PURECOOL: new generation of cooling systems
PURECOOL develops sustainable and circular cryogenic technologies. The focus is on low-vibration, energy-efficient, and easy-to-maintain cooling systems for high-tech applications.
Centre of Expertise Digital Operations & Finance
The PURECOOL scientific research programme develops sustainable and circular cryogenic technologies. The focus is on low-vibration, energy-efficient, and easy-to-maintain cooling systems for high-tech applications. The consortium is studying heat transfer and material behaviour at very low temperatures and is using this knowledge to create quieter, smarter, and more reliable cooling solutions.
Target group
These developments are essential for specialists working in quantum technology, life sciences, and applied fields in which cryogenic technology is being used. Consider applications in big science, energy transport, and imaging techniques.
Research
Current cooling systems are unable to dissipate heat effectively in some areas, resulting in energy loss. Researchers want to gain a better understanding of how heat is transferred between materials and how heat behaves at very low temperatures. They are therefore looking into magnetic cooling, in which special materials dissipate heat under the influence of a magnetic field. And into elastocaloric cooling: the controlled stretching and compression of materials, which causes cooling. In addition, research is being carried out into thermo-acoustic cooling, in which sound waves transfer heat. To facilitate this research, The Hague University of Applied Sciences is going to set up a cryogenic laboratory to develop a cryocycler: a system capable of switching rapidly between temperatures.
Intended results
This research could lead to more compact, quieter, and more energy-efficient cooling systems, and result in improved performance of technologies such as quantum computers, medical imaging equipment, and chip manufacturing facilities. PURECOOL contributes to more energy-efficient high-tech systems, thereby strengthening the position of the Netherlands as a leader in advanced cooling technology.
Duration
September 2026 – September 2031
Team
Smart Sensor Systems research group of The Hague University of Applied Sciences
- Lodewijk Arntzen, project leader
Partners
Academic: University of Twente, Eindhoven University of Technology, Leiden University.
Industrial: Thermo Fisher Scientific, ASML, Sencera, AAE, MI-Partners, Leiden Cryogenics, Leiden Probe Microscopy, MEC, Single Quantum, NOVA, Forschungszentrum Jülich, and the Leiden School of Instrument Makers.
Funding
NWO Perspectief: a collaboration between the University of Twente, Eindhoven University of Technology, and Leiden University.
Involved higher professional education (hbo) degree programmes
Engineering Physics, Applied Quantum Technology, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Mechatronics