Electric card heat source assembly and electric card heat exchange system

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of heat exchange, and discloses an electrocaloric heat source assembly which comprises a heat source groove, a heat pump, a heat pump and a heat pump, the electrocaloric refrigeration device is arranged in the spraying cavity and used for alternately generating heat and cold; the partition plate is arranged in the spraying cavity, and the partition plate and the electrocaloric refrigeration device are arranged at an interval; and the spraying opening is used for spraying a heat exchange working medium to the electrocaloric refrigeration device, the partition plate separates a hot working medium obtained after heat exchange with the electrocaloric refrigeration device from a cold working medium, the hot working medium flows out from one side of the partition plate through the hot working medium confluence outlet, and the cold working medium flows out from the other side of the partition plate through the cold working medium confluence outlet. According to the electrocaloric heat source assembly, the heat exchange effect on the electrocaloric refrigeration device is improved. The invention further discloses an electric card heat exchange system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of heat exchange, for example, to an electrocaloric heat source assembly and an electrocaloric heat exchange system. Background Art

[0002] A traditional vapor compression refrigeration system consists of four main parts: a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, and an evaporator. The working fluid circulates through them and is connected in sequence by pipes to form a completely closed system. The refrigerant circulates in this closed refrigeration system in a fluid state, and through phase change, continuously absorbs heat from the evaporator and releases heat in the condenser, thereby achieving the purpose of refrigeration. Although this technology is relatively mature, there are problems such as a large and complex system, harm to the environment by the refrigerant, and easy wear and damage of the moving parts in the refrigeration system.

[0003] When an electric field is applied to or removed from an electrocaloric material, the electrocaloric material will exhibit an endothermic or exothermic phenomenon, that is, the electrocaloric effect. Electrocaloric refrigeration devices are a new refrigeration technology based on the electrocaloric effect of electrocaloric materials. They do not need to use the compressor and refrigerant required by traditional refrigeration technologies, delaying the generation of the greenhouse effect, and at the same time avoiding the problems of ozone layer destruction and environmental pollution caused by refrigerant leakage.

[0004] In the process of implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is found that at least the following problems exist in the related art:

[0005] Currently, for the existing structure of electrocaloric refrigeration devices, the heat and cold of the electrocaloric refrigeration devices need to be separated in order to utilize the heat and cold. However, the separation effect of the heat and cold of the existing electrocaloric refrigeration devices is poor, thus reducing the utilization effect of the heat and cold of the electrocaloric refrigeration devices.

[0006] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the above background art section is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of the present application, and thus may include information that does not constitute the prior art known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To have a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a simple summary is given below. This summary is not a general review, nor is it intended to identify key / important constituent elements or delineate the protection scope of these embodiments, but rather serves as a preface to the subsequent detailed description.

[0008] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electrocaloric heat source assembly and an electrocaloric heat exchange system, which use a spraying assembly to perform spraying heat exchange on an electrocaloric refrigeration device, improving the separation effect of the heat and cold generated by the electrocaloric refrigeration device, and further improving the utilization effect of the heat and cold generated by the electrocaloric refrigeration device.

[0009] In some embodiments, an electrocaloric heat source assembly includes: a heat source tank with a spray chamber and a confluence chamber disposed therein, and the confluence chamber is provided with a heat working fluid confluence outlet and a cold working fluid confluence outlet; an electrocaloric refrigeration device disposed in the spray chamber for alternately generating heat and cold; a partition disposed in the spray chamber and spaced apart from the electrocaloric refrigeration device; and a spray port for spraying a heat exchange working fluid onto the electrocaloric refrigeration device. Wherein, the partition separates the heat working fluid and the cold working fluid obtained after heat exchange with the electrocaloric refrigeration device, such that the heat working fluid flows out from one side of the partition through the heat working fluid confluence outlet, and the cold working fluid flows out from the other side of the partition through the cold working fluid confluence outlet.

[0010] In some embodiments, an electrocaloric heat exchange system includes: an electrocaloric heat source assembly, and a hot end heat exchanger and a cold end heat exchanger respectively connected to the electrocaloric heat source assembly, wherein the electrocaloric heat source assembly is the electrocaloric heat source assembly as described above.

[0011] The electrocaloric heat source assembly and the electrocaloric heat exchange system provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can achieve the following technical effects:

[0012] The electrocaloric heat source assembly provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure includes a heat source tank and an electrocaloric refrigeration device disposed in the heat source tank. The electrocaloric refrigeration device can alternately generate heat and cold under the conditions of being powered on or off. At the same time, a spray assembly is also disposed in the heat source tank, and the spray assembly can spray a heat exchange working fluid onto the electrocaloric refrigeration device so that the heat exchange working fluid exchanges heat and cold with the electrocaloric refrigeration device.

[0013] The spray-type electrocaloric heat source assembly provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure improves the heat exchange effect of the heat and cold generated by the electrocaloric refrigeration device, and further improves the utilization effect of the heat and cold generated by the electrocaloric refrigeration device.

[0014] The above general description and the following description are only exemplary and explanatory, and are not used to limit the present application. Description of the Drawings

[0015] One or more embodiments are exemplarily illustrated by corresponding drawings. These exemplary illustrations and the drawings do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings do not constitute a scale limitation, and among them:

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electrocaloric heat source assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of another electrocaloric heat source assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of another electrocaloric heat source assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of another electrocaloric heat source component provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of another electrocaloric heat source component provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of another electrocaloric heat source component provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of another electrocaloric heat source component provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 8 It is a schematic structural diagram of another electrocaloric heat source component provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 9 It is a schematic structural diagram of a shunt box body provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 10 It is a schematic structural diagram of a bus box body provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram of an electrocaloric heat exchange system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 12 It is a flowchart of a control method for an electrocaloric heat exchange system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 13 It is a schematic structural diagram of a piezoelectric functional film layer in an electrocaloric element provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 14 It is a schematic structural diagram of an electrocaloric element provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 15 It is a flowchart of a preparation method of an electrocaloric element provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 16 It is a schematic structural diagram of an electrocaloric refrigeration chip provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 17 It is a schematic diagram of an electrocaloric element in an electrocaloric refrigeration chip being attached to a heat receiving end;

[0033] Figure 18 It is a schematic diagram of an electrocaloric element in an electrocaloric refrigeration chip being attached to a cold receiving end.

[0034] Reference numerals:

[0035] 1: First electrode layer; 11: Electrocaloric refrigeration electrode region; 12: Piezoelectric drive electrode region; 13: Electrode gap;

[0036] 2: Second electrode layer;

[0037] 3: Third electrode layer;

[0038] 4: Piezoelectric functional film layer; 41: Piezoelectric displacement unit; 42: Piezoelectric refrigeration unit; 431: First through-division gap; 432: First through piezoelectric displacement unit; 433: Second through-division gap;

[0039] 5: Substrate layer;

[0040] 100: Electrocaloric element;

[0041] 201: First clamping frame; 202: Second clamping frame; 203: First bending gap; 204: Second bending gap; 205: Support frame;

[0042] 300: Heat receiving end;

[0043] 400: Cold receiving end;

[0044] 500: Heat source tank; 501: Heat working fluid inlet; 502: Cold working fluid inlet; 503: Working fluid outlet;

[0045] 511: Spray plate; 512: First spray group; 513: Second spray group;

[0046] 520: Electrocaloric refrigeration device; 521: First electrocaloric refrigeration device; 522: First partition; 523: Second electrocaloric refrigeration device;

[0047] 530: Shunt chamber; 5301: Hot end return working fluid inlet; 5302: Cold end return working fluid inlet; 531: First hot end return working fluid spray port; 532: First cold end return working fluid spray port; 533: Second hot end return working fluid spray port; 5311: Spraying part of the first hot end return working fluid spray port; 5321: Spraying part of the first cold end return working fluid spray port; 5331: Spraying part of the second hot end return working fluid spray port;

[0048] 540: Spray chamber; 541: First electrocaloric fixing part; 542: Second electrocaloric fixing part;

[0049] 550: Confluence chamber; 5501: Heat working fluid confluence outlet; 5502: Cold working fluid confluence outlet;

[0050] 551: First heat working fluid inlet; 552: First cold working fluid inlet; 553: Second heat working fluid inlet; 5511: Inlet part of the first heat working fluid inlet; 5521: Inlet part of the first cold working fluid inlet; 5531: Inlet part of the second heat working fluid inlet;

[0051] 560: Spray pipe; 570: Three-way valve;

[0052] 600: Hot end heat exchanger; 610: First working fluid inlet pipeline; 611: First one-way valve; 620: First working fluid outlet pipeline; 621: Second one-way valve;

[0053] 700: Cold end heat exchanger; 710: Second working fluid inlet pipeline; 711: Third one-way valve; 720: Second working fluid outlet pipeline; 721: Fourth one-way valve. Detailed implementation mode

[0054] In order to more comprehensively understand the features and technical content of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the implementation of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are only for reference and explanation, and are not used to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following technical description, for the convenience of explanation, multiple details are provided to fully understand the disclosed embodiments. However, one or more embodiments can still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices can be shown in a simplified manner.

[0055] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as "first" and "second" in the description and claims of the embodiments of the present disclosure and the above accompanying drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not have to be used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances so as to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure here. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0056] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", "inner", "middle", "outer", "front", and "rear" is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are mainly used to better describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and their embodiments, and are not used to limit that the indicated devices, elements, or components must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. And, in addition to being able to represent the orientation or positional relationship, some of the above terms may also be used to represent other meanings. For example, the term "upper" may also be used to represent a certain attachment relationship or connection relationship in some cases. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of these terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0057] In addition, the terms "arranged", "connected", and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or there can be internal communication between two devices, components, or parts. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0058] Unless otherwise specified, the term "plurality" means two or more.

[0059] The term "and / or" describes the associated relationship of an object and indicates that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or, A and B these three relationships.

[0060] It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments in the embodiments of the present disclosure and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0061] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electrocaloric heat source assembly, as Figures 1 to 3 shown.

[0062] Optionally, the electrocaloric heat source assembly includes a heat source tank 500, an electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, and a spraying assembly. The heat source tank 500 is provided with a working medium inlet and a working medium outlet 503. The electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 is arranged in the heat source tank 500 and is used to alternately generate heat and cold. The spraying assembly includes one or more spraying ports. Among them, the spraying ports are used to spray the heat exchange working medium entering from the working medium inlet onto the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, so that the heat exchange working medium exchanges heat and cold with the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, and, after heat exchange, the heat exchange working medium flows out through the working medium outlet 503.

