PURECOOL is hot: The emergence of a new generation of cooling systems

MRI scanners, quantum computers, hydrogen storage systems, and the chips of the future all function well at extremely low temperatures. Cooling down requires a lot of energy. There is another way, according to researchers at PURECOOL, a new national scientific research programme in which knowledge institutes and companies are collaborating to develop smarter, more sustainable and more efficient cryogenic technology.

The development of a new generation of cooling systems is highly regarded. PURECOOL came first in the NWO Perspectief round 2024-2025 and was therefore awarded the highest level of funding. The Hague University of Applied Sciences is part of the consortium, alongside, amongst others, the University of Twente, Eindhoven University of Technology, Leiden University, ASML, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Leiden Cryogenics.

Making it smarter and more energy-efficient

Cryogenic technology is all about achieving extremely low temperatures. For years, the main focus had been on performance: how cold can you go and how much cooling capacity can you provide? Energy consumption often played a secondary role in this regard. “Now that this technology is being used increasingly more widely in society and is significantly impacting the environment, it is high time to take the next step”, says Lodewijk Arntzen, project leader of the Smart Sensor Systems research group. “Over the next five years, researchers, students and companies will be working together on making cryogenic systems smarter and more energy-efficient.”

Reducing energy losses

Researchers are studying, among other things, how heat behaves at very low temperatures and how heat can be transferred more effectively between materials. This knowledge is used to develop new cooling technologies that consume less energy, cause less vibration, and are easier to maintain. According to Lodewijk, there is a lot to be gained there. “Energy is often lost through heat transfer, valves, and transport systems. More compact and intelligently designed systems can significantly reduce those losses.” 

Sustainable alternatives

PURECOOL looks beyond traditional cooling methods. The consortium is investigating various innovative technologies that could develop into sustainable alternatives. For example, work is being carried out on magnetic cooling, in which special materials dissipate heat under the influence of a magnetic field. In elastocaloric cooling, cooling is achieved by controlled stretching and compression of materials. In addition, thermo-acoustic cooling is being investigated, a process in which sound waves are used to transfer heat.

From hospitals to energy transmission

The social impact of cryogenic systems is far-reaching. In the healthcare sector, more efficient cooling systems can help improve MRI scanners and cryo-electron microscopes. In the high-tech industry, they play a crucial role in quantum computers, cryo-electronics, and highly sensitive detectors. The energy transition stands to benefit as well. For example, cryogenic technology is essential for the storage of liquid hydrogen and for superconducting cables that transmit large quantities of renewable energy. “If we want to use hydrogen on a large scale as an energy carrier, we need to be able to cool it efficiently”, explains the project leader. “The same applies to new forms of energy transmission. There are huge opportunities there.”

New cryogenic laboratory in The Hague

The Hague University of Applied Sciences will be working within PURECOOL on a so-called cryocycler: a system that can switch rapidly between room temperature and temperatures of around 20 Kelvin, or minus 253 degrees Celsius. To facilitate this research, a cryogenic laboratory is being set up at the THUAS campus. “We are building a completely new lab, which will enable us to make a real contribution to world-class research”, says Lodewijk enthusiastically. “A doctoral candidate from The Hague University of Applied Sciences will be working on the project. First at Leiden University, and later at the new laboratory in The Hague.” 

Investing in the engineers of tomorrow

PURECOOL does not stand alone. The project is in line with the major investments the Netherlands is currently making in key technologies such as quantum technology, photonics, nanotechnology, and microelectronics. “Cryogenics touches on all those areas of technology”, says Lodewijk. “We therefore prepare students from programmes including Applied Physics, Applied Quantum Technology, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Mechatronics for a labour market where demand for cryogenic expertise is growing exponentially.” That is precisely where the challenge lies. Whilst demand for technical talent is growing, the number of students entering technical degree programmes is lagging behind. Research facilities and investment are therefore not enough. Attracting and training new technical talent is the key to success.

Building for the future

It is important that promising research findings do not remain confined to the laboratory but are further developed into practical applications. PURECOOL is therefore also looking at raising the so-called Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of new technologies. Because companies are actively involved in the consortium, innovations reach the market more quickly. According to the project leader, this ties in perfectly with the Dutch tradition of cryogenics, which dates back to the Nobel Laureate in Physics, Heike Kamerlingh Onnes. “The Netherlands has been at the forefront of cryogenic technology for over a century and aims to remain a leader in this field. As well as the coldest, we also want to build the smartest cooling systems.”

Would you like to find out more about the project or collaborate with us? 

Take a look at the project page or get in touch with the project lead:

Contact

• Lodewijk Arntzen, (Research group Smart Sensor Systems, Centre of Expertise Digital Operations & Finance)