Control method and control device for electric card heat exchange system and household appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of heat exchange, and discloses a control method for an electrocaloric heat exchange system, which comprises the following steps: acquiring a first surface temperature when the surface of an electrocaloric refrigeration device generates heat and a second surface temperature when the surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device generates cold; the amount of the hot-end backflow working medium entering the heat source groove is adjusted according to the first surface temperature, or the amount of the cold-end backflow working medium entering the heat source groove is adjusted according to the second surface temperature, the hot-end backflow working medium is a heat exchange working medium obtained after heat exchange of the hot-end heat exchanger, and the cold-end backflow working medium is a heat exchange working medium obtained after heat exchange of the cold-end heat exchanger. According to the control method for the electric card heat exchange system, the heat and cold exchange effect of the electric card refrigeration device is improved. The invention further discloses a control device for the electric card heat exchange system and household appliances.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of heat exchange, for example, to a control method, a control device, and a household electrical appliance for an electrocaloric refrigeration system. Background Art

[0002] People's production and life are inseparable from refrigeration technology. For example, refrigeration equipment is required for food refrigeration, suitable living temperatures, and the normal operation of electronic components. Traditional refrigeration equipment uses the vapor compression refrigeration method, which has mechanical vibrations during operation and releases harmful gases that damage the ozone layer. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new refrigeration technology.

[0003] Electrocaloric refrigeration devices are a new refrigeration technology based on the electrocaloric effect. The electrocaloric effect refers to the phenomenon that when an electric field is applied or removed from an electrocaloric material, the electrocaloric material will absorb or release heat. Electrocaloric refrigeration devices do not need to use the compressors and refrigerants required by traditional refrigeration technologies, delaying the generation of the greenhouse effect, and at the same time avoiding the problems of ozone layer damage 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 structures 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, and there is no matching method for separating the heat and cold. In this way, the separation and utilization effects of the heat and cold of the electrocaloric refrigeration devices are reduced.

[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. The summary is not a general review, nor is it intended to identify key / important elements or delineate the protection scope of these embodiments, but rather serves as a preface to the subsequent detailed description.

[0008] In some embodiments, in a control method for an electrocaloric heat exchange system, the electrocaloric heat exchange system includes an electrocaloric heat source assembly, a hot-end heat exchanger and a cold-end heat exchanger respectively communicated with the electrocaloric heat source assembly. The electrocaloric 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. The control method for the electrocaloric heat exchange system includes: obtaining a first surface temperature of the electrocaloric refrigeration device surface when generating heat, and a second surface temperature when generating cold; adjusting the amount of the hot-end return working medium entering the heat source tank according to the first surface temperature, or adjusting the amount of the cold-end return working medium entering the heat source tank according to the second surface temperature, 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.

[0009] In some embodiments, in a control device for an electrocaloric heat exchange system, the electrocaloric heat exchange system includes an electrocaloric heat source assembly, a hot-end heat exchanger and a cold-end heat exchanger respectively communicated with the electrocaloric heat source assembly. The electrocaloric 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. The control device for the electrocaloric heat exchange system includes: a temperature acquisition module configured to obtain a first surface temperature of the electrocaloric refrigeration device surface when generating heat, and a second surface temperature when generating cold; a working medium adjustment module configured to adjust the amount of the hot-end return working medium entering the heat source tank according to the first surface temperature, or adjust the amount of the cold-end return working medium entering the heat source tank according to the second surface temperature, 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.

[0010] In some embodiments, a control device for an electrocaloric heat exchange system includes 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.

[0011] In some embodiments, a household electrical appliance includes a product body, and the control device for the electrocaloric heat exchange system as described above is installed on the product body.

[0012] The control method for the electrocaloric heat exchange system provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can achieve the following technical effects:

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a control method, a control device, and a household appliance for an electric card heat exchange system. By using a spraying assembly to perform spraying heat exchange on an electric card refrigeration device, the separation effect of the heat and cold generated by the electric card refrigeration device is improved. At the same time, according to the real-time temperature change on the surface of the electric card refrigeration device during heat exchange, the amount of the heat exchange working medium entering the heat source tank is adjusted, which improves the accuracy of separating heat and cold by using the spraying assembly for the electric card 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. BRIEF 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 proportional limitation, and:

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

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

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

[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of another electric card heat source assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of another electric card heat source assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of another electric card heat source assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of another electric card heat source assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of another electric card heat source assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

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

[0025] Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a confluence 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 diagram of the structure 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 diagram of the structure 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 diagram of the structure 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: The first electrode layer; 11: The electrocaloric refrigeration electrode region; 12: The piezoelectric drive electrode region; 13: The electrode gap;

[0036] 2: The second electrode layer;

[0037] 3: The third electrode layer;

[0038] 4: The piezoelectric functional film layer; 41: The piezoelectric displacement unit; 42: The piezoelectric refrigeration unit; 431: The first through-separation gap; 432: The first through piezoelectric displacement unit; 433: The second through-separation gap;

[0039] 5: The base layer;

[0040] 100: The electrocaloric element;

[0041] 201: The first clamping skeleton; 202: The second clamping skeleton; 203: The first bending gap; 204: The second bending gap; 205: The support skeleton;

[0042] 300: The heat receiving end;

[0043] 400: The 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 cavity; 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 cavity; 541: First electrocaloric fixing part; 542: Second electrocaloric fixing part;

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

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

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

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

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

[0054] In order to understand the features and technical content of the embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail, 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 sake of explanation, numerous details are provided to give a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, one or more embodiments may still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices may be shown in a simplified manner to simplify the drawings.

