Elastocaloric Element for a Temperature Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastocaloric temperature control systems face challenges in achieving high durability under cyclical load and efficient heat dissipation, which limits their operating frequency and thermal output.
Innovation Solution
The use of an elastocaloric element comprising an elastic plastic carrier with a thin coating of elastocaloric material, allowing for increased durability and operating frequency while reducing material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wall thickness of hollow rod elastocaloric elements is increased to provide structural stability under compressive load, then durability is improved, but heat dissipation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction by combining elastocaloric material with stabilizing elements (such as internal support structures or external fixtures) that provide mechanical stability without requiring increased wall thickness. This allows the elastocaloric material to maintain thin walls for efficient heat dissipation while the composite structure ensures durability under compressive load.
2Productivity
If the surface area of elastocaloric material is increased to improve heat dissipation, then operating frequency can be increased, but the amount of elastocaloric material required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes thin-walled hollow rod structures that maximize surface area to volume ratio. The thin wall design provides sufficient surface area for efficient heat dissipation, enabling high operating frequencies, while minimizing the quantity of elastocaloric material required compared to solid or thick-walled structures.
3Use of energy by moving object
If thin-walled hollow rod structures are used to maximize surface area for heat dissipation, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but structural stability under compressive load deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces stabilizing elements as intermediary components that provide mechanical support to thin-walled hollow rod structures. These stabilizers (such as internal ribs, external cages, or support fixtures) enable the thin walls to maintain structural stability under compressive load while preserving the high surface area to volume ratio necessary for efficient heat transfer.
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 configuration enhances the durability and heat transfer efficiency of the elastocaloric element, enabling higher operating frequencies and reduced material requirements, thus improving the overall performance and cost-effectiveness of the temperature control system.
Implementation Method 1
The elastocaloric effect, which ordinarily causes a reversible temperature change through cyclical deformation of an elastocaloric material in the strain range of 18-5% (compression or tension), can be used technically for temperature control. The elastocaloric material heats up when it is compressed and cools down again to the original temperature when it is subsequently stretched.
Implementation Method 2
Through cyclical dissipation of the heat on the elastocaloric material, the effect can be used for said temperature control, in particular climate control in the form of cooling or heating.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an elastocaloric element for a temperature control system, wherein the elastocaloric element comprises an elastic carrier and a coating applied to the carrier, wherein the carrier consists at least partly of a plastic and the coating consists at least partly of an elastocaloric material.