused on how solid materials can capture and release heat through mechanical manipulation. Moya often illustrates his concept using a deflated balloon: when stretched, it heats up, and when released, it cools down. This principle is at the heart of Barocal's materials, which are linked to an organic substance found in various industries, from plastics to paints. The unique behavior of these materials allows them to emit heat when compressed and absorb it when the pressure is released. In practical applications like refrigeration, Barocal's materials can effectively transfer heat from inside the fridge to the outside environment, thereby cooling the contents within. The company employs a water flow system to enhance this heat transfer process, directing it through a radiator. The solid nature of the materials eliminates concerns over gas leaks, a significant advantage over conventional refrigerants that can harm the ozone layer or contribute to global warming. While Barocal's technology is versatile enough to be applied at any scale, the company is initially focusing on larger commercial HVAC systems and refrigerators, where their efficiency improvements can significantly reduce operational costs. "We are prioritizing larger systems where we can make a faster and greater impact," Moya stated, underscoring the startup's ambitious goals.