[0055] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification, claims and the above-mentioned 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 the data used in this way can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances so as to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure here. In addition, the terms "comprising" 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 the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "middle", "outer", "front", "rear", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the 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 an 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", "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 is internal communication between two devices, elements or components. 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" is a description of the association relationship of an object, indicating that three relationships can exist. 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] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides 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 fluid inlet and a working fluid outlet 503. The electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 is disposed 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 port is used to spray the heat exchange working fluid entering from the working fluid inlet onto the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, so that the heat exchange working fluid exchanges heat and cold with the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, and the heat exchange working fluid after heat exchange flows out through the working fluid outlet 503.

[0063] The electrocaloric effect is a thermal effect of a ferroelectric material under an electric field. 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 fluid 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 fluid; similarly, when the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 absorbs heat, that is, generates cold, the heat exchange working fluid 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 fluid.

[0064] For the electrocaloric heat source assembly provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the spraying assembly sprays the heat exchange working fluid onto the surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, so that the heat exchange working fluid exchanges heat and cold with the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520. The heat exchange working fluid can quickly take away the heat or cold generated by the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 in a short time; and, the heat exchange 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 exchange working fluid is sprayed onto the surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, it can quickly absorb 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 assembly provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can enable the heat exchange 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 assembly is disposed above the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, and sprays the heat exchange working fluid onto the surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 in a generally top-to-bottom direction. Optionally, the heat exchange working fluid is an insulating and heat-conducting liquid, including a single-phase fluorinated liquid, a phase-changeable fluorinated cooling liquid, or a transformer insulating and heat-conducting oil, etc.

[0066] The heat exchange method of the electrocaloric heat source assembly provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure for the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 may be as follows: When the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 generates heat, control the heat exchange working medium to enter from the working medium inlet of the heat source tank 500, and spray the heat exchange working medium onto the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 through the spray assembly for heat exchange, and control the heated working medium obtained after heat exchange to flow out through the working medium outlet 503; When the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 generates cold, control the heat exchange working medium to enter from the working medium inlet of the heat source tank 500, and spray the heat exchange working medium onto the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 through the spray assembly for cold exchange, and control the cooled working medium obtained after heat exchange to flow out through the working medium outlet 503.

[0067] Optionally, the spray assembly further includes a spray plate 511, wherein a plurality of spray nozzles are distributed on the spray plate 511.

[0068] The electrocaloric heat source assembly further includes a spray plate 511, and a plurality of spray nozzles are distributed on the spray plate 511. Optionally, the distribution manner of the spray nozzles on the spray plate 511 may be that a plurality of spray nozzles are formed on the spray plate 511, that is, the spray nozzles are directly distributed on the spray plate 511. The distribution manner of the spray nozzles on the spray plate 511 may also be that the spray nozzles are arranged on the spray pipes 560, and the spray plate 511 is used to fix a plurality of spray pipes 560, that is, the spray nozzles are indirectly distributed on the spray plate 511, as Figure 1 shown. Optionally, a plurality of spray nozzles are arranged in an array on the spray plate 511.

[0069] Optionally, the plurality of spray nozzles include a first spray group 512 and a second spray group 513, wherein the first spray group 512 sprays onto the first surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, and the second spray group 513 sprays onto the second surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520.

[0070] The plurality of spray nozzles at least form a first spray group 512 and a second spray group 513. A plurality of spray nozzles in the first spray group 512 spray the heat exchange working medium onto the first surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, and a plurality of spray nozzles in the second spray group 513 spray the heat exchange working medium onto the second surface of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, thus improving the heat exchange effect on the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520. Optionally, the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 includes a length direction and a width direction, wherein the length direction is the direction along the general direction of the working medium inlet and the working medium outlet 503. Optionally, a plurality of 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, a plurality of 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 spraying chamber 540 are provided in the heat source tank 500. Further, a plurality of spraying pipes 560 communicating the flow splitting chamber 530 and the spraying chamber 540 are provided in the heat source tank 500. The spraying ports are disposed on the spraying pipes 560.

[0072] The flow splitting chamber 530 is communicated with the working fluid inlet of the heat source tank 500, so that the heat exchange working fluid can enter the flow splitting chamber 530 for splitting and then uniformly spray towards the spraying chamber 540. The flow splitting chamber 530 is disposed above the spraying chamber 540, as Figure 3 shown. A plurality of spraying pipes 560 communicate the flow splitting chamber 530 and the spraying chamber 540. For example, the spraying pipes 560 communicate the bottom of the flow splitting chamber 530 and the top of the spraying chamber 540 to spray the heat exchange working fluid in the flow splitting chamber 530 into the spraying chamber 540. The spraying ports can be the openings at the lower parts of the spraying pipes 560, as Figure 1 shown. Optionally, the plurality of spraying pipes 560 are arranged in an array.

[0073] Optionally, the electrocaloric heat source assembly includes a plurality of electrocaloric refrigeration devices 520, and the plurality of electrocaloric refrigeration devices 520 are arranged in the spraying chamber 540.

[0074] A plurality of electrocaloric refrigeration devices 520 are provided in the spraying chamber 540 of the heat source tank 500, which can generate heat or cold simultaneously, improving the total value of the heat and cold of the electrocaloric heat source assembly. Further, the plurality of electrocaloric refrigeration devices 520 are uniformly arranged in the spraying chamber 540, as Figure 2 shown.