[0063] The electrocaloric effect is a thermal effect of a ferroelectric material under an electric field, where heat is released when an electric field is applied and heat is absorbed when the electric field is removed. The electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 is a refrigeration device based on the electrocaloric effect. When the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 releases heat, the heat exchange working medium is sprayed onto the surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, and the heat of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 is taken away by the evaporation and heat absorption of the heat exchange working medium; similarly, when the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 absorbs heat, that is, generates cold, the heat exchange working medium is sprayed onto the surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, and the cold of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 is taken away by the condensation of the heat exchange working medium.

[0064] The electrocaloric heat source component provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure uses a spraying component to spray a heat transfer working fluid onto the surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, so that the heat transfer working fluid exchanges heat and cold with the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520. The heat transfer working fluid can quickly take away the heat or cold generated by the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 in a short time; moreover, the heat transfer working fluid is evenly distributed on the surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, avoiding the hot spot problem generated by the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520; at the same time, after the heat transfer working fluid is sprayed onto the surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, it can quickly absorb heat or release heat to quickly take away the heat or cold on the surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, thereby quickly adjusting the temperature of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 and preventing the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 from overheating or overcooling, and improving the service life of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520. It can be seen that the electrocaloric heat source component provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can enable the heat transfer working fluid to effectively, quickly and fully exchange heat or cold with the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, which is beneficial to the subsequent utilization of the exchanged heat or cold.

[0065] The spraying component is arranged above the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 and sprays the heat transfer working fluid onto the surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 in a generally top-down direction. Optionally, the heat transfer working fluid is an insulating heat-conducting liquid, including single-phase fluorinated liquid, phase-changeable fluorinated coolant, or transformer insulating heat-conducting oil, etc.

[0066] The heat exchange method of the electrocaloric heat source component provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure for the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 can be: when the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 generates heat, control the heat transfer working fluid to enter from the working fluid inlet of the heat source tank 500, and spray the heat transfer working fluid onto the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 through the spraying component for heat exchange, and control the heated working fluid after heat exchange to flow out through the working fluid outlet 503; when the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 generates cold, control the heat transfer working fluid to enter from the working fluid inlet of the heat source tank 500, and spray the heat transfer working fluid onto the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 through the spraying component for cold exchange, and control the cooled working fluid after heat exchange to flow out through the working fluid outlet 503.

[0067] Optionally, the spraying component further includes a spraying plate 511, and a plurality of spraying ports are distributed on the spraying plate 511.

[0068] The electrocaloric heat source component further includes a spraying plate 511, and a plurality of spraying ports are distributed on the spraying plate 511. Optionally, the distribution manner of the spraying ports on the spraying plate 511 can be that a plurality of spraying ports are opened on the spraying plate 511, that is, the spraying ports are distributed on the spraying plate 511 in a direct distribution manner. The distribution manner of the spraying ports on the spraying plate 511 can also be that the spraying ports are arranged on the spraying pipes 560, and the spraying plate 511 is used to fix a plurality of spraying pipes 560, that is, the spraying ports are distributed on the spraying plate 511 in an indirect distribution manner, such as Figure 1As shown. Optionally, multiple spray nozzles are arranged in an array on the spray plate 511.

[0069] Optionally, the multiple spray nozzles include a first spray group 512 and a second spray group 513. Among them, the first spray group 512 sprays towards the first surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, and the second spray group 513 sprays towards the second surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520.

[0070] The multiple spray nozzles at least form a first spray group 512 and a second spray group 513. The multiple spray nozzles in the first spray group 512 spray the heat transfer working fluid towards the first surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, and the multiple spray nozzles in the second spray group 513 spray the heat transfer working fluid towards the second surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520. In this way, the heat exchange effect on the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 is improved. Optionally, the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 includes a length direction and a width direction, where the length direction is the direction along the general direction of the working fluid inlet and the working fluid outlet 503. Optionally, the multiple spray nozzles in the first spray group 512 are arranged along the width direction of the first surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520. Similarly, the multiple spray nozzles in the second spray group 513 are arranged along the width direction of the second surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520.

[0071] Optionally, a flow splitting chamber 530 and a spray chamber 540 are provided in the heat source tank 500, and multiple spray pipes 560 connecting the flow splitting chamber 530 and the spray chamber 540 are further provided in the heat source tank 500, where the spray nozzles are arranged on the spray pipes 560.

[0072] The flow splitting chamber 530 is connected to the working fluid inlet of the heat source tank 500, so that the heat transfer working fluid can enter the flow splitting chamber 530 for splitting and then be evenly sprayed towards the spray chamber 540. The flow splitting chamber 530 is arranged above the spray chamber 540, as Figure 3 shown. Multiple spray pipes 560 connect the flow splitting chamber 530 and the spray chamber 540. For example, the spray pipes 560 connect the bottom of the flow splitting chamber 530 and the top of the spray chamber 540 to spray the heat transfer working fluid in the flow splitting chamber 530 into the spray chamber 540. The spray nozzles can be the openings at the lower part of the spray pipes 560, as Figure 1 shown. Optionally, the multiple spray pipes 560 are arranged in an array.

[0073] Optionally, the electrocaloric heat source assembly includes multiple electrocaloric refrigeration devices 520, and the multiple electrocaloric refrigeration devices 520 are arranged in the spray chamber 540.

[0074] Multiple electrocaloric refrigeration devices 520 are provided in the spray chamber 540 of the heat source tank 500, which can generate heat or cold simultaneously, improving the total value of heat and cold of the electrocaloric heat source assembly. Moreover, the multiple electrocaloric refrigeration devices 520 are evenly arranged in the spray chamber 540, as Figure 2 shown.

[0075] Optionally, an electric card fixing member is provided in the spray chamber 540.

[0076] The electric card fixing member is used to fix the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 so that it remains stable when being sprayed with the heat exchange working fluid, improving the installation stability of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 in the spray chamber 540. Optionally, the electric card fixing member includes a first electric card fixing member 541 for fixing the upper part of the electric card and a second electric card fixing member 542 for fixing the lower part of the electric card, further improving the installation stability of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520. As Figure 3 shown.

[0077] Optionally, the working fluid inlet includes a hot working fluid inlet 501 and a cold working fluid inlet 502 that are respectively communicated with the shunt chamber 530.

[0078] The working fluid inlet includes a hot working fluid inlet 501 and a cold working fluid inlet 502. The hot working fluid inlet 501 can be understood as when the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 generates heat, the heat exchange working fluid entering from the hot working fluid inlet 501 exchanges heat with the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520; similarly, the cold working fluid inlet 502 can be understood as when the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 generates cold, the heat exchange working fluid entering from the cold working fluid inlet 502 exchanges cold with the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520. In this way, the separate exchange effect of the heat and cold generated by the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 is improved, and the cross-temperature influence is not generated when heat and cold are exchanged.

[0079] The embodiment of the present disclosure also provides another electrocaloric heat source assembly. It can be understood that it is an improvement based on the foregoing electrocaloric heat source assembly.

[0080] Optionally, the electrocaloric heat source assembly includes a heat source tank 500, an electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, a partition plate and a spray port. A spray chamber 540 and a confluence chamber 550 are provided inside the heat source tank 500, and a hot working fluid confluence outlet 5501 and a cold working fluid confluence outlet 5502 are provided in the confluence chamber 550. The electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 is arranged in the spray chamber 540 and is used to alternately generate heat and cold. The partition plate is arranged in the spray chamber 540 and is spaced from the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520. The spray port is used to spray the heat exchange working fluid onto the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520. Among them, the partition plate separates the hot working fluid and the cold working fluid obtained after heat exchange with the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, so that the hot working fluid flows out from one side of the partition plate through the hot working fluid confluence outlet 5501, and the cold working fluid flows out from the other side of the partition plate through the cold working fluid confluence outlet 5502.

[0081] In the heat source tank 500, the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 is spaced from the partition plate, which can be understood as that the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 and the partition plate are alternately arranged, as Figure 4As shown, after the heat transfer working fluid exchanges heat with the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, a hot working fluid is obtained. After the heat transfer working fluid exchanges cold with the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, a cold working fluid is obtained. The partition separates the hot working fluid from the cold working fluid, allowing the hot working fluid to flow out through the hot working fluid confluence outlet 5501, while the cold working fluid flows out from the cold working fluid confluence outlet 5502. In this way, the temperature crossover between the hot working fluid and the cold working fluid obtained after heat exchange is prevented, further improving the separation effect of heat and cold of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520.

[0082] Optionally, the heat source tank 500 further includes a confluence box body with a confluence cavity 550 formed inside. Among them, the confluence box body includes a confluence surface facing the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520. The confluence surface is provided with a hot working fluid confluence inlet and a cold working fluid confluence inlet at intervals. Moreover, the hot working fluid confluence inlet is communicated with the hot working fluid confluence outlet 5501, and the cold working fluid confluence inlet is communicated with the cold working fluid confluence outlet 5502.

[0083] The formation of the confluence cavity 550 inside the confluence box body enables the hot working fluid flowing in through multiple hot working fluid confluence inlets to finally flow out through the hot working fluid confluence outlet 5501, and the cold working fluid flowing in through multiple cold working fluid confluence inlets to finally flow out through the cold working fluid confluence outlet 5502. As Figure 10 shown. It can be understood that the hot working fluid confluence inlet and the cold working fluid confluence inlet of the confluence box body are not communicated with each other, and the hot working fluid confluence outlet 5501 and the cold working fluid confluence outlet 5502 are not communicated with each other, so that in the confluence cavity 550, the hot working fluid and the cold working fluid flow out through their respective flow paths.

[0084] Optionally, the working fluid outlet 503 of the heat source tank 500 includes a first working fluid outlet and a second working fluid outlet, and the hot working fluid confluence outlet 5501 of the confluence box body is communicated with the first working fluid outlet, and the cold working fluid confluence outlet 5502 of the confluence box body is communicated with the second working fluid outlet.

[0085] Optionally, the confluence surface of the confluence box body is also used to fix the bottom of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 and the partition, improving the setting stability of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 in the spray cavity 540. At the same time, the separation effect of the partition on the hot working fluid and the cold working fluid is improved.

[0086] Optionally, the confluence surface is sequentially provided with a first hot working fluid confluence inlet 551, a first cold working fluid confluence inlet 552, and a second hot working fluid confluence inlet 553. Among them, the first electrocaloric refrigeration device 521 is arranged between the first hot working fluid confluence inlet 551 and the first cold working fluid confluence inlet 552, and the first partition 522 is arranged between the first cold working fluid confluence inlet 552 and the second hot working fluid confluence inlet 553.

