Simulation-based performance assessment of an elastocaloric heat-pump system for residential cooling in Mediterranean regions
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study presents a dynamic numerical investigation of a solid-state heat pump based on a rotary elastocaloric device developed at the University of Naples Federico II. The behaviour of the experimental prototype was modelled in COMSOL Multiphysics, and its performance was subsequently coupled with a TRNSYS dynamic simulation to evaluate operation under realistic boundary conditions for the Mediterranean climate of Naples (Italy). A conventional vapour-compression air-conditioning system was modelled under the same thermal and boundary conditions to provide a direct and consistent performance benchmark. Several operating scenarios were analysed for the elastocaloric device by varying air velocity and cycle frequency to identify optimal configurations for cooling and heating modes. Results show that the elastocaloric heat pump achieves its best performance at a frequency of 0.5 Hz and moderate air velocities (9–12 m s−1), yielding a temperature span of 22 K, an equivalent COP of approximately 6.5, and up to 80% lower annual energy consumption than a conventional vapour-compression system. The COMSOL–TRNSYS framework works well to integrate the elastocaloric regenerator's thermal behaviour with the heat-pump system's dynamic performance. The results obtained with this approach demonstrate that an elastocaloric heat pump could be a good long-term, refrigerant-free option for small-scale air conditioning.
Institution: University of Naples Federico II
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,000
OpenAlex ID: W7154511728