[0075] Optionally, electrocaloric fixing members are provided in the spraying chamber 540.

[0076] The electrocaloric fixing members are used to fix the electrocaloric refrigeration devices 520, so that they remain stable when being sprayed by the heat exchange working fluid, improving the installation stability of the electrocaloric refrigeration devices 520 in the spraying chamber 540. Optionally, the electrocaloric fixing members include a first electrocaloric fixing member 541 for fixing the upper part of the electrocaloric and a second electrocaloric fixing member 542 for fixing the lower part of the electrocaloric, further improving the installation stability of the electrocaloric refrigeration devices 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 which are respectively communicated with the flow splitting chamber 530.

[0078] The working medium inlets include a hot working medium inlet 501 and a cold working medium inlet 502. The hot working medium inlet 501 can be understood as when the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 generates heat, the heat exchange working medium entering from the hot working medium inlet 501 exchanges heat with the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520; similarly, the cold working medium inlet 502 can be understood as when the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 generates cold, the heat exchange working medium entering from the cold working medium 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 effect 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 as 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 the confluence chamber 550 is provided with a hot working medium confluence outlet 5501 and a cold working medium confluence outlet 5502. The electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 is disposed in the spray chamber 540 and is used to alternately generate heat and cold. The partition plate is disposed 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 medium onto the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520. Among them, the partition plate separates the hot working medium and the cold working medium obtained after heat exchange with the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, so that the hot working medium flows out from one side of the partition plate through the hot working medium confluence outlet 5501, and the cold working medium flows out from the other side of the partition plate through the cold working medium 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 the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 and the partition plate are alternately arranged, as Figure 4 shown. After the heat exchange working medium exchanges heat with the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, a hot working medium is obtained. After the heat exchange working medium exchanges cold with the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, a cold working medium is obtained. The partition plate separates the hot working medium and the cold working medium, so that the hot working medium flows out through the hot working medium confluence outlet 5501, while the cold working medium flows out from the cold working medium confluence outlet 5502. In this way, the temperature cross of the hot working medium and the cold working medium obtained after heat exchange is not generated, and the separation effect of the heat and cold of the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520 is further improved.

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

[0083] Inside the confluence box body, a confluence cavity 550 is formed, so that the heat working medium flowing in through multiple heat working medium inlets can finally flow out through the heat working medium confluence outlet 5501, and the cold working medium flowing in through multiple cold working medium inlets can finally flow out through the cold working medium confluence outlet 5502. As Figure 10 shown. It can be understood that the heat working medium inlet and the cold working medium inlet of the confluence box body are not connected to each other, and the heat working medium confluence outlet 5501 and the cold working medium confluence outlet 5502 are not connected to each other, so that in the confluence cavity 550, the heat working medium and the cold working medium flow out through their respective flow paths.

[0084] Optionally, the working medium outlet 503 of the heat source tank 500 includes a first working medium outlet and a second working medium outlet, and the heat working medium confluence outlet 5501 of the confluence box body is connected to the first working medium outlet, and the cold working medium confluence outlet 5502 of the confluence box body is connected to the second working medium 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 spraying cavity 540. At the same time, the separation effect of the partition on the heat working medium and the cold working medium is improved.

[0086] Optionally, a first heat working medium inlet 551, a first cold working medium inlet 552 and a second heat working medium inlet 553 are sequentially arranged on the confluence surface. Among them, the first electrocaloric refrigeration device 521 is arranged between the first heat working medium inlet 551 and the first cold working medium inlet 552, and the first partition 522 is arranged between the first cold working medium inlet 552 and the second heat working medium inlet 553.

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

[0088] Optionally, a flow dividing chamber 530 is further provided inside the heat source tank 500, with a hot-end return working fluid inlet 5301 and a cold-end return working fluid inlet 5302 provided therein. Among them, the spray nozzles are 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 hot 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 use of the flow dividing chamber 530 to distribute the heat exchange working fluid improves 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, inside which a flow dividing chamber 530 is formed. Among them, the flow dividing box body includes a flow dividing surface facing the electrocaloric refrigeration device 520, and the flow dividing surface is provided with hot-end return working fluid spray nozzles and cold-end return working fluid spray nozzles at intervals. Moreover, the hot-end return working fluid spray nozzles are communicated with the hot-end return working fluid inlet 5301, and the cold-end return working fluid spray nozzles are communicated with the cold-end return working fluid inlet 5302.

[0091] The inside of the flow dividing box body forms a flow dividing chamber 530, 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, as Figure 9 shown. It can be understood that the hot-end return working fluid spray nozzles and the cold-end return working fluid spray nozzles of the flow dividing box body are not communicated with each other, and the hot-end return working fluid inlet 5301 and the cold-end return working fluid inlet 5302 are also not communicated with each other. So that in the flow dividing chamber 530, the heat exchange working fluid for heat exchange and the heat exchange working fluid for cold exchange can flow out through their respective flow paths.

[0092] Optionally, the flow dividing surface of the flow dividing 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 chamber 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 diversion surface is successively 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 plate 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 with the first electrocaloric refrigeration device 521. At the same time, the first partition plate 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 plate 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 with 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 opposite to the first hot working fluid inlet 551; the first cold-end return working fluid spray port 532 is correspondingly arranged opposite to the first cold working fluid inlet 552; and the second hot-end return working fluid spray port 533 is correspondingly arranged opposite to the second hot working fluid 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 embodiment of the present disclosure includes an electrocaloric heat source assembly, and a hot-end heat exchanger 600 and a cold-end heat exchanger 700 respectively connected to the electrocaloric heat source assembly. Among them, the electrocaloric heat source assembly is the aforementioned electrocaloric heat source assembly.

