Electrocaloric heat transfer system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 electrocaloric elements with a peripheral frame, electrically conductive elements, and a working fluid flow path, where electrocaloric films are stacked with electrodes and connected to electrical buses to manage heat transfer through electrical fields.
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 such as ozone depleting potential and global warming potential occur, and the systems become impractical in environments lacking sufficient power
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 refrigerants and mechanical compressors, thereby resolving the environmental hazards while maintaining cooling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the electrocaloric effect where application of an electric field changes the temperature of electrocaloric materials. By controlling the electric field parameters (voltage, duration, frequency), the system achieves temperature control without environmental harm, addressing both the cooling need and environmental concerns.
2Temperature
If vapor compression refrigerant loops are used for cooling, then effective cooling can be achieved, but power demand increases significantly, shortening vehicle battery life or driving range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the high-power mechanical compressor with an electrocaloric system that consumes electrical energy directly to generate cooling effects. This substitution dramatically reduces power demand while eliminating the need for heavy mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses controllable electric field parameters to optimize energy consumption. By adjusting voltage, pulse duration, and frequency of the electric field applied to electrocaloric materials, the system achieves efficient cooling with minimal power demand, suitable for electric vehicle applications.
3Temperature
If vapor compression refrigerant loops are used for cooling, then cooling function is provided, but weight and power requirements of the compressor become problematic in portable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the heavy mechanical compressor and associated components with lightweight electrocaloric elements and simple electrical connections. This substitution dramatically reduces system weight while maintaining cooling functionality, making the system suitable for portable and mobile applications.
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 an efficient and environmentally friendly cooling solution by leveraging electrocaloric materials to manage heat transfer, reducing the need for refrigerants and minimizing power requirements, suitable for various applications including electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
field-active heat or electric current-responsive heat transfer systems relying on materials such as electrocaloric materials
Data Source
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.