[0087] As Figure 4 and Figure 6As shown, the first electrocaloric refrigeration device 521 is disposed between the first heat working fluid inlet 551 and the first cold working fluid inlet 552. In this way, under the spacing effect of the first electrocaloric refrigeration device 521 itself, the heat working fluid flows into the heat working fluid confluence outlet 5501 through the first heat working fluid inlet 551 and then flows out, and the cold working fluid flows into the cold working fluid confluence outlet 5502 through the first cold working fluid inlet 552 and then flows out. At the same time, the first partition 522 is disposed between the first cold working fluid inlet 552 and the second heat working fluid inlet 553. In this way, under the spacing effect of the first partition 522, the cold working fluid obtained after heat exchange with the first electrocaloric refrigeration device 521 flows into the cold working fluid confluence outlet 5502 through the first cold working fluid inlet 552 and then flows out, and the heat working fluid obtained after heat exchange with the second electrocaloric refrigeration device 523 flows into the heat working fluid confluence outlet 5501 through the second heat working fluid inlet 553 and then flows out. In this way, the separation effect of the heat working fluid and the cold working fluid is further improved.

[0088] Optionally, a flow dividing chamber 530 is further provided inside the heat source tank 500, and a hot end return working fluid inlet 5301 and a cold end return working fluid inlet 5302 are provided, wherein the spray nozzle is communicated with the flow dividing chamber 530.

[0089] The hot end return working fluid inlet 5301 can be understood as the inlet of the heat exchange working fluid that exchanges heat with the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, and the cold end return working fluid inlet 5302 can be understood as the inlet of the heat exchange working fluid that exchanges cold with the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520. The hot end return working fluid inlet 5301 of the flow dividing chamber 530 is communicated with the heat working fluid inlet 501 of the heat source tank, and the cold end return working fluid inlet 5302 of the flow dividing chamber 530 is communicated with the cold working fluid inlet 502 of the heat source tank. The flow dividing chamber 530 is used to divide and distribute the heat exchange working fluid, improving the spraying uniformity of the heat exchange working fluid on the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520.

[0090] Optionally, the heat source tank 500 further includes a flow dividing box body, and a flow dividing chamber 530 is formed inside. The flow dividing box body includes a flow dividing surface facing the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520. The flow dividing surface is provided with a hot end return working fluid spray nozzle and a cold end return working fluid spray nozzle at intervals, and the hot end return working fluid spray nozzle is communicated with the hot end return working fluid inlet 5301, and the cold end return working fluid spray nozzle is communicated with the cold end return working fluid inlet 5302.

[0091] The flow dividing chamber 530 is formed inside the flow dividing box body, so that the heat exchange working fluid flowing in through the hot end return working fluid inlet 5301 can be sprayed out through a plurality of hot end return working fluid spray nozzles to exchange heat with the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, and the heat exchange working fluid flowing in through the cold end return working fluid inlet 5302 can be sprayed out through a plurality of cold end return working fluid spray nozzles to exchange cold with the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, such as Figure 9As shown, it can be understood that the hot-end return working fluid spray port and the cold-end return working fluid spray port of the flow splitting box body are not connected to each other, and the hot-end return working fluid inlet 5301 and the cold-end return working fluid inlet 5302 are also not connected to each other. So that in the flow splitting cavity 530, the heat exchange working fluid for heat exchange and the heat exchange working fluid for cold quantity exchange can flow out through their respective flow paths respectively.

[0092] Optionally, the flow splitting surface of the flow splitting box body is also used to fix the top of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 and the partition board, improving the setting stability of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 in the spray cavity 540. At the same time, the separation effect of the partition board on the hot working fluid and the cold working fluid is improved.

[0093] Optionally, the flow splitting surface is sequentially provided with a first hot-end return working fluid spray port 531, a first cold-end return working fluid spray port 532 and a second hot-end return working fluid spray port 533. Among them, the first electrocaloric refrigeration device 521 is arranged between the first hot-end return working fluid spray port 531 and the first cold-end return working fluid spray port 532, and the first partition board 522 is arranged between the first cold-end return working fluid spray port 532 and the second hot-end return working fluid spray port 533.

[0094] As Figure 7 shown, the first electrocaloric refrigeration device 521 is arranged between the first hot-end return working fluid spray port 531 and the first cold-end return working fluid spray port 532. In this way, under the spacing effect of the first electrocaloric refrigeration device 521 itself, the heat exchange working fluid sprayed from the first hot-end return working fluid spray port 531 exchanges heat with the first electrocaloric refrigeration device 521, and the heat exchange working fluid sprayed from the first cold-end return working fluid spray port 532 exchanges cold quantity with the first electrocaloric refrigeration device 521. At the same time, the first partition board 522 is arranged between the first cold-end return working fluid spray port 532 and the second hot-end return working fluid spray port 533. In this way, the first partition board 522 spaces the heat exchange working fluids sprayed from the first cold-end return working fluid spray port 532 and the second hot-end return working fluid spray port 533, improving the spacing effect on the heat exchange working fluids for different heat exchanges and further improving the separation effect on the hot working fluid and the cold working fluid. Optionally, the first hot-end return working fluid spray port 531 is correspondingly arranged with the first hot working fluid converging inlet 551; the first cold-end return working fluid spray port 532 is correspondingly arranged with the first cold working fluid converging inlet 552; and, the second hot-end return working fluid spray port 533 is correspondingly arranged with the second hot working fluid converging inlet 553.

[0095] The embodiment of the present disclosure also provides an electrocaloric heat exchange system including the aforementioned electrocaloric heat source assembly. As Figure 11 shown.

[0096] The electrocaloric heat exchange system provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure includes an electrocaloric heat source assembly, a hot-end heat exchanger 600, and a cold-end heat exchanger 700 that are respectively connected to the electrocaloric heat source assembly. Among them, the electrocaloric heat source assembly is the electrocaloric heat source assembly as described above.

[0097] Optionally, the electrocaloric heat exchange system further includes a first working fluid circulation pipeline and a second working fluid circulation pipeline. The first working fluid circulation pipeline connects the electrocaloric heat source assembly and the hot-end heat exchanger 600; the second working fluid circulation pipeline connects the electrocaloric heat source assembly and the cold-end heat exchanger 700. Among them, the electrocaloric heat exchange system further includes a three-way valve 570 that connects the working fluid outlet 503 of the heat source tank 500, the first working fluid circulation pipeline, and the second working fluid circulation pipeline.

[0098] Optionally, the electrocaloric heat exchange system further includes a first liquid storage element and a second liquid storage element. The first liquid storage element is arranged between the hot working fluid confluence outlet 5501 of the heat source tank and the hot-end heat exchanger 600, and is used to temporarily store the hot working fluid flowing out of the heat source tank 500; the second liquid storage element is arranged between the cold working fluid confluence outlet 5502 of the heat source tank and the cold-end heat exchanger 700, and is used to temporarily store the cold working fluid flowing out of the heat source tank 500.

[0099] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electrocaloric heat exchange system including the aforementioned electrocaloric heat source assembly. The electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 in the electrocaloric heat source assembly can alternately generate heat and cold. When the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 generates heat, the heat exchange working fluid in the heat source tank 500 exchanges heat with the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520. After the exchange, the hot working fluid carrying heat flows out of the heat source tank and enters the hot-end heat exchanger 600 through the first working fluid circulation pipeline, so that the heat can be utilized or dissipated in the hot-end heat exchanger 600; similarly, when the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 generates cold, the heat exchange working fluid in the heat source tank 500 exchanges cold with the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520. After the exchange, the cold working fluid carrying cold flows out of the heat source tank and enters the cold-end heat exchanger 700 through the second working fluid circulation pipeline, so that the cold can be utilized or dissipated in the cold-end heat exchanger 700.

[0100] In the electrocaloric heat exchange system provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the electrocaloric heat source assembly and the hot-end heat exchanger 600 form a closed heat internal circulation system through the first working fluid circulation pipeline, and the electrocaloric heat source assembly and the cold-end heat exchanger 700 form a closed cold internal circulation system through the second working fluid circulation pipeline. It can be seen that the electrocaloric heat exchange system provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure includes both a heat internal circulation system and a cold internal circulation system, and can recycle the heat and cold alternately generated by the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520.

[0101] Optionally, the hot-end heat exchanger 600 or the cold-end heat exchanger 700 may be a heat exchanger commonly used in refrigeration equipment, air conditioners, or other household electrical appliances such as a fin-tube heat exchanger or a microchannel heat exchanger. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not impose excessive limitations on the specific structural forms of the hot-end heat exchanger 600 or the cold-end heat exchanger 700.

[0102] Optionally, the first working fluid circulation pipeline includes a first working fluid inlet pipeline 610 connected to the inlet of the hot-end heat exchanger 600 and a first working fluid outlet pipeline 620 connected to the outlet of the hot-end heat exchanger 600. Among them, the first working fluid inlet pipeline 610 is connected to a three-way valve 570 at the outlet of the heat source tank, and the first working fluid outlet pipeline 620 is connected to the hot working fluid inlet 501 of the heat source tank; the second working fluid circulation pipeline includes a second working fluid inlet pipeline 710 connected to the inlet of the cold-end heat exchanger 700 and a second working fluid outlet pipeline 720 connected to the outlet of the cold-end heat exchanger 700. Among them, the second working fluid inlet pipeline 710 is connected to the three-way valve 570 at the outlet of the heat source tank, and the second working fluid outlet pipeline 720 is connected to the cold working fluid inlet 502 of the heat source tank.

[0103] The three-way valve 570 can selectively conduct the hot working fluid generated after heat exchange in the heat source tank to the hot-end heat exchanger 600 and conduct the cold working fluid generated after heat exchange in the heat source tank to the cold-end heat exchanger 700.

[0104] Optionally, a first check valve 611 and a second check valve 621 are respectively provided on the first working fluid inlet pipeline 610 and the first working fluid outlet pipeline 620, and a third check valve 711 and a fourth check valve 721 are respectively provided on the second working fluid inlet pipeline 710 and the second working fluid outlet pipeline 720 to prevent the reverse flow of the heat exchange working fluid.

[0105] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a household electrical appliance including the aforementioned electrocaloric heat exchange system. The household electrical appliance may include an air conditioner to heat the room by using the heat dissipated by the hot-end heat exchanger 600 of the electrocaloric heat exchange system, or cool the room by using the coldness dissipated by the cold-end heat exchanger 700 of the electrocaloric heat exchange system. Optionally, the household electrical appliance may also include refrigeration equipment such as a refrigerator, a freezer, or a display cabinet to cool the inside of the refrigeration equipment by using the coldness dissipated by the cold-end heat exchanger 700 of the electrocaloric heat exchange system.