[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, which 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 disposed between the heat working fluid confluence outlet 5501 of the heat source tank and the hot end heat exchanger 600, and is used for temporarily storing the heat working fluid flowing out of the heat source tank 500; the second liquid storage element is disposed between the cold working fluid confluence outlet 5502 of the heat source tank and the cold end heat exchanger 700, and is used for temporarily storing the cold working fluid flowing out of the heat source tank 500.

[0099] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides 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 heat-carrying heat working fluid 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-carrying cold working fluid 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 embodiment 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 embodiment 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 can be a heat exchanger commonly used in refrigeration equipment, air conditioners or other household electrical appliances such as a finned tube heat exchanger or a microchannel heat exchanger. The embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit the specific structural form of the hot end heat exchanger 600 or the cold end heat exchanger 700 too much.

[0102] Optionally, the first working fluid circulation pipeline includes a first working fluid inlet pipeline 610 communicating with the inlet of the hot-end heat exchanger 600 and a first working fluid outlet pipeline 620 communicating with the outlet of the hot-end heat exchanger 600. Among them, the first working fluid inlet pipeline 610 communicates with a three-way valve 570 at the outlet of the heat source tank, and the first working fluid outlet pipeline 620 communicates with 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 communicating with the inlet of the cold-end heat exchanger 700 and a second working fluid outlet pipeline 720 communicating with the outlet of the cold-end heat exchanger 700. Among them, the second working fluid inlet pipeline 710 communicates with the three-way valve 570 at the outlet of the heat source tank, and the second working fluid outlet pipeline 720 communicates with 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 one-way valve 611 and a second one-way valve 621 are respectively arranged on the first working fluid inlet pipeline 610 and the first working fluid outlet pipeline 620, and a third one-way valve 711 and a fourth one-way valve 721 are respectively arranged on the second working fluid inlet pipeline 710 and the second working fluid outlet pipeline 720 to prevent the heat exchange working fluid from flowing backward.

[0105] The embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a household appliance including the foregoing electrocaloric heat exchange system. The household 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 cold quantity dissipated by the cold-end heat exchanger 700 of the electrocaloric heat exchange system. Optionally, the household appliance may also include refrigeration equipment such as a refrigerator, a freezer, and a display cabinet to cool the inside of the refrigeration equipment by using the cold quantity dissipated by the cold-end heat exchanger 700 of the electrocaloric heat exchange system.

[0106] The embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a control method for the foregoing electrocaloric heat exchange system.

[0107] For example, 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 and an electrocaloric refrigeration device and a spraying assembly arranged 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 embodiment of the present disclosure, the control method for the electrocaloric heat exchange system includes:

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

[0110] S02, adjust the amount of hot-end return working fluid entering the heat source tank according to the first surface temperature, or adjust the amount of 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-exchanged working fluid after heat exchange by the hot-end heat exchanger, and the cold-end return working fluid is the heat-exchanged 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 hot-end return working fluid entering the heat source tank is adjusted according to the first surface temperature. When an electric field is applied to the electrocaloric refrigeration device, heat is released and the surface temperature rises. As the heat exchange between the heat-exchanged working fluid and the electrocaloric refrigeration device occurs, the temperature of the electrocaloric refrigeration device surface gradually decreases. In this embodiment, the numerical change of the first surface temperature is used to characterize the heat exchange process of the heat-exchanged working fluid with the heat generated by the electrocaloric refrigeration device, and based on this, the amount of hot-end return working fluid entering the heat source tank is adjusted. In this way, the accuracy of the heat exchange of the heat-exchanged working fluid is improved, and further the heat exchange effect of the heat-exchanged working fluid is improved.

[0113] Optionally, a plurality of temperature detection points may be set on the electrocaloric refrigeration device surface. 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] Furthermore, the second surface temperature of the electrocaloric refrigeration device surface when generating cold 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 is removed from the electrocaloric refrigeration device, heat is absorbed and the surface temperature decreases. As the cold quantity exchange between the heat-exchanged working fluid and the electrocaloric refrigeration device occurs, the temperature of the electrocaloric refrigeration device surface gradually rises. In this embodiment, the numerical change of the second surface temperature is used to characterize the cold quantity exchange process of the heat-exchanged working fluid with the cold 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 cold quantity exchange of the heat-exchanged working fluid is improved, and further the cold quantity exchange effect of the heat-exchanged working fluid is improved.

[0115] Optionally, a plurality of temperature detection points may be set on the electrocaloric refrigeration device surface. 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, 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 medium has completed the heat exchange of the heat generated by the electrocaloric refrigeration device. At this time, the hot-end return working medium is controlled to stop entering the heat source tank, so that when the electrocaloric refrigeration device generates cold in the subsequent process, there is no cross of the heat exchange working medium in the heat exchange process, improving the heat exchange effect on the electrocaloric refrigeration device.

