TPTPR2025 – the IIR’s conference on refrigerant research: Conference highlights and proceedings now available on FRIDOC

College Park, Maryland – 15-18 June 2025

The 7^th IIR Conference on Thermophysical Properties and Transfer Processes of Refrigerants (TPTPR2025), hosted by the Center for Environmental Energy Engineering (CEEE) at the University of Maryland, US, brought together 90 attendees from across the globe to explore the future of refrigeration science and technology. With 42 papers presented across three days, the conference served as a dynamic platform for researchers, engineers, and industry leaders to share cutting-edge insights into sustainable refrigerants and advanced heat transfer processes.

 

A Global Gathering for a Global Challenge

 

 

As environmental regulations tighten and the demand for sustainable refrigeration solutions grows, TPTPR2025 addressed the urgent need to transition away from high-GWP refrigerants. The conference focused on the thermophysical properties and heat transfer characteristics of next-generation refrigerants, including their applications in heat exchangers, compressors, and cooling systems.

 

The event featured plenary talks from leading experts such as Dr. Mark O. McLinden (NIST), Dr. Mark B. Shiflett (University of Kansas), Dr. Claudio Zilio (University of Padova), and Dr. Vikrant C. Aute (University of Maryland), who shared insights on refrigerant thermodynamics, environmentally applied technologies, and the reimagining of heat exchangers.

 

Technical depth and diversity

Over the course of the conference, attendees engaged in 42 technical presentations spanning topics such as:

• Thermophysical properties of refrigerants and mixtures
• Refrigeration oils and lubricant interactions
• Not-in-kind technologies including elastocaloric cooling
• Condensation and boiling heat transfer
• AI/ML applications in transport processes

Sessions were chaired by international experts and showcased research from institutions in Japan, Germany, South Korea, the USA, and beyond.

 

Hands-on innovation

A highlight of the conference was the guided lab tours of four cutting-edge facilities at the University of Maryland, including the Daikin Energy Innovation Laboratory and the Small and Smart Thermal Systems Laboratory. Attendees witnessed firsthand the development of solid-state refrigerants, microfluidic cold plates, and advanced heat exchanger technologies.

 

Networking and Collaboration

Beyond the technical sessions, TPTPR2025 fostered meaningful connections through its welcome reception, daily lunches, and a celebratory banquet. These gatherings provided opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and the exchange of ideas that will shape the future of refrigeration.

 

Looking ahead

TPTPR2025 reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate challenges through innovation in refrigeration science. The organising committee, led by Dr. Yunho Hwang and Dr. Vikrant Aute, expressed gratitude to all contributors and attendees for making the event a resounding success.

As the industry continues to evolve, the insights and partnerships formed at TPTPR2025 will play a pivotal role in driving sustainable refrigeration solutions forward.

 

Conference proceedings

The full conference proceedings, including all 42 presented papers, are now available through FRIDOC, IIR’s digital library. These peer-reviewed contributions offer valuable insights into the latest research on low-GWP refrigerants and heat transfer technologies. For professionals and researchers seeking in-depth technical data and emerging trends, the TPTPR2025 proceedings provide a rich resource to support continued innovation in the field.