[0106] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a control method for the aforementioned electrocaloric heat exchange system.

[0107] For example, an electrocaloric heat exchange system includes a heat source assembly, a hot-end heat exchanger and a cold-end heat exchanger that are respectively connected to the heat source assembly. The heat source assembly includes a heat source tank, an electrocaloric refrigeration device and a spraying assembly disposed in the heat source tank. The electrocaloric refrigeration device is used to alternately generate heat and cold, and the spraying assembly is used to spray a heat exchange working fluid onto the electrocaloric refrigeration device so that the heat exchange working fluid exchanges heat and cold with the electrocaloric refrigeration device.

[0108] As Figure 12 shown, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the control method for the electrocaloric heat exchange system includes:

[0109] S01, obtaining a first surface temperature of the electrocaloric refrigeration device surface when generating heat, and a second surface temperature when generating cold;

[0110] S02, adjusting the amount of the hot-end return working fluid entering the heat source tank according to the first surface temperature, or adjusting the amount of the cold-end return working fluid entering the heat source tank according to the second surface temperature.

[0111] Wherein, the hot-end return working fluid is the heat exchange working fluid after heat exchange by the hot-end heat exchanger, and the cold-end return working fluid is the heat exchange working fluid after heat exchange by the cold-end heat exchanger.

[0112] In the control method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first surface temperature of the electrocaloric refrigeration device surface when generating heat is detected in real time, and the amount of the hot-end return working fluid entering the heat source tank is adjusted according to the first surface temperature. The electrocaloric refrigeration device releases heat when an electric field is applied, and the surface temperature rises. As the heat exchange between the heat exchange working fluid and the electrocaloric refrigeration device, the temperature of the electrocaloric refrigeration device surface gradually decreases. In this embodiment, the exchange process of the heat generated by the electrocaloric refrigeration device by the heat exchange working fluid is characterized by the numerical change of the first surface temperature, and based on this, the amount of the hot-end return working fluid entering the heat source tank is adjusted. In this way, the accuracy of the heat exchange by the heat exchange working fluid is improved, and further the heat exchange effect of the heat exchange working fluid is improved.

[0113] Optionally, a plurality of temperature detection points may be provided on the surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device. The average temperature of the plurality of temperature detection points may be taken as the first surface temperature, or the highest temperature among the plurality of temperature detection points may be taken as the first surface temperature.

[0114] Further, the second surface temperature of the electrocaloric refrigeration device surface during cold generation is detected in real time, and the amount of cold-end return working fluid entering the heat source tank is adjusted according to the second surface temperature. When the electric field of the electrocaloric refrigeration device is removed, heat is absorbed and the surface temperature decreases. With the heat exchange effect between the heat exchange working fluid and the cold quantity of the electrocaloric refrigeration device, the temperature of the electrocaloric refrigeration device surface gradually increases. In this embodiment, the numerical change of the second surface temperature characterizes the heat exchange process of the heat exchange working fluid with the cold quantity generated by the electrocaloric refrigeration device, and based on this, the amount of cold-end return working fluid entering the heat source tank is adjusted. In this way, the accuracy of the heat exchange working fluid for cold quantity exchange is improved, and further the heat exchange effect of the heat exchange working fluid for cold quantity is improved.

[0115] Optionally, a plurality of temperature detection points may be provided on the surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device. The average temperature of the plurality of temperature detection points may be taken as the second surface temperature, or the lowest temperature among the plurality of temperature detection points may be taken as the second surface temperature.

[0116] Optionally, adjusting the amount of hot-end return working fluid entering the heat source tank according to the first surface temperature includes that when the first surface temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, controlling the hot-end return working fluid to stop entering the heat source tank.

[0117] When the first surface temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, it is considered that the heat exchange working fluid has completed the heat exchange with the heat generated by the electrocaloric refrigeration device. At this time, controlling the hot-end return working fluid to stop entering the heat source tank can prevent the heat exchange working fluid from crossing during the subsequent cold generation process of the electrocaloric refrigeration device, thus improving the heat exchange effect of the electrocaloric refrigeration device.

[0118] Similarly, adjusting the amount of cold-end return working fluid entering the heat source tank according to the second surface temperature includes that when the second surface temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, controlling the cold-end return working fluid to stop entering the heat source tank.

[0119] When the second surface temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, it is considered that the heat exchange working fluid has completed the cold quantity exchange with the cold quantity generated by the electrocaloric refrigeration device. At this time, controlling the cold-end return working fluid to stop entering the heat source tank can prevent the heat exchange working fluid from crossing during the subsequent heat generation process of the electrocaloric refrigeration device, thus improving the cold quantity exchange effect of the electrocaloric refrigeration device.

[0120] Optionally, the foregoing control method for the electrocaloric heat exchange system further includes:

[0121] When the first surface temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, obtain the first liquid level value of the heat source tank. When the first liquid level value is less than or equal to the liquid level threshold, control the electrocaloric refrigeration device to cut off the power supply and switch the electrocaloric refrigeration device to generate cold.

[0122] When the first surface temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, it is considered that the heat exchange working medium has completed the heat exchange of the heat generated by the electrocaloric refrigeration device. After that, the first liquid level value at the working medium outlet of the heat source tank is detected. When the first liquid level value at the working medium outlet is less than or equal to the liquid level threshold, it is considered that the heat working medium in the heat source tank has been emptied, that is, the heat exchange of the electrocaloric refrigeration device has been completed. At this time, the electrocaloric refrigeration device can be controlled to cut off the power, so that the electrocaloric refrigeration device switches to generate cold, and subsequent cold exchange is carried out. In this embodiment, the next cold exchange is carried out after all the heat working medium in the heat source tank is emptied, which improves the separation effect of the heat exchange and cold exchange of the electrocaloric refrigeration device.

[0123] When the second surface temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, the second liquid level value of the heat source tank is obtained. When the second liquid level value is less than or equal to the liquid level threshold, the electrocaloric refrigeration device is controlled to be powered on, so that the electrocaloric refrigeration device switches to generate heat.

[0124] When the second surface temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, it is considered that the heat exchange working medium has completed the cold exchange of the cold generated by the electrocaloric refrigeration device. After that, the second liquid level value at the working medium outlet of the heat source tank is detected. When the second liquid level value at the working medium outlet is less than or equal to the liquid level threshold, it is considered that the cold working medium in the heat source tank has been emptied, that is, the cold exchange of the electrocaloric refrigeration device has been completed. At this time, the electrocaloric refrigeration device can be controlled to be powered on, so that the electrocaloric refrigeration device switches to generate heat, and subsequent heat exchange is carried out. In this embodiment, the next heat exchange is carried out after all the cold working medium in the heat source tank is emptied, which improves the separation effect of the heat exchange and cold exchange of the electrocaloric refrigeration device.

[0125] Optionally, adjusting the amount of the hot-end reflux working medium entering the heat source tank according to the first surface temperature includes adjusting the spraying speed of the spraying component for the hot-end reflux working medium according to the decreasing rate of the first surface temperature.

[0126] When the decreasing rate of the first surface temperature is less than or equal to the first rate, and the temperature of the heat working medium at the working medium outlet of the heat source tank is greater than or equal to the third temperature threshold, it is considered that the heat exchange of the heat exchange working medium for the electrocaloric refrigeration device is at the peak of the heat exchange in the first half period, and the current heat exchange working medium entering the heat source tank by the spraying component is slow, which reduces the heat exchange efficiency of the electrocaloric refrigeration device. At this time, the spraying speed of the spraying component for the hot-end reflux working medium can be increased to improve the heat exchange rate for the electrocaloric refrigeration device.

[0127] Adjusting the amount of the cold-end reflux working medium entering the heat source tank according to the second surface temperature includes adjusting the spraying speed of the spraying component for the cold-end reflux working medium according to the increasing rate of the second surface temperature.

[0128] When the rising rate of the second surface temperature is less than or equal to the second rate, and the temperature of the cold working fluid at the working fluid outlet of the heat source tank is less than or equal to the fourth temperature threshold, it is considered that the heat exchange of the heat exchange working fluid with the electrocaloric refrigeration device is at the peak of the heat exchange in the first half period. At this time, the heat exchange working fluid entering the heat source tank by the current spray assembly is slower, reducing the heat exchange efficiency with the electrocaloric refrigeration device. At this time, the spray speed of the spray assembly for the cold-end reflux working fluid can be increased to improve the heat exchange rate of the electrocaloric refrigeration device.

[0129] Optionally, the aforementioned control method for the electrocaloric heat exchange system further includes:

[0130] When the first surface temperature is less than or equal to the first intermediate temperature threshold, and the decreasing rate of the first surface temperature is less than or equal to the first rate, increase the immersion depth of the hot-end reflux working fluid in the heat source tank in the electrocaloric refrigeration device, where the first intermediate temperature threshold is greater than the first temperature threshold.

[0131] When the first surface temperature is less than or equal to the first intermediate temperature threshold, it is considered that the heat exchange of the heat exchange working fluid with the electrocaloric refrigeration device has entered the second half period. At this time, when the decreasing rate of the first surface temperature is less than or equal to the first rate, the immersion depth of the hot-end reflux working fluid in the heat source tank in the electrocaloric refrigeration device can be increased, that is, the residence time of the heat exchange working fluid in the heat source tank is increased, so that the heat exchange form of the heat exchange working fluid with the electrocaloric refrigeration device is roughly in an immersion form. In this way, the temperature of the hot working fluid flowing out in the second half period of the heat exchange is increased, and at the same time, the heat exchange effect of the heat exchange working fluid with the electrocaloric refrigeration device is improved.

[0132] It can be understood that the first rate here can be the same as the first rate in the aforementioned heat exchange peak period, both indicating that the temperature drops slowly.

[0133] Optionally, when the electrocaloric refrigeration device performs heat exchange, the third temperature threshold is greater than the first intermediate temperature threshold, and the first intermediate temperature threshold is greater than the first temperature threshold.

[0134] When the second surface temperature is greater than or equal to the second intermediate temperature threshold, and the rising rate of the second surface temperature is less than or equal to the second rate, increase the immersion depth of the cold-end reflux working fluid in the heat source tank in the electrocaloric refrigeration device, where the second intermediate temperature threshold is less than the second temperature threshold.