[0118] Similarly, adjusting the amount of the cold-end return working medium 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, the cold-end return working medium is controlled 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 medium has completed the cold exchange of the cold generated by the electrocaloric refrigeration device. At this time, the cold-end return working medium is controlled to stop entering the heat source tank, so that when the electrocaloric refrigeration device generates heat in the subsequent process, there is no cross of the heat exchange working medium in the cold exchange process, improving the cold exchange effect on 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, so that the electrocaloric refrigeration device switches 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, detect the first liquid level value at the working medium outlet of the heat source tank. 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 hot 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 supply, so that the electrocaloric refrigeration device switches to generate cold and performs subsequent cold exchange. In this embodiment, the subsequent cold exchange is carried out after all the hot working medium in the heat source tank is emptied, improving 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, obtain the second liquid level value of the heat source tank. When the second liquid level value is less than or equal to the liquid level threshold, control the electrocaloric refrigeration device 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 heat exchange of the cold quantity 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 heat exchange of the electrocaloric refrigeration device has been completed. At this time, the electrocaloric refrigeration device can be controlled to be energized to switch the electrocaloric refrigeration device to generate heat for subsequent heat exchange. 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 quantity exchange of the electrocaloric refrigeration device.

[0125] Optionally, adjusting the amount of the hot-end return 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 return 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 hot 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 slower, reducing the heat exchange efficiency for the electrocaloric refrigeration device. At this time, the spraying speed of the spraying component for the hot-end return working medium can be increased to improve the heat exchange rate for the electrocaloric refrigeration device.

[0127] Adjusting the amount of the cold-end return 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 return working medium according to the increasing rate of the second surface temperature.

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

[0129] Optionally, the foregoing 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 return working medium in the heat source tank for 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 transfer working fluid with the electrocaloric refrigeration device enters 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 with respect to the electrocaloric refrigeration device can be increased, that is, the residence time of the heat transfer working fluid in the heat source tank is increased, so that the heat transfer working fluid forms a roughly soaking heat transfer form with the electrocaloric refrigeration device. In this way, the temperature of the hot working fluid flowing out in the second half period of heat exchange is increased, and at the same time, the heat exchange effect of the heat transfer 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 representing a slow temperature decrease.

[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 increasing rate of the second surface temperature is less than or equal to the second rate, the immersion depth of the cold-end reflux working fluid in the heat source tank with respect to the electrocaloric refrigeration device is increased, 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 cold quantity exchange of the heat transfer working fluid with the electrocaloric refrigeration device enters the second half period. At this time, when the increasing rate of the second surface temperature is less than or equal to the second rate, the immersion depth of the cold-end reflux working fluid in the heat source tank with respect to the electrocaloric refrigeration device can be increased, that is, the residence time of the heat transfer working fluid in the heat source tank is increased, so that the heat transfer working fluid forms a roughly soaking heat transfer form with the electrocaloric refrigeration device. In this way, the temperature of the cold working fluid flowing out in the second half period of cold quantity exchange is decreased, and at the same time, the cold quantity exchange effect of the heat transfer working fluid with 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 cold quantity exchange peak period, both representing a slow temperature increase.

[0137] Optionally, when the electrocaloric refrigeration device performs cold quantity 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 fluid at the working fluid outlet of the heat source tank, the discharge amount of the hot working fluid to the first liquid storage element is adjusted, where the first liquid storage element is arranged between the working fluid outlet of the heat source tank and the hot-end heat exchanger.

[0140] When the temperature of the hot working fluid at the working fluid outlet of the heat source tank is greater than or equal to the first liquid storage temperature, control the hot working fluid at the working fluid outlet of the heat source tank to be discharged into the first liquid storage element. In this way, it can be ensured that the heat exchange working fluid 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] Adjust the discharge amount of the cold working fluid to the second liquid storage element according to the temperature of the cold working fluid at the working fluid outlet of the heat source tank, where the second liquid storage element is arranged between the working fluid outlet of the heat source tank and the cold end heat exchanger.

[0142] When the temperature of the cold working fluid at the working fluid outlet of the heat source tank is less than or equal to the second liquid storage temperature, control the cold working fluid at the working fluid outlet of the heat source tank to be discharged into the second liquid storage element. In this way, it can be ensured that the heat exchange working fluid 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 embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a control device for an electrocaloric heat exchange system.

[0144] Optionally, the electrocaloric heat exchange system includes a heat source assembly, a hot end heat exchanger and a cold end heat exchanger that are respectively communicated 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 to alternately generate heat and cold, and the spraying assembly is used to spray the 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.

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

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

[0147] A working fluid adjustment module configured to adjust the amount of the hot end return working fluid entering the heat source tank according to the first surface temperature, or adjust the amount of the cold end return working fluid entering the heat source tank according to the second surface temperature.

[0148] 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.

[0149] The embodiment of the present disclosure also provides another control device for an 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, which is installed on the product body.

[0151] It can be understood that the control device for the electrocaloric heat exchange system in the embodiment of the present disclosure and the control method for the electrocaloric heat exchange system included in the household electrical appliance may 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 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; 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] Currently, existing electrocaloric refrigeration 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 refrigeration working medium, has a large thermal resistance, and the heat exchange efficiency is low.

[0155] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electrocaloric element.

[0156] An embodiment of the present disclosure discloses 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, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides 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, wherein 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 correspondingly achieve different functional effects. 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, resulting in a positive displacement and heat release; 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 displace in the reverse direction. 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 partition of the piezoelectric functional film layer 4 of the electrocaloric element 100 includes a piezoelectric displacement region, enabling the electrocaloric element 100 to integrate the form of a thermal switch and avoiding a 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, and when the piezoelectric refrigeration region absorbs heat, the piezoelectric displacement region drives the piezoelectric refrigeration region to displace in the reverse direction. When the piezoelectric refrigeration region includes multiple piezoelectric refrigeration units 42 and the piezoelectric displacement region includes multiple piezoelectric displacement units 41, by setting the relative positions of the multiple piezoelectric refrigeration units 42 and the piezoelectric displacement units 41, the piezoelectric displacement region can better drive the piezoelectric functional film layer 4 to displace in the reverse direction when the piezoelectric refrigeration region absorbs heat, thereby realizing the position separation of heat release and absorption of the electrocaloric element 100.

