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, necessitating alternative cooling technologies.

Innovation Solution

A heat transfer system utilizing an electrocaloric element composed of a liquid crystal elastomer or liquid crystal in an elastomeric polymer matrix, with electrodes and thermal flow paths, controlled to direct heat energy transfer between a heat source and sink via electrical fields, facilitating cooling without the need for mechanical compressors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical vapor compression system with an electrocaloric system that uses electric fields to induce temperature changes in liquid crystal materials. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical compressors and refrigerants, thereby reducing environmental hazards while maintaining cooling effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in the physical state and properties of liquid crystal materials under different electric field conditions. By applying electric fields, the liquid crystal undergoes phase transitions and entropy changes that result in temperature variations, enabling cooling without harmful refrigerants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the power-intensive mechanical compressor with an electrocaloric system that uses electrical fields to achieve cooling. The electrocaloric elements respond directly to electric field application, eliminating the need for mechanical work and significantly reducing power consumption and system weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent exploits phase transitions in liquid crystal materials under electric field influence. These phase transitions cause entropy changes that directly result in temperature changes, providing a more energy-efficient cooling mechanism compared to mechanical compression and expansion cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Temperature

If vapor compression refrigerant loops are used for cooling, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and mechanical components increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidmechanical components

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical components (compressor, condenser, expansion device, evaporator) with simpler electrocaloric elements and thermal management components. The electrocaloric system uses electric field control instead of mechanical moving parts, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining cooling functionality.

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 enables efficient cooling by leveraging entropy changes and elastocaloric effects to transfer heat energy effectively, reducing environmental impact and power demands, suitable for various applications including residential and commercial use.

Implementation Method 1

applying an electric field as a voltage differential across an electrocaloric element comprising a liquid crystal elastomer or a liquid crystal retained in an elastomeric polymer matrix. The applied electric field causes a decrease in entropy and a release of heat energy by the electrocaloric element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrocaloric effect: Electrocaloric Effect

Implementation Method 2

an electrocaloric element comprising a liquid crystal elastomer or a liquid crystal retained in an elastomeric polymer matrix

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastocaloric effect: Mechanocaloric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10837681B2Electrocaloric heat transfer system

Publication Date: 2020.11.17 CARRIER CORP

AI summary

A cooling system includes an electrocaloric element (12) having a liquid crystal elastomer or a liquid form liquid crystal retained in an elastomeric polymer matrix. A pair of electrodes (14.16) is disposed on opposite surfaces of the electrocaloric element. A first thermal flow path (18) is disposed between the electrocaloric element and a heat sink (17). A second thermal flow path (22) is disposed between the electrocaloric element and a heat source (20). The system also includes a controller (24) configured to control electrical current to the electrodes and to selectively direct transfer of heat energy from the electrocaloric element to the heat sink along the first thermal flow path or from the heat source to the electrocaloric element along the second thermal flow path.