[0135] When the second surface temperature is greater than or equal to the second intermediate temperature threshold, it is considered that the heat exchange working medium enters the second half of the cooling capacity exchange with the electrocaloric refrigeration device. At this time, when the rising rate of the second surface temperature is less than or equal to the second rate, the immersion depth of the cold-end reflux working medium in the heat source tank for the electrocaloric refrigeration device can be increased, that is, the residence time of the heat exchange working medium in the heat source tank is increased, so that the heat exchange form of the heat exchange working medium to the electrocaloric refrigeration device is roughly immersion. In this way, the temperature of the cold working medium flowing out in the second half of the cooling capacity exchange is reduced, and at the same time, the cooling capacity exchange effect of the heat exchange working medium on the electrocaloric refrigeration device is improved.

[0136] It can be understood that the second rate here can be the same as the second rate in the aforementioned cooling capacity exchange peak period, both indicating a slow temperature rise.

[0137] Optionally, when the electrocaloric refrigeration device performs cooling capacity exchange, the fourth temperature threshold is less than the second intermediate temperature threshold, and the second intermediate temperature threshold is less than the second temperature threshold.

[0138] Optionally, the aforementioned control method for the electrocaloric refrigeration system further includes:

[0139] According to the temperature of the hot working medium at the working medium outlet of the heat source tank, adjust the discharge amount of the hot working medium to the first liquid storage element, wherein the first liquid storage element is arranged between the working medium outlet of the heat source tank and the hot-end heat exchanger.

[0140] When the temperature of the hot working medium at the working medium outlet of the heat source tank is greater than or equal to the first liquid storage temperature, control the hot working medium at the working medium outlet of the heat source tank to be discharged into the first liquid storage element. In this way, it can ensure that the heat exchange working medium in the first liquid storage element is at a relatively high temperature, which is beneficial to the subsequent heat dissipation or utilization of heat by the hot-end heat exchanger.

[0141] According to the temperature of the cold working medium at the working medium outlet of the heat source tank, adjust the discharge amount of the cold working medium to the second liquid storage element, wherein the second liquid storage element is arranged between the working medium outlet of the heat source tank and the cold-end heat exchanger.

[0142] When the temperature of the cold working medium at the working medium outlet of the heat source tank is less than or equal to the second liquid storage temperature, control the cold working medium at the working medium outlet of the heat source tank to be discharged into the second liquid storage element. In this way, it can ensure that the heat exchange working medium in the second liquid storage element is at a relatively low temperature, which is beneficial to the subsequent heat dissipation or utilization of cold by the cold-end heat exchanger.

[0143] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a control device for an electrocaloric heat exchange system at the same time.

[0144] Optionally, the electrocaloric heat exchange system includes a heat source assembly, a hot-end heat exchanger and a cold-end heat exchanger respectively communicating with the heat source assembly. The heat source assembly includes a heat source tank, an electrocaloric refrigeration device and a spraying assembly arranged in the heat source tank. The electrocaloric refrigeration device is used for alternately generating heat and cold, and the spraying assembly is used for spraying a heat exchange working medium onto the electrocaloric refrigeration device so that the heat exchange working medium exchanges heat and cold with the electrocaloric refrigeration device.

[0145] The control device for the electrocaloric heat exchange system includes:

[0146] A temperature acquisition module configured to acquire a first surface temperature of the electrocaloric refrigeration device surface when generating heat and a second surface temperature when generating cold.

[0147] A working medium regulation module configured to regulate the amount of the hot-end return working medium entering the heat source tank according to the first surface temperature, or regulate the amount of the cold-end return working medium entering the heat source tank according to the second surface temperature.

[0148] Wherein, the hot-end return working medium is the heat exchange working medium after heat exchange by the hot-end heat exchanger, and the cold-end return working medium is the heat exchange working medium after heat exchange by the cold-end heat exchanger.

[0149] An embodiment of the present disclosure also provides another control device for the electrocaloric heat exchange system, including a processor and a memory storing program instructions. The processor is configured to execute the control method for the electrocaloric heat exchange system as described above when running the program instructions.

[0150] An embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a household electrical appliance, including: a product body and the control device for the electrocaloric heat exchange system as described above, installed on the product body.

[0151] It can be understood that the control device for the electrocaloric heat exchange system in the embodiments of the present disclosure and the control method for the electrocaloric heat exchange system included in the household electrical appliance can adopt the foregoing embodiments, which will not be elaborated here.

[0152] An embodiment of the present disclosure also provides an electrocaloric refrigeration device applicable to the foregoing electrocaloric heat source assembly, electrocaloric heat exchange system, control method for the electrocaloric heat exchange system, control device for the electrocaloric heat exchange system or household electrical appliance.

[0153] The electrocaloric refrigeration device includes an electrocaloric refrigeration chip, and the electrocaloric refrigeration chip includes an electrocaloric element, a heat receiving end and a cold receiving end. The electrocaloric element includes a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer and a piezoelectric functional film layer. The piezoelectric functional film layer is arranged between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. The piezoelectric functional film layer includes a piezoelectric refrigeration area and a piezoelectric displacement area formed by partitioning the piezoelectric film layer. The piezoelectric displacement area is used to drive the piezoelectric refrigeration area to generate displacement; the heat receiving end is used to receive the heat of the electrocaloric element, and the cold receiving end is used to receive the cold of the electrocaloric element.

[0154] At present, existing electrocaloric cooling systems need to design a movable heat transfer structure to move between the cold end and the hot end in cooperation with the application / release of an electric field, so as to achieve the separation of heat and cold. The heat transfer structure cannot be integrated with the electrocaloric working medium, has a large thermal resistance, and the heat exchange efficiency is low.

[0155] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electrocaloric element.

[0156] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an electrocaloric element 100. A piezoelectric displacement region is directly partitioned in the piezoelectric film layer of the electrocaloric element 100, and the electrocaloric element 100 is driven to move through the piezoelectric displacement region for heat transfer. The electrocaloric element 100 integrates a thermal switch form, and the heat exchange efficiency is improved.

[0157] Combined Figure 13 With Figure 14 As shown, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electrocaloric element 100, including a first electrode layer 1, a second electrode layer 2, and a piezoelectric functional film layer 4. The piezoelectric functional film layer 4 is disposed between the first electrode layer 1 and the second electrode layer 2. The piezoelectric functional film layer 4 includes a piezoelectric refrigeration region and a piezoelectric displacement region formed by partitioning the piezoelectric film layer. The piezoelectric displacement region is used to drive the piezoelectric refrigeration region to generate displacement.

[0158] The electrocaloric element 100 includes a first electrode layer 1, a second electrode layer 2, and a piezoelectric functional film layer 4 disposed between the first electrode layer 1 and the second electrode layer 2. The piezoelectric functional film layer 4 includes a piezoelectric refrigeration region and a piezoelectric displacement region. By applying a voltage to the first electrode layer 1 and the second electrode layer 2, an electric field is formed between the first electrode layer 1 and the second electrode layer 2, and different functional regions of the piezoelectric functional film layer 4 realize different functional effects correspondingly. When a positive electric field is applied to both the piezoelectric refrigeration region and the piezoelectric displacement region simultaneously, the piezoelectric functional film layer 4 synchronously excites the piezoelectric effect and the electrocaloric effect, undergoes a positive displacement and releases heat; when the electric field applied to the piezoelectric refrigeration region is stopped and a reverse electric field is applied to the piezoelectric displacement region, the piezoelectric refrigeration region absorbs heat due to the electrocaloric effect, and the piezoelectric displacement region undergoes a reverse displacement due to the piezoelectric effect, thereby driving the piezoelectric functional film layer 4 to reverse displacement. Through different functional partitions of the piezoelectric functional film layer 4, opposite displacements occur when the electrocaloric effect releases and absorbs heat, effectively realizing the separation of heat and improving the heat exchange efficiency. The piezoelectric functional film layer 4 of the electrocaloric element 100 is partitioned to include a piezoelectric displacement region, so that the electrocaloric element 100 integrates a thermal switch form, avoiding the large resistance caused by an external movable heat transfer structure.

[0159] Optionally, a square-wave periodic electric field is applied to the piezoelectric displacement region.

[0160] Optionally, the first electrode layer 1 includes a platinum electrode, and / or the second electrode layer 2 includes a platinum electrode, and / or the third electrode layer 3 includes a platinum electrode.

[0161] Optionally, the piezoelectric refrigeration region includes one or more piezoelectric refrigeration units 42; the piezoelectric displacement region includes one or more piezoelectric displacement units 41.

[0162] When the piezoelectric refrigeration region includes one piezoelectric refrigeration unit 42 and the piezoelectric displacement region includes one piezoelectric displacement unit 41, the piezoelectric refrigeration unit 42 and the piezoelectric displacement unit 41 are arranged adjacent to each other. When the piezoelectric refrigeration region absorbs heat, the piezoelectric displacement region drives the piezoelectric refrigeration region to displace in the opposite direction. When the piezoelectric refrigeration region includes a plurality of piezoelectric refrigeration units 42 and the piezoelectric displacement region includes a plurality of piezoelectric displacement units 41, by setting the relative positions of the plurality of piezoelectric refrigeration units 42 and the piezoelectric displacement units 41, when the piezoelectric refrigeration region absorbs heat, the piezoelectric displacement region can better drive the piezoelectric functional film layer 4 to displace in the opposite direction, thereby realizing the separation of the heat release and heat absorption positions of the electrocaloric element 100.

[0163] Optionally, the piezoelectric refrigeration region includes a plurality of piezoelectric refrigeration units 42, and the plurality of piezoelectric refrigeration units 42 are arranged in an array. And / or, the piezoelectric displacement region includes a plurality of piezoelectric displacement units 41, and the plurality of piezoelectric displacement units 41 are arranged in an array.

[0164] The arrangement of the plurality of piezoelectric refrigeration units 42 in an array can make the heat release or heat absorption of each part of the electrocaloric element 100 balanced, facilitating the heat dissipation during heat release or the heat entry during heat absorption. The arrangement of the plurality of piezoelectric displacement units 41 in an array can make the force for the piezoelectric displacement region to drive the electrocaloric element 100 to displace in the opposite direction be evenly applied to the electrocaloric element 100 when the piezoelectric refrigeration region of the electrocaloric element 100 absorbs heat, so that each part of the electrocaloric element 100 displaces in the opposite direction synchronously, facilitating the electrocaloric element 100 to be attached to the heat transfer medium.

[0165] Optionally, the piezoelectric refrigeration region includes a plurality of piezoelectric refrigeration units 42, and two adjacent piezoelectric refrigeration units 42 are spaced apart. The piezoelectric displacement region includes a plurality of piezoelectric displacement units 41, and two adjacent piezoelectric displacement units 41 are spaced apart.

