Modern refrigeration has remained largely unchanged for over a century, still relying on the same vapor compression cycles that have dominated the industry since the early 1900s. A startup named Barocal is aiming to disrupt this status quo by introducing a novel cooling method that utilizes inexpensive solid-state plastic crystals instead of traditional gaseous refrigerants. By leveraging the physical properties of these materials, the company has developed prototypes that match the effectiveness of current compressor technology while significantly improving energy efficiency.

The core of Barocal’s innovation lies in barocaloric effects, where specific organic materials absorb or release heat when subjected to pressure. When these materials are compressed, the internal molecular movement is restricted, releasing heat; when the pressure is released, the material absorbs heat. This process allows the system to pump heat out of a refrigerated space without the risk of leaking harmful greenhouse gases, which are a major environmental concern associated with standard refrigerant chemicals that can be thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide.

Founded by Xavier Moya, a materials physics professor at the University of Cambridge, the company recently announced a $10 million seed funding round. Backed by investors including Breakthrough Energy Discovery and Globe Fund, Barocal plans to initially target large-scale commercial HVAC and refrigeration markets. By focusing on these high-impact sectors, the startup aims to provide a sustainable alternative that lowers operational costs for businesses while eliminating the environmental hazards inherent in legacy cooling systems.