2017-2018 Solid-State Refrigeration
The ENERGY STAR® Emerging Technology Award (ETA) is given to innovative technologies that meet rigorous performance criteria to reduce energy use and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to recognize Solid-State Refrigeration Products with the ENERGY STAR Emerging Technology Award for 2017.
Products that meet the performance criteria for Solid-State Refrigeration will be listed on this webpage once it is determined that all Award criteria have been satisfied.
2017-2018 Emerging Technology Award-Winning Solid-State Refrigeration
Benefits of ENERGY STAR Emerging Technology Award-Winning Systems:
Solid-State Cooling uses the Peltier Effect: passing a current through the junction of two different semiconductor elements (p-type and n-type) decreases the temperature at the junction, adsorbing heat from the environment. Also known as thermoelectric cooling, it operates using electricity inputs and a heat sink, but without traditional hardware associated with refrigerants and compressors. There are several benefits to using this technology as a substitute for the traditional compressor based systems (that have been used since the 1840s): increased energy efficiency, elimination of refrigerants (in some models), noise reduction, and reduction in product size.
Winning Products Must Demonstrate the Following:
- Use solid-state cooling as an alternative to a compressor
- Outperform ENERGY STAR or California Energy Commission (CEC) efficiency requirements by 15% and 5% respectively
- Noise level during use below 45 decibels (dBA)
- Approved for use and available for sale in the U.S. market