[0166] The arrangement that two adjacent piezoelectric refrigeration units 42 among the plurality of piezoelectric refrigeration units 42 are spaced apart can balance the heat release or heat absorption of each part of the electrocaloric element 100, facilitating the heat dissipation during heat release or the heat entry during heat absorption. On this basis, other functional modules, such as piezoelectric displacement units 41, can be arranged between two adjacent piezoelectric refrigeration units 42. Similarly, the arrangement that two adjacent piezoelectric displacement units 41 among the plurality of piezoelectric displacement units 41 are spaced apart can evenly apply the force for the piezoelectric displacement region to drive the electrocaloric element 100 to displace in the opposite direction to the electrocaloric element 100 when the piezoelectric refrigeration region of the electrocaloric element 100 absorbs heat. On this basis, other functional modules, such as piezoelectric refrigeration units 42, can be arranged between two adjacent piezoelectric displacement units 41.

[0167] Optionally, the piezoelectric refrigeration units 42 and the piezoelectric displacement units 41 are alternately spaced apart from each other.

[0168] A plurality of piezoelectric refrigeration units 42 and a plurality of piezoelectric displacement units 41 are alternately arranged at intervals with each other. When the piezoelectric refrigeration area absorbs heat due to the electrocaloric effect, the piezoelectric displacement unit 41 displaces in the reverse direction to drive the adjacent piezoelectric refrigeration unit 42 to displace in the reverse direction, so that the electrocaloric element 100 displaces in the reverse direction and has a high flatness after displacement, which is convenient for the electrocaloric element 100 to fit with the heat transfer medium for heat transfer.

[0169] Optionally, the piezoelectric refrigeration area includes a first piezoelectric refrigeration unit 42, and the piezoelectric displacement area includes a first piezoelectric displacement unit 41 adjacent to the first piezoelectric refrigeration unit 42. Wherein, the length of the first piezoelectric refrigeration unit 42 is greater than or equal to the length of the first piezoelectric displacement unit 41; or, the width of the first piezoelectric refrigeration unit 42 is greater than or equal to the width of the first piezoelectric displacement unit 41; or, the area of the first piezoelectric refrigeration unit 42 is greater than or equal to the area of the first piezoelectric displacement unit 41.

[0170] The piezoelectric functional film layer 4 is a thin film layer structure, and the length, width or area can be understood as dimensions. Therefore, it can be understood that the size of the adjacent first piezoelectric refrigeration unit 42 is larger than that of the first piezoelectric displacement unit 41, thereby increasing the heat release or absorption amount of the electrocaloric element 100.

[0171] Optionally, the piezoelectric functional film layer 4 includes a first piezoelectric functional surface and a second piezoelectric functional surface opposite to the first piezoelectric functional surface. Wherein, the first piezoelectric functional surface includes a piezoelectric refrigeration area and a piezoelectric displacement area, and the second piezoelectric functional surface only includes a piezoelectric refrigeration area.

[0172] The piezoelectric functional film layer 4 is a thin film layer structure with a thickness. Taking the thin film layer including a first sub-film layer and a second sub-film layer that are bonded to each other as an example. The first piezoelectric functional surface corresponds to the first sub-film layer and includes a piezoelectric refrigeration area and a piezoelectric displacement area; the second piezoelectric functional surface corresponds to the second sub-film layer and only includes a piezoelectric refrigeration area without a piezoelectric displacement area. Regarding the first sub-film layer and the second sub-film layer as a whole, that is, the piezoelectric functional film layer 4 forms a piezoelectric displacement area embedded structure. The piezoelectric displacement area embedded structure increases the size of the piezoelectric refrigeration area in the piezoelectric functional film layer 4, thereby increasing the heat release or absorption amount of the electrocaloric element 100.

[0173] Optionally, a distinguishing gap for distinguishing between these two functional unit areas is provided between the adjacent piezoelectric refrigeration unit 42 and the piezoelectric displacement unit 41. Setting the distinguishing gap can partition the functional unit areas to realize the electrocaloric effect excited by the piezoelectric refrigeration unit 42 and the piezoelectric effect excited by the piezoelectric displacement unit 41 without mutual influence.

[0174] Optionally, the distinguishing gap is in a strip shape, a grid shape or an irregular shape. It can be understood that the shape of the distinguishing gap is not specifically limited, as long as it can separate the two functional units on both sides of the distinguishing gap to achieve different functional unit partitions.

[0175] Optionally, the distinguishing gap is an air gap.

[0176] Optionally, the distinguishing gap includes a first distinguishing gap, a second distinguishing gap, and a third distinguishing gap arranged in sequence. A first piezoelectric refrigeration unit 42 is arranged between the first distinguishing gap and the second distinguishing gap, and a first piezoelectric displacement unit 41 is arranged between the second distinguishing gap and the third distinguishing gap.

[0177] It can be understood that they are arranged in sequence as the first distinguishing gap, the first piezoelectric refrigeration unit 42, the second distinguishing gap, the first piezoelectric displacement unit 41, and the third distinguishing gap, that is, a distinguishing gap is provided between adjacent piezoelectric refrigeration units 42 and piezoelectric displacement units 41 to avoid mutual influence between different functional units.

[0178] Optionally, the distinguishing gap includes an etched distinguishing gap formed by etching. The distinguishing gap is formed by etching, with a simple process, and enables the electrocaloric element 100 to integrate different functional units of the electrocaloric effect and the piezoelectric effect at the same time.

[0179] Optionally, the piezoelectric displacement region includes a through-type piezoelectric displacement unit 41. The through-type piezoelectric displacement unit 41 includes a first through distinguishing gap 431 and a second through distinguishing gap 433, and both the first through distinguishing gap 431 and the second through distinguishing gap 433 penetrate the piezoelectric film layer; and a first through piezoelectric displacement unit 432 arranged between the first through distinguishing gap 431 and the second through distinguishing gap 433.

[0180] Figure 14 Shown is the electrocaloric element 100 including the through-type piezoelectric displacement unit 41. The through-type piezoelectric displacement unit 41 includes a first through distinguishing gap 431, a first through piezoelectric displacement unit 432, and a second through distinguishing gap 433 arranged in sequence, and Figure 14 As shown in, the first through distinguishing gap 431 and the second through distinguishing gap 433 have the same height as the first through piezoelectric displacement unit 432, that is, both the first through distinguishing gap 431 and the second through distinguishing gap 433 penetrate the piezoelectric film layer. Such an arrangement can avoid the mutual influence between the first through piezoelectric displacement unit 432 and the adjacent piezoelectric refrigeration units 42 on both sides. Moreover, by setting the piezoelectric displacement region as the through-type piezoelectric displacement unit 41, the piezoelectric displacement region and the piezoelectric refrigeration region can share the second electrode layer 2, and in the preparation method, only the first electrode layer 1 needs to be etched for the preparation of the electrode layer, without secondary etching of the electrode layer.

[0181] Specifically, a positive voltage is applied to the first electrode layer 1 and the second electrode layer 2, and a positive electric field is formed between the first electrode layer 1 and the second electrode layer 2. At this time, the electrocaloric displacement region and the electrocaloric refrigeration region of the piezoelectric functional film layer 4 simultaneously excite the electrocaloric effect and the piezoelectric effect, and the electrocaloric element 100 displaces forward and releases heat. After that, the electrocaloric refrigeration electrode region 11 in the first electrode layer 1 is powered off, that is, the electric field corresponding to the electrocaloric refrigeration region is removed, and the electrocaloric refrigeration region excites the electrocaloric effect to absorb heat; a reverse voltage is applied to the piezoelectric drive electrode region 12 in the first electrode layer 1 and the second electrode layer 2, and a reverse electric field is formed between the first electrode layer 1 and the second electrode layer 2, and the piezoelectric displacement region excites the piezoelectric effect to displace reversely. The electrocaloric element 100 releases heat and displaces forward, absorbs heat and displaces reversely, realizing heat separation.

[0182] Optionally, the electrocaloric element 100 further includes a base layer 5. The base layer 5 is disposed below the second electrode layer 2.

[0183] The piezoelectric functional film layer 4, the first electrode layer 1 and the second electrode layer 2 are combined to form a thin film structure. The base layer 5 is disposed below the second electrode layer 2 of the electrocaloric element 100, which can support the thin film structure and provide an operation platform during preparation. The setting of the base layer 5 can also maintain the flatness of the electrocaloric element 100, so that the electrocaloric element 100 can be close to the heat transfer medium when transferring heat.

[0184] Optionally, the first electrode layer 1 is provided with an electrode gap 13, and the electrode gap 13 divides the first electrode layer 1 into an electrocaloric refrigeration electrode region 11 and a piezoelectric drive electrode region 12. Among them, the electrocaloric refrigeration electrode region 11 corresponds to the electrocaloric refrigeration region, and the piezoelectric drive electrode region 12 corresponds to the piezoelectric displacement region. A positive electric field is applied to the electrocaloric refrigeration electrode region 11 and the piezoelectric drive electrode region 12 to cause the piezoelectric displacement region and the electrocaloric refrigeration region to displace in the first direction; or, the electric field of the electrocaloric refrigeration motor region is removed, and the electrocaloric refrigeration region of the piezoelectric functional film layer 4 absorbs heat. At the same time, a reverse electric field is applied to the piezoelectric drive electrode region 12 to cause the piezoelectric displacement region to drive the electrocaloric refrigeration region that absorbs heat to displace in the second direction.

[0185] Corresponding to the two different functional units of the electrocaloric refrigeration region and the piezoelectric displacement region, different electric fields need to be applied to the electrodes to excite different functional effects. Therefore, the first electrode layer 1 is provided with an electrode gap 13, so that the first electrode layer 1 is separated into an electrocaloric refrigeration electrode region 11 corresponding to the electrocaloric refrigeration region and a piezoelectric drive electrode region 12 corresponding to the piezoelectric displacement region, and different electric fields are applied to the electrocaloric refrigeration electrode region 11 and the second electrode layer 2 and the piezoelectric drive electrode region 12 and the second electrode layer 2 to realize the excitation of different functional effects.

[0186] Optionally, the electrode gap 13 is correspondingly arranged with the distinguishing gap.

[0187] Optionally, the electrode gap 13 communicates with the distinguishing gap to form a through-type gap. The electrode gap 13 corresponds to the distinguishing gap, so that when different electric fields are applied to different regions of the first electrode layer 1, different functional effects can be excited in the functional regions corresponding to the electrode regions. Further, the communication between the electrode gap 13 and the distinguishing gap enables adjacent different functional units to not affect each other.

[0188] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for manufacturing an electrocaloric element.

