Electrocaloric Copolymer Cooling for Low-Power Refrigerant-Free Heat Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vapor compression refrigerant loops pose environmental hazards and are impractical in settings lacking sufficient power, such as electric vehicles, due to high power demand and weight requirements, necessitating alternative cooling technologies.

Innovation Solution

A heat transfer system utilizing an electrocaloric material copolymer of vinylidene fluoride with tetrafluoroethylene and a halogenated addition polymerization monomer, combined with nucleating agents or electrocalorically active particles, and electrodes for controlled heat transfer via electric fields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If vapor compression refrigerant loops are used for cooling, then cooling effectiveness is achieved, but environmental hazards (ozone depleting potential and global warming potential) and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental hazardsVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical vapor compression system with an electrocaloric cooling system that uses electric fields to induce phase transitions in electrocaloric materials. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical compressors and refrigerants, thereby reducing environmental hazards and power consumption requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes electrocaloric materials that undergo phase transitions when exposed to electric fields. These phase transitions (e.g., between paraelectric and ferroelectric phases) produce cooling effects without requiring refrigerants, thus eliminating environmental hazards associated with traditional refrigerants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Object-affected harmful factors

If vapor compression refrigerant loops are used for cooling, then cooling effectiveness is achieved, but weight and power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces heavy mechanical components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion device) with lightweight electrocaloric materials and simple electrode structures. This substitution dramatically reduces the overall system weight while maintaining cooling effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses electrocaloric materials that undergo solid-state phase transitions to achieve cooling. This eliminates the need for heavy refrigerant circulation systems and mechanical components, resulting in a lightweight cooling system suitable for portable and mobile applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Object-affected harmful factors

If vapor compression refrigerant loops are used for cooling, then cooling effectiveness is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical vapor compression system with a simplified electrocaloric system consisting of electrocaloric materials and electrodes. This substitution eliminates multiple mechanical components and simplifies the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates the cooling function directly into the electrocaloric material structure itself, eliminating the need for separate components for heat absorption and heat rejection. The electrocaloric material performs multiple functions (cooling and heat transfer) within a single integrated structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system provides efficient and environmentally friendly cooling without the need for refrigerants, reducing power and weight requirements, suitable for various applications including electric vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

an electrocaloric material, which comprises a copolymer of a monomer mixture... electrodes are disposed on opposite surfaces of the electrocaloric material, and an electric power source is configured to provide voltage to the electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrocaloric effect: Electrocaloric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11428444B2Electrocaloric heat transfer system

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 CARRIER CORP

AI summary

A heat transfer system is disclosed in which, an electrocaloric material includes a copolymer of a monomer mixture including (i) vinylidene fluoride, (ii) an addition polymerization monomer selected from tetrafluoroethylene, trifluoroethylene, or a monomer smaller than trifluoroethylene, and (iii) a halogenated addition polymerization monomer different than (ii) that is larger than vinylidene fluoride. The electrocaloric material also includes an additive selected from a nucleating agent having a polar surface charge, electrocalorically active solid particles, or a combination thereof. Electrodes are disposed on opposite surfaces of the electrocaloric material, and an electric power source is configured to provide voltage to the electrodes. The system also includes a first thermal flow path between the electrocaloric material and a heat sink, and a second thermal flow path between the electrocaloric material and a heat source.