Electrocaloric heat transfer system

Abstract

A heat transfer system is disclosed that includes a plurality of electrocaloric elements (12) including an electrocaloric film (14), a first electrode (16) on a first side of the electrocaloric film, and a second electrode (18) on a second side of the electrocaloric film. A fluid flow path (20) is disposed along the plurality of electrocaloric elements, formed by corrugated fluid flow guide elements (19).

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]A wide variety of technologies exist for cooling applications, including but not limited to evaporative cooling, convective cooling, or solid state cooling such as electrothermic cooling. One of the most prevalent technologies in use for residential and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning is the vapor compression refrigerant heat transfer loop. These loops typically circulate a refrigerant having appropriate thermodynamic properties through a loop that comprises a compressor, a heat rejection heat exchanger (i.e., heat exchanger condenser), an expansion device and a heat absorption heat exchanger (i.e., heat exchanger evaporator). Vapor compression refrigerant loops effectively provide cooling and refrigeration in a variety of settings, and in some situations can be run in reverse as a heat pump. However, many of the refrigerants can present environmental hazards such as ozone depleting potential (ODP) or global warming potential (GWP), or can be toxic or f...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a heat transfer system that uses electrocaloric elements to transfer heat. The system includes a plurality of electrocaloric elements, which are arranged in a continuous film that is looped and has corrugated fluid flow paths between adjacent elements. The corrugated fluid flow guide elements can be electrically conductive or non-conductive, and can be shaped like carbon nanotubes. The electrocaloric elements can be adhesively joined together or have physical separation between them. The system can be controlled to direct heat transfer between the fluid flow path and the electrocaloric elements to the heat sink or heat source. The technical effects of this system include improved heat transfer efficiency, reduced size, and improved control over heat transfer direction.

Problems solved by technology

However, many of the refrigerants can present environmental hazards such as ozone depleting potential (ODP) or global warming potential (GWP), or can be toxic or flammable.

Additionally, vapor compression refrigerant loops can be impractical or disadvantageous in environments lacking a ready source of power sufficient to drive the mechanical compressor in the refrigerant loop.

For example, in an electric vehicle, the power demand of an air conditioning compressor can result in a significantly shortened vehicle battery life or driving range.

Similarly, the weight and power requirements of the compressor can be problematic in various portable cooling applications.

However, many proposals have been configured as bench-scale demonstrations with limited capabilities for scalability or mass production.

Images