[0189] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 15 the method for manufacturing the electrocaloric element 100 includes:

[0190] S301, depositing a second electrode layer 2 on the base layer 5;

[0191] S302, depositing a piezoelectric film layer on the second electrode layer 2;

[0192] S303, depositing a first electrode layer 1 on the piezoelectric film layer;

[0193] S304, etching the first electrode layer 1 and the piezoelectric film layer to obtain the electrocaloric element 100. Among them, the electrocaloric element 100 is the aforementioned electrocaloric element 100.

[0194] Optionally, the piezoelectric film layer includes a piezoelectric ceramic film layer.

[0195] The electrocaloric effect is a thermal effect of a ferroelectric material under an electric field, where heat is released when an electric field is applied and heat is absorbed when the electric field is removed. The ferroelectric thin film is excited by applying a high electric field through the electrodes on both sides to generate a periodic electrocaloric effect. The research on solid-state electrocaloric refrigeration materials can be divided into three categories: inorganic, organic, and inorganic-organic composite materials. Among them, inorganic materials mainly focus on the lead-containing reference system of lead zirconate titanate-based piezoelectric ceramics (PZT), and their geometric forms mainly include bulk ceramics, thin films, thick films, and multi-layer thick films. The piezoelectric film layer disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure includes a piezoelectric ceramic film layer, that is, an inorganic ferroelectric material.

[0196] On the one hand, compared with organic ferroelectric materials that require a high voltage (such as kilovolt-level voltage) to excite the electrocaloric effect, inorganic ferroelectric materials require a smaller voltage (such as hundred-volt-level voltage) to excite the electrocaloric effect. And a high voltage is likely to break down the thin film, shortening the service life of the electrocaloric element 100, while a low voltage extends the service life of the electrocaloric element 100.

[0197] On the other hand, inorganic thin-film ferroelectric materials have a large adiabatic temperature change and a wide ferroelectric phase transition temperature range, so refrigeration applications with a wide temperature range and a large temperature difference can be realized. At the same time, the synthesis process of low-temperature crystallized ferroelectric thin films can be compatible with semiconductor microelectromechanical (CMOS / MEMs) processes to achieve the integration of the piezoelectric functional film layer 4 in the electrocaloric element 100 on the base layer 5 (such as a silicon wafer), and the substrate can be removed by photolithography means to achieve a larger self-temperature change.

[0198] Optionally, the piezoelectric ceramic film layer includes a lead zirconate titanate-based piezoelectric ceramic film layer.

[0199] Optionally, the piezoelectric ceramic film layer includes a lead lanthanum zirconate titanate ceramic film layer.

[0200] Ferroelectric dielectrics such as lead zirconate titanate-based piezoelectric ceramic film layers (PZT) or lead lanthanum zirconate titanate ceramic film layers (PLZT) have both piezoelectricity and electrocaloric effect at the same time. Therefore, the same material can be used in the piezoelectric displacement region and the piezoelectric refrigeration region and deposited on the same layer. The functions can be distinguished only by controlling the different electric fields applied to the electrode layer.

[0201] Optionally, the thickness of the deposited piezoelectric film layer is greater than or equal to 8 μm and less than or equal to 20 μm.

[0202] Optionally, the etching of the first electrode layer 1 and the piezoelectric film layer includes: etching the first electrode layer to obtain an electrode gap 13; performing through-etching on the piezoelectric film layer to obtain a through-separation gap, as well as a piezoelectric refrigeration unit 42 and a through-type piezoelectric displacement unit 41 located between the through-separation gaps.

[0203] Optionally, the base layer 5 includes a silicon wafer.

[0204] Optionally, before depositing the second electrode layer 2 on the base layer 5, it further includes: oxidizing the surface of the silicon wafer to obtain a silicon-on-insulator substrate; performing hydrogen implantation on the silicon-on-insulator substrate to reduce the thickness of the silicon-on-insulator substrate; bonding the oxide layer of the silicon-on-insulator substrate to the substrate silicon. The substrate silicon has a large thickness and serves to provide mechanical support for the silicon-on-insulator substrate, facilitating subsequent operations on the base layer 5.

[0205] Optionally, after etching the first electrode layer 1 and the piezoelectric film layer, it further includes: removing the substrate silicon and the oxide layer to thin the silicon wafer. Among them, the substrate silicon and the oxide layer are removed by mechanical thinning, and the thickness of the thinned silicon wafer is greater than or equal to 8 μm and less than or equal to 13 μm.

[0206] Optionally, the deposition of the piezoelectric film layer is achieved by the sol-gel method.

[0207] The electrocaloric refrigeration chip disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure has a piezoelectric film layer of the electrocaloric element 100 directly partitioned to form a piezoelectric displacement region, and the electrocaloric element 100 is driven to move through the piezoelectric displacement region. The clamping skeleton clamps the electrocaloric element 100 so that the electrocaloric element 100 releases heat and fits the heat receiving end 300, and absorbs heat and fits the cold quantity receiving end 400. The electrocaloric refrigeration chip self-integrates a cold and heat separation structure, enhancing stability.

[0208] Combined Figures 16 to 18 As shown, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electrocaloric refrigeration chip, including an electrocaloric element 100, a clamping skeleton, a heat receiving end 300, and a cold quantity receiving end 400. The electrocaloric element 100 includes a first electrode layer 1, a second electrode layer 2, and a piezoelectric functional film layer 4. The piezoelectric functional film layer 4 is disposed between the first electrode layer 1 and the second electrode layer 2. The piezoelectric functional film layer 4 includes a piezoelectric refrigeration region and a piezoelectric displacement region formed by partitioning the piezoelectric film layer. Among them, the piezoelectric displacement region is used to drive the piezoelectric refrigeration region to generate displacement. The clamping skeleton includes a first clamping skeleton 201 clamped on the first side of the first end of the electrocaloric element 100, and a second clamping skeleton 202 clamped on the second side of the first end of the electrocaloric element 100. The heat receiving end 300 is disposed on the side of the first clamping skeleton 201 for receiving the heat of the electrocaloric element 100. The cold quantity receiving end 400 is disposed on the side of the second clamping skeleton 202 for receiving the cold quantity of the electrocaloric element 100.

[0209] The electrocaloric refrigeration chip includes an electrocaloric element 100. The piezoelectric film layer of the electrocaloric element 100 is directly partitioned to form a piezoelectric displacement region, and the electrocaloric element 100 is driven to move through the piezoelectric displacement region. At the same time, a heat receiving end 300 and a cold quantity receiving end 400 are respectively disposed on both sides of the electrocaloric element 100, and the first end of the electrocaloric element 100 is clamped by the clamping skeleton. When a positive electric field is applied to both the piezoelectric refrigeration region and the piezoelectric displacement region simultaneously, the piezoelectric functional film layer 4 synchronously excites the piezoelectric effect and the electrocaloric effect, undergoes a positive displacement and releases heat. The clamping skeleton clamps the electrocaloric element 100 so that the electrocaloric element 100 fits the heat receiving end 300, as Figure 17 . When the application of the electric field to the piezoelectric refrigeration region stops and a reverse electric field is applied to the piezoelectric displacement region, the piezoelectric refrigeration region absorbs heat due to the electrocaloric effect, and the piezoelectric displacement region undergoes a reverse displacement due to the piezoelectric effect, thereby driving the piezoelectric functional film layer 4 to undergo a reverse displacement. The clamping skeleton clamps the electrocaloric element 100 so that the electrocaloric element 100 fits the cold quantity receiving end 400, as Figure 18 . The electrocaloric refrigeration chip self-integrates a cold and heat separation structure, enhancing stability.

[0210] It can be understood that the electrocaloric element 100 in the electrocaloric refrigeration chip is the electrocaloric element 100 in the form of an internally integrated thermal switch as described above.

[0211] Optionally, the electrocaloric element 100 further includes a base layer 5 disposed below the second electrode layer 2. Among them, the first clamping frame 201 is disposed on the first electrode layer 1 of the electrocaloric element 100, and the second clamping frame 202 is disposed on the base layer 5 of the electrocaloric element 100.

[0212] The piezoelectric functional film layer 4, the first electrode layer 1, and the second electrode layer 2 are combined to form a thin film structure. A base layer 5 is disposed below the second electrode layer 2 of the electrocaloric element 100 to support the thin film structure. The setting of the base layer 5 can also maintain the flatness of the electrocaloric element 100, so that the electrocaloric element 100 can be close to the heat transfer medium when conducting heat. Correspondingly, the first clamping frame 201 is disposed above the first electrode layer 1 of the electrocaloric element 100, and the second clamping frame 202 is disposed below the base layer 5 of the electrocaloric element 100.

[0213] Optionally, a first bending gap 203 is provided between the first side of the electrocaloric element 100 and the heat receiving end 300. Among them, the first bending gap 203 is used for the first side of the electrocaloric element 100 to bend towards the heat receiving end 300 and fit with the heat receiving end 300. And / or, a second bending gap 204 is provided between the second side of the electrocaloric element 100 and the cold receiving end 400. Among them, the second bending gap 204 is used for the second side of the electrocaloric element 100 to bend towards the cold receiving end 400 and fit with the cold receiving end 400.

[0214] The settings of the first bending gap 203 and the second bending gap 204 increase the volume of the electrocaloric refrigeration chip. The thickness of the first bending gap 203, the thickness of the electrocaloric element 100, plus the thickness of the second bending gap 204 is the distance between the heat receiving end 300 and the cold receiving end 400, which increases the separation distance between the cold and heat of the electrocaloric element 100 and facilitates the practical application of the electrocaloric refrigeration chip in household appliances.

[0215] Optionally, the first electrode layer 1 includes a first clamping portion disposed at the end and used for clamping with the first clamping frame 201, and a first fitting portion extending along the first clamping portion. Among them, the first bending gap 203 is provided between the first fitting portion and the heat receiving end 300. And / or, the base layer 5 includes a second clamping portion disposed at the end and used for clamping with the second clamping frame 202, and a second fitting portion extending along the second clamping portion. Among them, the second bending gap 204 is provided between the second fitting portion and the cold receiving end 400.

[0216] The first electrode layer 1 includes a first clamping portion and a first fitting portion extending along the first clamping portion. Among them, the first clamping portion is located at the end of the first electrode layer 1. The first clamping portion is used to fit with the first clamping skeleton 201. The position where the first clamping skeleton 201 is arranged is between the first clamping portion and the heat receiving end 300. The first clamping skeleton 201 not only plays a role in clamping the first side of the end of the electrocaloric element 100, but also plays a role in supporting the electrocaloric element 100 to construct the first bending gap 203. Similarly, the base layer 5 includes a second clamping portion and a second fitting portion extending along the second clamping portion. Among them, the second clamping portion is located at the end of the base layer 5. The second clamping portion is used to fit with the second clamping skeleton 202. The position where the second clamping skeleton 202 is arranged is between the second clamping portion and the cold receiving end 400. The second clamping skeleton 202 not only plays a role in clamping the second side of the end of the electrocaloric element 100, but also plays a role in supporting the electrocaloric element 100 to construct the second bending gap 204.

