UK lab promises air-conditioning revolution without polluting gases; could also be used to produce heat

https://techxplore.com/news/2025-05-uk-lab-air-con-revolution.html

"soft, waxy solid plastic crystal refrigerant's temperature varies >90°F under pressure, unleakable... more energy efficient... substance used by chemical industry, relatively easy to obtain... proprietary crystal's molecules spin on own axis, when squeezed, that movement stops and the energy is dissipated in the form of heat. When released, the substance cools using barocaloric effect... potentially as efficient as gas, if not more so... prototype large suitcase size...   up to 75% reduced emissions... commercial within 3 years"