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

[0164] The multiple piezoelectric refrigeration units 42 are arranged in an array, which can make the heat release or 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 multiple piezoelectric displacement units 41 are arranged in an array. When the electrocaloric element 100 absorbs heat in the piezoelectric refrigeration area, the acting force that drives the electrocaloric element 100 to displace reversely in the piezoelectric displacement area is evenly applied to the electrocaloric element 100, enabling each part of the electrocaloric element 100 to displace reversely synchronously, which is convenient for the electrocaloric element 100 to be attached to the heat transfer medium.

[0165] Optionally, the piezoelectric refrigeration area includes multiple piezoelectric refrigeration units 42, and adjacent two piezoelectric refrigeration units 42 are spaced apart. The piezoelectric displacement area includes multiple piezoelectric displacement units 41, and adjacent two piezoelectric displacement units 41 are spaced apart.

[0166] Adjacent two piezoelectric refrigeration units 42 among the multiple piezoelectric refrigeration units 42 are spaced apart, which can balance the heat release or absorption of each part of the electrocaloric element 100 and facilitate 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 adjacent two piezoelectric refrigeration units 42. Similarly, adjacent two piezoelectric displacement units 41 among the multiple piezoelectric displacement units 41 are spaced apart. When the electrocaloric element 100 absorbs heat in the piezoelectric refrigeration area, on the basis that the acting force that drives the electrocaloric element 100 to displace reversely in the piezoelectric displacement area is evenly applied to the electrocaloric element 100, other functional modules, such as piezoelectric refrigeration units 42, can be arranged between adjacent two 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] By alternately spacing apart the multiple piezoelectric refrigeration units 42 and the multiple piezoelectric displacement units 41 from each other, when the piezoelectric refrigeration area absorbs heat due to the electrocaloric effect, the piezoelectric displacement unit 41 displaces reversely and drives the adjacent piezoelectric refrigeration unit 42 to displace reversely, thereby enabling the electrocaloric element 100 to displace reversely and having a high flatness after displacement, which is convenient for the electrocaloric element 100 to be attached to 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. Among them, 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 heat absorption 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. Among them, 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 attached 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. Understanding 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 heat absorption of the electrocaloric element 100.

[0173] Optionally, a distinguishing gap for distinguishing 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. Among them, a first piezoelectric refrigeration unit 42 is provided between the first distinguishing gap and the second distinguishing gap, and a first piezoelectric displacement unit 41 is provided 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 the adjacent piezoelectric refrigeration unit 42 and the piezoelectric displacement unit 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 simultaneously.

[0179] Optionally, the piezoelectric displacement region includes a through-type piezoelectric displacement unit 41. Among them, the through-type piezoelectric displacement unit 41 includes a first through distinguishing gap 431 and a second through distinguishing gap 433, where 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, disposed 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 a setting can avoid the mutual influence between the first through piezoelectric displacement unit 432 and the adjacent piezoelectric cooling 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 cooling 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 piezoelectric displacement region and the piezoelectric cooling region of the piezoelectric functional film layer 4 simultaneously excite the electrocaloric effect and the piezoelectric effect, and the electrocaloric element 100 displaces positively and releases heat. Then, the electrocaloric cooling electrode region 11 in the first electrode layer 1 is powered off, that is, the electric field corresponding to the piezoelectric cooling region is removed, and the piezoelectric cooling region excites the electrocaloric effect to absorb heat; a negative voltage is applied to the piezoelectric drive electrode region 12 in the first electrode layer 1 and the second electrode layer 2, a negative 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 positively, 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. A 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 operating platform during preparation. The setting of the base layer 5 can also maintain the flatness of the electrocaloric element 100, enabling the electrocaloric element 100 to 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 piezoelectric refrigeration region, and the piezoelectric drive electrode region 12 corresponds to the piezoelectric displacement region. Applying a positive electric field to the electrocaloric refrigeration electrode region 11 and the piezoelectric drive electrode region 12 causes the piezoelectric displacement region and the piezoelectric refrigeration region to generate displacements in the first direction; alternatively, removing 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, applying a reverse electric field to the piezoelectric drive electrode region 12 causes the piezoelectric displacement region to drive the heat-absorbing piezoelectric refrigeration region to generate displacements in the second direction.

[0185] Corresponding to the two different functional units of 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 an electrode gap 13, so that the first electrode layer 1 is separated into 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.

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

[0187] Optionally, the electrode gap 13 and the distinguishing gap are connected 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 stimulated in the functional regions corresponding to the electrode regions. Further, the connection of the electrode gap 13 and the distinguishing gap makes the adjacent different functional units 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 the second electrode layer 2 on the base layer 5;

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

[0192] S303. Deposit a first electrode layer 1 on the piezoelectric film layer;

[0193] S304. Etch the first electrode layer 1 and the piezoelectric film layer to obtain the electrocaloric element 100. Herein, 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 ferroelectric materials 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 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. Moreover, a high voltage is likely to break down the thin film, resulting in a short 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. Therefore, 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 substrate 5 (such as a silicon wafer), and the substrate can be removed by lithography 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 effects 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, and only by controlling the electric field applied to the electrode layer can the function be distinguished.

