Samsung’s next-generation Peltier cooling technology, developed in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, has received a 2025 R&D 100 Award.

This recognition, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Engineering” and the “Oscars of Innovation,” is presented annually by R&D World Magazine to highlight the world’s 100 most innovative technologies.

The technology was introduced earlier this year in a publication in Nature Communications, marking a significant milestone in solid-state cooling innovation.

A Game-Changer in Environmentally Friendly Cooling

The Peltier device developed by Samsung uses a semiconductor material for cooling, eliminating the need for traditional refrigerants that are harmful to the environment.

By leveraging solid-state technology, the device provides a more sustainable alternative to conventional systems.

This next-generation version improves energy efficiency by up to 75% and requires only 0.1% of the material used in previous generations.

This advancement enables the development of smaller, lighter, and more environmentally friendly cooling solutions.

Breakthrough Efficiency with Nanotechnology and Semiconductors

Samsung Research’s Life Solution Team collaborated with Dr. Rama Venkatasubramanian’s thermoelectrics research team at Johns Hopkins APL.

Their work focused on using nanotechnology to enhance the performance of thermoelectric materials used in the Peltier device.

This approach significantly increased the device's efficiency while drastically reducing material requirements, offering practical improvements in both energy use and environmental impact.

From Lab to Home: AI Hybrid Refrigerator as First Use Case

Samsung showcased the application of this Peltier cooling technology in its AI Hybrid Refrigerator, revealed at IFA last year. This marked the first product-level integration of the innovation.

While broader deployment is not immediate, the company suggests that future use cases could include cooling systems for cars, data centers, homes, and offices.

Global Recognition for Innovation and Industrial Potential

“Winning the R&D 100 Awards is a testament to the global recognition of our technology for both innovation and practical use,” said Joonhyun Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of the Life Solution Team at Samsung Research.

He added, “This achievement strengthens Samsung’s position as a leader in next-generation cooling solutions, and we will continue to pioneer technologies that can create new value for industries and society.”

PHOTO: UNSPLASH

This article was created with AI assistance.