[0217] Optionally, the electrocaloric refrigeration chip further includes a support skeleton 205. The support skeleton 205 is supported between the heat receiving end 300 and the cold receiving end 400, and the support skeleton 205 is arranged at the second end of the electrocaloric element 100.

[0218] The first end of the electrocaloric element 100 is clamped by the first clamping skeleton 201 and the second clamping skeleton 202. The first clamping skeleton 201 and the second clamping skeleton 202 simultaneously support the first end of the electrocaloric refrigeration chip. At the same time, a support skeleton for support is also required to be arranged at the second end of the electrocaloric refrigeration chip. One end of the support skeleton 205 abuts against the heat receiving end 300, and the other end abuts against the cold receiving end 400, thereby supporting the second end of the electrocaloric refrigeration chip.

[0219] Optionally, the second end of the electrocaloric element 100 abuts against the support skeleton 205; or, there is a gap between the second end of the electrocaloric element 100 and the support skeleton 205.

[0220] The second end of the electrocaloric element 100 can abut against the support skeleton 205 or there can be a gap. Combining Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the second end of the electrocaloric element 100 in the electrocaloric refrigeration chip is not fixedly arranged. When the electrocaloric element 100 releases heat, it displaces and fits with the heat receiving end 300. When the electrocaloric element 100 absorbs heat, it displaces and fits with the cold receiving end 400, forming a cantilever beam structure. Compared with the setting form of the electrocaloric element 100 with both ends clamped, the contact area between the electrocaloric element 100 and the heat receiving end 300 or the cold receiving end 400 is larger, and the heat transfer efficiency is improved.

[0221] Optionally, the heat receiving end 300 includes an insulating and heat-conducting layer, and / or the cold receiving end 400 includes an insulating and heat-conducting layer. The heat receiving end 300 and / or the cold receiving end 400 are insulated to prevent loss caused by current leakage of the first electrode layer 1 or the second electrode layer 2. The heat receiving end 300 and / or the cold receiving end 400 are heat-conducting to conduct the heat or cold of the electrocaloric element 100.

[0222] Optionally, the insulating and heat-conducting layer includes aluminum nitride / silicon carbide (AlN / SiC) composite ceramics.

[0223] Optionally, the first clamping skeleton 201, the second clamping skeleton 202, and / or the support skeleton 205 include insulating and heat-insulating skeletons. The heat insulation of each skeleton enables energy to be conducted out from the heat receiving end 300 or the cold receiving end 400, improving the heat and cold separation efficiency of the electrocaloric refrigeration chip.

[0224] Optionally, the insulating and heat-insulating skeleton includes an alumina skeleton.

[0225] In some embodiments, the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 includes one or more of the foregoing electrocaloric refrigeration chips. Multiple electrocaloric refrigeration chips can increase the heat or cold of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, facilitating the application of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 in large equipment.

[0226] When the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 includes multiple electrocaloric refrigeration chips, the multiple electrocaloric refrigeration chips can be arranged in an array. This enables the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 to release or absorb heat evenly in each part, and the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 forms a square structure, facilitating the application of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 in large equipment.

[0227] Optionally, the first electrode layer 1 is provided with an electrode gap 13. The electrode gap 13 divides the first electrode layer 1 into an electrocaloric refrigeration electrode region 11 and a piezoelectric drive electrode region 12. Among them, the electrocaloric refrigeration electrode region 11 corresponds to the piezoelectric refrigeration region, and the piezoelectric drive electrode region 12 corresponds to the piezoelectric displacement region. The electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 further includes an external power supply, where the external power supply is used to: apply a positive electric field to the electrocaloric refrigeration electrode region 11 and the piezoelectric drive electrode region 12 to cause displacements in the first direction in the piezoelectric displacement region and the piezoelectric refrigeration region; or, remove the electric field in the electrocaloric refrigeration electrode region, the piezoelectric refrigeration region of the piezoelectric functional film layer 4 absorbs heat, and at the same time, apply a reverse electric field to the piezoelectric drive electrode region 12 to cause the piezoelectric displacement region to drive the heat-absorbing piezoelectric refrigeration region to generate a displacement in the second direction.

[0228] Corresponding to two different functional units, namely the piezoelectric refrigeration region and the piezoelectric displacement region, different electric fields need to be applied to the electrodes to stimulate different functional effects. Therefore, the first electrode layer 1 is provided with electrode gaps 13, so that the first electrode layer 1 is separated to form an electrocaloric refrigeration electrode region 11 corresponding to the piezoelectric refrigeration region and a piezoelectric drive electrode region 12 corresponding to the piezoelectric displacement region, and different electric fields are applied to the electrocaloric refrigeration electrode region 11 and the second electrode layer 2 and the piezoelectric drive electrode region 12 and the second electrode layer 2 to achieve the stimulation of different functional effects. As Figures 16 to 18 shown, a positive electric field is applied to the electrocaloric refrigeration electrode region 11 and the piezoelectric drive electrode region 12, so that the piezoelectric displacement region and the piezoelectric refrigeration region generate displacements in the first direction, that is Figure 17 move upward in the figure, the electrocaloric element 100 releases heat and fits against the heat receiving end 300; the electric field of the electrocaloric refrigeration motor region is removed, the piezoelectric refrigeration region of the piezoelectric functional film layer 4 absorbs heat, and at the same time, a reverse electric field is applied to the piezoelectric drive electrode region 12, so that the piezoelectric displacement region drives the heat-absorbing piezoelectric refrigeration region to generate a displacement in the second direction, that is Figure 18 move downward in the figure, and the electrocaloric element 100 absorbs heat and fits against the cold receiving end 400.

[0229] The above description and the drawings fully illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure so that those skilled in the art can practice them. Other embodiments may include structural and other changes. The embodiments represent only possible variations. Unless explicitly required, the individual components and functions are optional, and the order of operations may vary. Some parts and features of some embodiments may be included in or replace parts and features of other embodiments. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the structures already described and shown in the drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electrocaloric heat source assembly, characterized in that, it includes: A heat source tank with a spray chamber and a confluence chamber inside, and the confluence chamber is provided with a hot working fluid confluence outlet and a cold working fluid confluence outlet; An electrocaloric refrigeration device arranged in the spray chamber for alternately generating heat and cold; A partition arranged in the spray chamber and spaced from the electrocaloric refrigeration device; and, A spray port for spraying a heat transfer working fluid onto the electrocaloric refrigeration device, wherein the partition separates the hot working fluid and the cold working fluid obtained after heat exchange with the electrocaloric refrigeration device, so that the hot working fluid flows out from one side of the partition through the hot working fluid confluence outlet, and the cold working fluid flows out from the other side of the partition through the cold working fluid confluence outlet.

2. The electrocaloric heat source assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat source tank further includes: A confluence box body with a confluence chamber formed inside, wherein the confluence box body includes a confluence surface facing the electrocaloric refrigeration device, and the confluence surface is provided with a hot working fluid confluence inlet and a cold working fluid confluence inlet at intervals, and moreover, the hot working fluid confluence inlet is communicated with the hot working fluid confluence outlet, and the cold working fluid confluence inlet is communicated with the cold working fluid confluence outlet.

3. The electrocaloric heat source assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The confluence surface is sequentially provided with a first hot working fluid confluence inlet, a first cold working fluid confluence inlet and a second hot working fluid confluence inlet, wherein, a first electrocaloric refrigeration device is arranged between the first hot working fluid confluence inlet and the first cold working fluid confluence inlet, and a first partition is arranged between the first cold working fluid confluence inlet and the second hot working fluid confluence inlet.

4. The electrocaloric heat source assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heat source tank is further provided with inside: A shunt chamber provided with a hot end return working fluid inlet and a cold end return working fluid inlet, wherein, the spray port is communicated with the shunt chamber.

5. The electrocaloric heat source assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heat source tank further includes: A shunt box body with a shunt chamber formed inside, wherein, the shunt box body includes a shunt surface facing the electrocaloric refrigeration device, and the shunt surface is provided with a hot end return working fluid spray port and a cold end return working fluid spray port at intervals, and moreover, the hot end return working fluid spray port is communicated with the hot end return working fluid inlet, and the cold end return working fluid spray port is communicated with the cold end return working fluid inlet.

6. The electrocaloric heat source assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The shunt surface is sequentially provided with a first hot end return working fluid spray port, a first cold end return working fluid spray port and a second hot end return working fluid spray port, wherein, a first electrocaloric refrigeration device is arranged between the first hot end return working fluid spray port and the first cold end return working fluid spray port, and a first partition is arranged between the first cold end return working fluid spray port and the second hot end return working fluid spray port.

7. The electrocaloric heat source assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first hot end return working fluid spray port is arranged corresponding to the first hot working fluid confluence inlet; The first cold end return working fluid spray port is arranged corresponding to the first cold working fluid confluence inlet; and, The second hot end return working fluid spray port is arranged corresponding to the second hot working fluid confluence inlet.

8. The electrocaloric heat source assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The electrocaloric refrigeration device includes an electrocaloric refrigeration chip, and the electrocaloric refrigeration chip includes: An electrocaloric element, comprising a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a piezoelectric functional film layer. The piezoelectric functional film layer is disposed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. The piezoelectric functional film layer includes a piezoelectric refrigeration region and a piezoelectric displacement region formed by partitioning the piezoelectric film layer. The piezoelectric displacement region is used to drive the piezoelectric refrigeration region to generate displacement; A heat receiving end, configured to receive the heat of the electrocaloric element; and, A cold receiving end, configured to receive the cold of the electrocaloric element.

9. An electrocaloric heat exchange system, characterized in that, it includes: An electrocaloric heat source assembly, and a hot end heat exchanger and a cold end heat exchanger respectively connected to the electrocaloric heat source assembly in communication, wherein, the electrocaloric heat source assembly is the electrocaloric heat source assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The electrocaloric heat exchange system according to claim 9, characterized in that, it further includes: A first liquid storage element, disposed between the heat working fluid confluence outlet of the heat source tank and the hot end heat exchanger; and, A second liquid storage element, disposed between the cold working fluid confluence outlet of the heat source tank and the cold end heat exchanger.

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