“New Research Highlights Need for Long-Lasting, Environmentally Friendly Electronics”
As global warming continues to impact cities around the world, the demand for effective cooling solutions is on the rise. One promising technology, solid-state cooling, has the potential to not only address this need, but also have a minimal impact on the environment. A recent report from Zhar Research, “Solid State Cooling Markets 2024-2044,” delves into the potential of this emerging technology.
Interestingly, the concept of utilizing aquifers for cooling has been utilized by the Arab community for centuries. However, with the rise of vapor compression cooling, which can further increase temperatures in already hot cities, there is a growing need for alternative solutions. Solid-state cooling, while still in its early stages of development, has the potential to last for up to 100 years, making it a promising option for addressing the challenges of global warming.
The longevity of solid-state cooling is not a new concept. The Pantheon, a Roman architectural marvel with the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome, has stood for over 1,900 years with minimal maintenance. Similarly, some ancient Roman aqueducts are still delivering water to Rome today. These structures were built with careful consideration for materials that would stand the test of time, and researchers are now looking to ancient techniques for inspiration in creating long-lasting electronics.
Dr. Peter Harrop, CEO of Zhar Research, emphasizes the importance of utilizing materials with long life spans, stating, “The Ancient Romans would identify two mistakes – not being specified for long life and not being made for long life. They knew that long life beats the circular economy any day.”
While the focus on sustainability and longevity is evident in fields such as civil engineering and healthcare, the electronics industry has been slow to catch on. Harrop points out the need for more research and development in creating long-lasting, battery-free technologies. Zhar Research’s report, “Battery-Free Electrical Energy Storage and Storage Elimination MilliWh-GWh: Markets, Technologies 2024-2044,” delves into the potential of zero-energy devices and the use of self-healing materials in electronics.
One major area of concern is the rapidly growing Internet of Things (IoT) market. The dream of having devices collaborate with one another without human involvement has yet to be fully realized, in part due to the short lifespan of many IoT devices. Harrop notes that researchers must focus on creating solid-state materials with a lifespan of 50-100 years in order to truly unlock the potential of IoT.
In the meantime, the use of supercapacitors and battery-supercapacitor hybrids, such as the lithium-ion capacitor (LIC), are gaining traction in the electrical engineering industry. These technologies offer longer lifespans and better cycle life, making them a popular choice in applications such as trains, wind turbines, and industrial robotics. However, research in this area is still lacking, with little progress being made in creating compact energy storage solutions with a lifespan of over 20 years.
Harrop concludes, “In electronics, we can only fix things when we are honest about problems. We must learn from civil, electrical and medical engineering. They are often ahead of us.”
As the demand for long-lasting, environmentally friendly electronics continues to grow, it is crucial for researchers to prioritize the development of solid-state materials and sustainable energy storage solutions. Only then can we truly create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
For more information on the latest research and developments in sustainable technology, please visit Zhar Research’s website at
