Electrocaloric Heat Transfer Using Alternating Module Energization
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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
An electrocaloric heat transfer system comprising two electrocaloric modules with electrodes and fluid flow paths, utilizing a controller to alternate energization and fluid flow direction between the modules to create a temperature gradient for efficient heat transfer, with a heat exchanger in thermal communication with a thermal target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If vapor compression refrigerant loops are used for cooling, then effective cooling and refrigeration can be provided, but environmental hazards (ozone depleting potential, global warming potential) and power demand increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical vapor compression system with an electrocaloric system that uses electric fields to induce temperature changes in electrocaloric materials. This substitution eliminates the need for compressors, refrigerants, and mechanical moving parts, thereby resolving the environmental hazards associated with traditional refrigerants while maintaining cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the electrocaloric effect where application of an electric field parameter change induces a temperature change in the electrocaloric material. By cycling the electric field application, the system achieves reversible heating and cooling, providing effective temperature control without environmental hazards.
2Temperature
If vapor compression refrigerant loops are used for cooling, then effective cooling can be provided, but power demand and weight requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the power-intensive mechanical compressor with an electrocaloric system that uses relatively low-power electric fields to achieve cooling. The electrocaloric materials respond directly to electric field application, eliminating the need for high-power mechanical compression and significantly reducing power demand while maintaining cooling effectiveness.
3Temperature
If vapor compression refrigerant loops are used for cooling, then effective cooling can be provided, but weight requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion device) with lightweight electrocaloric modules consisting of electrocaloric materials and electrode structures. This substitution dramatically reduces system weight while maintaining cooling effectiveness, making the system suitable for portable and mobile applications.
4Productivity
If electrocaloric heat transfer system alternates energization between modules, then efficient heat transfer is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heat transfer system into multiple electrocaloric modules that can be independently energized and controlled. By segmenting the system, heat transfer efficiency is improved through parallel operation and better thermal management, while the modular structure makes the complexity more manageable and potentially easier to manufacture and maintain.
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
The system effectively transfers heat without the environmental drawbacks of traditional refrigerants and power demands, providing efficient cooling and heating while reducing weight and power requirements, suitable for various applications including electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
first and second electrocaloric modules. The first electrocaloric module comprises a first electrocaloric element disposed between electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A heat transfer system cycles between a first mode where a heat transfer fluid is directed to a first electrocaloric module and from the first electrocaloric module to a heat exchanger to a second electrocaloric module while one of the first and second electrocaloric modules is energized, and a second mode where the heat transfer fluid is directed to the second electrocaloric module and from the second electrocaloric module to the heat exchanger to the first electrocaloric module, while the other of the first and second electrocaloric modules is energized. The modes are repeatedly cycled in alternating order directing the heat transfer fluid to cause a temperature gradient in each of the first and second electrocaloric modules, and heat is rejected to the fluid from the heat exchanger or is absorbed by the heat exchanger from the fluid.