[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, etching 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-division gap, as well as a piezoelectric refrigeration unit 42 and a through-type piezoelectric displacement unit 41 located between the through-division 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 its function is to provide mechanical support for the silicon-on-insulator substrate to facilitate 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 and thinning the silicon wafer. Among them, the substrate silicon and the oxide layer are removed by mechanical thinning, and the thickness of the silicon wafer after thinning is greater than or equal to 8 μm and less than or equal to 13 μm.

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

[0207] In the electrocaloric refrigeration chip disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure, 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. The clamping skeleton clamps the electrocaloric element 100 so that the electrocaloric element 100 releases heat and fits against the heat receiving end 300 and absorbs heat and fits against the cold 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 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 to the first side of the first end of the electrocaloric element 100, and a second clamping skeleton 202 clamped to 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 and is used to receive the heat of the electrocaloric element 100. The cold receiving end 400 is disposed on the side of the second clamping skeleton 202 and is used to receive the cold 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, which drives the movement of the electrocaloric element 100 through the piezoelectric displacement region. At the same time, a heat receiving end 300 and a cold receiving end 400 are respectively arranged on both sides of the electrocaloric element 100, and the first end of the electrocaloric element 100 is clamped by a 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, resulting in a positive displacement and heat release. The clamping skeleton clamps the electrocaloric element 100 to make the electrocaloric element 100 fit against 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 reverse displacement of the piezoelectric functional film layer 4. The clamping skeleton clamps the electrocaloric element 100 to make the electrocaloric element 100 fit against the cold receiving end 400, as Figure 18 . The electrocaloric refrigeration chip has an integrated hot and cold separation structure, enhancing its 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, and the base layer 5 is arranged below the second electrode layer 2. Among them, the first clamping skeleton 201 is arranged on the first electrode layer 1 of the electrocaloric element 100, and the second clamping skeleton 202 is arranged 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. By arranging the base layer 5 below the second electrode layer 2 of the electrocaloric element 100, the thin-film structure can be supported. The arrangement of the base layer 5 can also maintain the flatness of the electrocaloric element 100, enabling the electrocaloric element 100 to be close to the heat transfer medium during heat transfer. Correspondingly, the first clamping skeleton 201 is arranged above the first electrode layer 1 of the electrocaloric element 100, and the second clamping skeleton 202 is arranged 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 against 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 against 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 cooling chip. The sum of the thickness of the first bending gap 203, the thickness of the electrocaloric element 100, and 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 cooling chip in household appliances.

[0215] Optionally, the first electrode layer 1 includes a first clamping portion provided at the end for clamping with the first clamping skeleton 201, and a first fitting portion extending along the first clamping portion. Wherein, 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 provided at the end for clamping with the second clamping skeleton 202, and a second fitting portion extending along the second clamping portion. Wherein, 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. Wherein, the first clamping portion is located at the end of the first electrode layer 1. The first clamping portion is used for fitting with the first clamping skeleton 201. The position where the first clamping skeleton 201 is provided is between the first clamping portion and the heat receiving end 300. The first clamping skeleton 201 not only clamps the first side of the end of the electrocaloric element 100, but also supports 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. Wherein, the second clamping portion is located at the end of the base layer 5. The second clamping portion is used for fitting with the second clamping skeleton 202. The position where the second clamping skeleton 202 is provided is between the second clamping portion and the cold receiving end 400. The second clamping skeleton 202 not only clamps the second side of the end of the electrocaloric element 100, but also supports the electrocaloric element 100 to construct the second bending gap 204.

[0217] Optionally, the electrocaloric cooling 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 provided 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, and the first clamping skeleton 201 and the second clamping skeleton 202 simultaneously support the first end of the electrocaloric cooling chip. At the same time, a support skeleton for support also needs to be provided at the second end of the electrocaloric cooling 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 cooling chip.

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

[0220] The second end of the electrocaloric element 100 may abut against the support skeleton 205 or may have a gap. Combining Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the second end of the electrocaloric element 100 in the electrocaloric cooling chip is not fixedly arranged. When the electrocaloric element 100 releases heat, its displacement fits with the heat receiving end 300, and when the electrocaloric element 100 absorbs heat, its displacement fits with the cold receiving end 400, forming a cantilever beam structure. Compared with the arrangement 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, which can prevent the current leakage of the first electrode layer 1 or the second electrode layer 2 and cause losses. The heat receiving end 300 and / or the cold receiving end 400 are heat-conducting, which can 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 can enable the energy to be exported from the heat receiving end 300 or the cold receiving end 400, improving the heat and cold separation efficiency of the electrocaloric cooling chip.

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

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

[0226] When the electrocaloric cooling device 520 includes multiple electrocaloric cooling chips, the multiple electrocaloric cooling chips can be arranged in an array. This can enable each part of the electrocaloric cooling device 520 to release or absorb heat evenly, and the electrocaloric cooling device 520 forms a square structure, facilitating the application of the electrocaloric cooling 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, and the external power supply is used for: applying a positive electric field to the electrocaloric refrigeration electrode region 11 and the piezoelectric drive electrode region 12 to cause the piezoelectric displacement region and the piezoelectric refrigeration region to generate displacements in the first direction; or, removing 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, applying 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 displacements in the second direction.

