Electrocaloric heat transfer system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vapor compression refrigerant loops pose environmental hazards and are impractical in settings lacking sufficient power or requiring significant weight and power for compressors, such as in electric vehicles and portable cooling applications.

Innovation Solution

A heat transfer system utilizing electrocaloric elements with a peripheral frame, electrically conductive elements, and a working fluid flow path, where electrocaloric films are electrically connected and stacked with spacers to facilitate efficient heat transfer, allowing for alternative cooling solutions without the need for mechanical compressors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

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, and the system requires significant power and weight for the mechanical compressor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical compressor system with an electrocaloric cooling system that uses electric fields to induce temperature changes in electrocaloric materials. The electrocaloric element includes electrocaloric material between electrodes, where application of an electric field causes isentropic heating and removal of the field causes isentropic cooling, eliminating the need for mechanical compression and refrigerants with environmental hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the electrocaloric effect where the temperature of the electrocaloric material changes in response to changes in the electric field parameters. By cycling the electric field application, the system achieves periodic heating and cooling cycles, enabling refrigeration without mechanical compressors or harmful refrigerants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If vapor compression refrigerant loops are used for cooling, then effective cooling and refrigeration can be provided, but the power demand significantly shortens vehicle battery life or driving range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidpower demand

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the high-power mechanical compressor with a low-power electrocaloric system that uses electrical fields to achieve cooling. The electrocaloric element requires only electrical energy to induce phase transitions in the electrocaloric material, significantly reducing the power demand compared to mechanical compression systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Temperature

If vapor compression refrigerant loops are used for cooling, then effective cooling and refrigeration can be provided, but the weight and power requirements of the compressor are problematic in portable cooling applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidcompressor weight

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the heavy mechanical compressor with a lightweight electrocaloric element consisting of electrocaloric material between electrodes. This solid-state cooling mechanism eliminates moving mechanical parts, significantly reducing the weight and complexity of the cooling system for 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 system provides effective cooling without environmental hazards and power or weight constraints, enabling efficient heat transfer through electrocaloric materials, suitable for various applications including electric vehicles and portable cooling.

Implementation Method 1

the electrocaloric element includes an electrocaloric film, a first electrode on a first side of the electrocaloric film, and a second electrode on a second side of the electrocaloric film

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrocaloric effect: Electrocaloric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3717842B1Electrocaloric heat transfer system

Publication Date: 2023.11.15 CARRIER CORP

Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C

AI summary

Disclosed is a heat transfer system with a module that includes a peripheral frame (10) and an electrocaloric element (46) disposed in an opening in the peripheral frame. The electrocaloric element includes an electrocaloric film (46), a first electrode (48) on a first side of the electrocaloric film, and a second electrode (50) on a second side of the electrocaloric film. First and second electrically conductive elements (24, 25) are disposed adjacent to first and second surfaces of the peripheral frame, and provide an electrical connection to the first and second electrodes.