Continuous bending-mode elastocaloric cooling/heating flow loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants in vapor-compression systems contribute to ozone depletion and have limited efficiency, prompting the need for alternative cooling technologies like elastocaloric systems that can achieve higher Coefficient of Performance (COP) and offer environmental benefits.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using elastocaloric materials that undergo continuous mechanical deformation, causing a solid-to-solid phase transformation to emit exothermic latent heat and absorb endothermic latent heat, with a system comprising a heat exchanger and motor for continuous bending of the material to enhance cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional vapor-compression systems with HFC refrigerants are used, then cooling function is provided, but environmental harm occurs and efficiency is limited (COP=3)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vapor-compression thermodynamics to elastocaloric solid-to-solid phase transformation, fundamentally changing the thermodynamic parameter regime. The elastocaloric material undergoes reversible phase transformations (austenite-martensite) that enable heat absorption and release without refrigerants, achieving COP>10 and eliminating environmental harm from HFCs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention exploits solid-to-solid phase transitions in elastocaloric materials, where austenite transforms to martensite under stress (releasing heat) and martensite transforms back to austenite upon stress release (absorbing heat). This phase transition mechanism replaces the vapor-liquid phase change in conventional systems, providing refrigerant-free cooling with superior efficiency
2Reliability
If uniaxial strain tension or compression is used in elastocaloric demonstrations, then phase transformation occurs, but high loads and displacements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces linear uniaxial strain with bending deformation, where the elastocaloric material is curved into an arc shape. The outer surface of the bend experiences tensile stress while the inner surface experiences compressive stress, inducing phase transformation without requiring high axial loads. This curvature-based approach significantly reduces the force and displacement requirements compared to conventional uniaxial strain methods
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional uniaxial strain to two-dimensional bending deformation. By applying moment loads that create curvature in the material, phase transformation is induced through stress gradients across the material thickness rather than uniform axial stress, reducing the overall load requirements while maintaining effective phase transformation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach achieves a temperature decrease of at least 1.85°C in the elastocaloric material, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly cooling solution with COP values greater than 10, potentially replacing traditional vapor-compression systems.
Implementation Method 1
elastocaloric materials that undergo continuous mechanical deformation, causing a solid-to-solid phase transformation to emit exothermic latent heat
Implementation Method 2
continuous mechanical deformation creates a solid-to-solid phase transformation in the elastocaloric material
Implementation Method 3
absorbing endothermic latent heat into the elastocaloric material to decrease the temperature of the elastocaloric material
Data Source
AI summary
A method of cooling includes providing an elastocaloric material; continuously applying a force on the elastocaloric material to cause a continuous mechanical deformation of the elastocaloric material for a predetermined period of time, such that the continuous mechanical deformation creates a solid-to-solid phase transformation in the elastocaloric material; emitting exothermic latent heat from the elastocaloric material to increase a temperature of the elastocaloric material; removing the force from the elastocaloric material upon expiration of the predetermined period of time; and absorbing endothermic latent heat into the elastocaloric material to decrease the temperature of the elastocaloric material and/or an environment adjacent to the elastocaloric material or an electronic/phononic device, etc.