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

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

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

Innovation Solution

A heat transfer system utilizing an electrocaloric material copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and an addition polymerization monomer with a substituent more electronegative than chlorine, integrated with electrodes and a controller for selective voltage application, facilitating heat transfer between a heat source and sink through thermal flow paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If vapor compression refrigerant loops are used for cooling, then effective cooling and refrigeration can be provided, but environmental hazards such as ozone depleting potential and global warming potential occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical vapor compression system with an electrocaloric solid-state cooling system. The electrocaloric material undergoes a phase transition when voltage is applied, causing heat absorption from the enclosed space, and releases heat when voltage is removed, transferring heat to the external environment through thermal conductivity, thereby eliminating the need for mechanical compressors and harmful refrigerants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the electrocaloric effect where the physical state of the electrocaloric material changes in response to applied electric field parameters. By controlling voltage application timing and magnitude, the material transitions between high-temperature (heat release) and low-temperature (heat absorption) states, enabling refrigeration through parameter control rather than mechanical compression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If vapor compression refrigerant loops are used for cooling, then cooling functionality is achieved, but power demand significantly shortens vehicle battery life or driving range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling functionalityVSAvoidpower demand

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the high-power mechanical compressor with a low-power electrocaloric system. The electrocaloric material requires only electrical voltage application to trigger phase transitions and heat transfer, eliminating the need for a mechanical compression system that demands significant battery power, thus preserving vehicle driving range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If vapor compression refrigerant loops are used for cooling, then refrigeration is provided, but weight and power requirements of the compressor become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigeration capabilityVSAvoidcompressor weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the heavy mechanical compressor assembly with a lightweight electrocaloric system consisting of electrocaloric material plates, thin electrodes, and thermal conductivity elements. This solid-state system eliminates the need for heavy mechanical components, reducing overall system weight while maintaining refrigeration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If vapor compression refrigerant loops are used for cooling, then effective heat transfer is achieved, but the system becomes impractical in environments lacking a ready source of power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanically-driven vapor compression system with an electrically-controlled electrocaloric system. The electrocaloric material responds directly to applied voltage by undergoing phase transitions that drive heat transfer, enabling the system to operate in diverse environments including those with limited or intermittent power sources, such as electric vehicles and portable applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution provides an efficient and environmentally friendly cooling method that reduces the need for refrigerants with ozone-depleting or global warming potential, and can operate in power-constrained environments by leveraging electrocaloric effects for effective heat management.

Implementation Method 1

an electrocaloric material, which comprises a copolymer of a monomer mixture... an electric power source is configured to provide voltage to the electrodes... to transfer heat from the heat source to the heat sink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrocaloric effect: Electrocaloric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11683987B2Electrocaloric heat transfer system comprising copolymers

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 CARRIER CORP

AI summary

An electrocaloric element for a heat transfer system includes an electrocaloric material of a copolymer of (i) vinylidene fluoride, and (ii) an addition polymerization monomer that is larger than vinylidene fluoride and includes a substituent more electronegative than chlorine. 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.