[0228] Corresponding to the two different functional units of the piezoelectric 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 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 realize the excitation of different functional effects. As Figures 16 to 18 shown, applying a positive electric field to the electrocaloric refrigeration electrode region 11 and the piezoelectric drive electrode region 12 causes the piezoelectric displacement region and the piezoelectric refrigeration region to generate displacements in the first direction, that is Figure 17 moving upward in the figure, the electrocaloric element 100 releases heat and adheres to the heat receiving end 300; removing 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, applying a reverse electric field to the piezoelectric drive electrode region 12 causes the piezoelectric displacement region to drive the heat-absorbing piezoelectric refrigeration region to generate displacements in the second direction, that is Figure 18 moving downward in the figure, the electrocaloric element 100 absorbs heat and adheres to the cold quantity receiving end 400.

[0229] The above description and the accompanying 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 only represent possible variations. Unless explicitly required, the individual components and functions are optional, and the order of operations can 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 accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present disclosure is only limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A control method for an electric card heat exchange system, characterized in that, the electric card heat exchange system includes an electric card heat source assembly, a hot end heat exchanger and a cold end heat exchanger respectively communicated with the electric card heat source assembly. The electric card heat source assembly includes a heat source tank, an electric card refrigeration device and a spraying assembly arranged in the heat source tank. The electric card 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 electric card refrigeration device so that the heat exchange working medium exchanges heat and cold with the electric card refrigeration device. The control method for the electric card heat exchange system includes: acquiring a first surface temperature when the electric card refrigeration device generates heat on its surface, and a second surface temperature when it generates cold; adjusting the amount of the hot end return working medium entering the heat source tank according to the first surface temperature, or adjusting the amount of the cold end return working medium entering the heat source tank according to the second surface temperature, 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.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, adjusting the amount of the hot end return working medium entering the heat source tank according to the first surface temperature includes, when the first surface temperature is less than or equal to a first temperature threshold, controlling the hot end return working medium to stop entering the heat source tank; adjusting the amount of the cold end return working medium entering the heat source tank according to the second surface temperature includes, when the second surface temperature is greater than or equal to a second temperature threshold, controlling the cold end return working medium to stop entering the heat source tank.

3. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, further includes: when the first surface temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, acquiring a first liquid level value of the heat source tank, and when the first liquid level value is less than or equal to the liquid level threshold, controlling the electric card refrigeration device to be powered off, so that the electric card refrigeration device switches to generate cold; when the second surface temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, acquiring a second liquid level value of the heat source tank, and when the second liquid level value is less than or equal to the liquid level threshold, controlling the electric card refrigeration device to be powered on, so that the electric card refrigeration device switches to generate heat.

4. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, adjusting the amount of the hot end return working medium entering the heat source tank according to the first surface temperature includes adjusting the spraying speed of the spraying assembly for the hot end return working medium according to the decreasing rate of the first surface temperature; adjusting the amount of the cold end return working medium entering the heat source tank according to the second surface temperature includes adjusting the spraying speed of the spraying assembly for the cold end return working medium according to the increasing rate of the second surface temperature.

5. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, further includes: when the first surface temperature is less than or equal to a first intermediate temperature threshold, and the decreasing rate of the first surface temperature is less than or equal to a first rate, increasing the immersion depth of the hot end return working medium in the heat source tank for the electric card refrigeration device, wherein the first intermediate temperature threshold is greater than the first temperature threshold; when the second surface temperature is greater than or equal to a second intermediate temperature threshold, and the increasing rate of the second surface temperature is less than or equal to a second rate, increasing the immersion depth of the cold end return working medium in the heat source tank for the electric card refrigeration device, wherein the second intermediate temperature threshold is less than the second temperature threshold.

6. The control method according to claim 5, wherein, it further includes: adjusting the discharge amount of the hot working fluid to the first liquid storage element according to the temperature of the hot working fluid at the working fluid outlet of the heat source tank, wherein the first liquid storage element is arranged between the working fluid outlet of the heat source tank and the hot end heat exchanger; adjusting the discharge amount of the cold working fluid to the second liquid storage element according to the temperature of the cold working fluid at the working fluid outlet of the heat source tank, wherein the second liquid storage element is arranged between the working fluid outlet of the heat source tank and the cold end heat exchanger.

7. A control device for an electrocaloric heat exchange system, wherein, the electrocaloric heat exchange system includes an electrocaloric heat source assembly, a hot end heat exchanger and a cold end heat exchanger which are respectively communicated with the electrocaloric heat source assembly. The electrocaloric 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 fluid to the electrocaloric refrigeration device so that the heat exchange working fluid exchanges heat and cold with the electrocaloric refrigeration device, the control device for the electrocaloric heat exchange system includes: a temperature acquisition module configured to acquire a first surface temperature when the electrocaloric refrigeration device generates heat and a second surface temperature when it generates cold; a working fluid adjustment module configured to adjust the amount of the hot end return working fluid entering the heat source tank according to the first surface temperature, or adjust the amount of the cold end return working fluid entering the heat source tank according to the second surface temperature, 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.

8. A control device for an electrocaloric heat exchange system, including a processor and a memory storing program instructions, wherein, the processor is configured to execute the control method for the electrocaloric heat exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 when running the program instructions.

9. A household electrical appliance, wherein, it includes: a product body; the control device for the electrocaloric heat exchange system according to claim 7 or 8, which is installed on the product body.

10. The household electrical appliance according to claim 9, wherein, the electrocaloric refrigeration device includes an electrocaloric refrigeration chip, and the electrocaloric refrigeration chip includes: an electrocaloric element including 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; a heat receiving end for receiving the heat of the electrocaloric element; and, a cold receiving end for receiving the cold of the electrocaloric element.

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