Ben & Jerry's Thermoacustic Freezer: Eco-Friendly Refrigeration

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In summary, a thermoacoustic freezer has been invented by researchers at Penn State for Ben and Jerry's. It uses sound waves to freeze items and is more environmentally friendly than regular refrigeration. However, its efficiency compared to typical heat pumps is still being developed. The potential of using aerogels to solve ozone issues has also been suggested, but is currently too costly.
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mark1
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A freezer was recently invented for Ben and Jerry's by researchers at Penn State called the thermoacustic freezer. It freezes with sound waves. Ben and Jerrys likes this because it is more enviromentally friendly than regular refrigeration, since regular refrigeration gives of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC's) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFC's) which are bad for the ozone layer.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/magazine/12THERM.html?ex=1103691600&en=f85f8ccd8985a322&ei=5070

http://http://www.benjerry.com/our_company/press_center/press/thermoacoustics.html

This is pretty cool. :wink:
 
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  • #2
Also very efficient, with few moving parts. What weather for the news release!
 
  • #3
Its actually not as efficient as typical heat pumps. The whole point was to move away from potentially damaging refridgerant gases to a green alternative.

http://www.acs.psu.edu/thermoacoustics/refrigeration/benandjerrys.htm

Here's the multimedia presentation on their site (geared to kids)
http://www.benjerry.com/assets/flash/our_company/sounds_cool/soundsCool.cfm

Cliff
 
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  • #4
What is the potential theoretical efficiency of such a chiller compared to that of typical heat pumps?
 
  • #5
Loren Booda said:
What is the potential theoretical efficiency of such a chiller compared to that of typical heat pumps?

According to the researchers its better than the current level of a typical heat pump manufactured today. But how much more remains to be developed on the current heat pumps is another matter, and how far they need to develop this thermoacoustic technology to bring it to market remains to be seen.

More power to them once they can get this scaled to a standard kitchen fridge or 2ton/3ton house unit with a high enough SEER to sell it to consumers. I would think there would have to be a market of enviromentally conscious consumers ready to purchase it.

Cliff
 
  • #6
The answer is insulating with aerogels... Aerogels can solve the ozone issues and is a much better substitute.. only thing is it is costly.
 

1. How does the Ben & Jerry's Thermoacustic Freezer work?

The Ben & Jerry's Thermoacustic Freezer uses sound waves to create cooling temperatures. The sound waves cause a small amount of gas to rapidly expand and contract, creating a cooling effect. This process is known as thermoacoustics and it is a much more environmentally friendly way to refrigerate food.

2. Is the Ben & Jerry's Thermoacustic Freezer better for the environment?

Yes, the Ben & Jerry's Thermoacustic Freezer is much more eco-friendly than traditional refrigeration methods. It does not use any harmful chemicals, such as Freon, and it has a significantly lower carbon footprint. Additionally, it uses less energy, making it a more sustainable option.

3. How efficient is the Ben & Jerry's Thermoacustic Freezer?

The Ben & Jerry's Thermoacustic Freezer is highly efficient and can maintain temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. It also has a low energy consumption rate, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for refrigeration.

4. Is the Ben & Jerry's Thermoacustic Freezer safe for food storage?

Yes, the Ben & Jerry's Thermoacustic Freezer is completely safe for food storage. It does not use any harmful chemicals or emit any toxic fumes, making it a safe option for storing food. It also maintains a consistent temperature, ensuring that food stays fresh and safe to eat.

5. Can the Ben & Jerry's Thermoacustic Freezer be used in any climate?

Yes, the Ben & Jerry's Thermoacustic Freezer can be used in any climate. It does not rely on external factors, such as ambient temperature, to maintain its cooling capabilities. This makes it a reliable option for refrigeration in any location.

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