Electrocaloric module and electrocaloric heat transfer system with patterned electrodes, and accordingly a method of transferring heat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vapor compression refrigerant loops pose environmental hazards and are impractical in settings lacking sufficient power or requiring heavy, power-intensive compressors, necessitating alternative cooling technologies.

Innovation Solution

An electrocaloric module comprising an electrocaloric film with patterned conductive electrodes and thermal connections, connected to a heat sink and source, utilizing a controller to apply voltage for coordinated heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical vapor compression system with an electrocaloric system that uses electric field-induced phase transitions in electrocaloric materials to achieve cooling, thereby eliminating refrigerant-related environmental hazards while maintaining cooling effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes electrocaloric phase transitions in the electrocaloric material when subjected to electric fields, where the material undergoes a phase change that absorbs or releases heat, enabling cooling without harmful refrigerants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Reliability

If vapor compression refrigerant loops are used, then cooling can be achieved, but the power demand of the compressor results in significantly shortened vehicle battery life or driving range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the high-power mechanical compressor with an electrocaloric system that uses electrical fields to induce phase transitions in materials, significantly reducing power consumption and extending vehicle battery life and driving range

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling functionVSAvoidcompressor weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the heavy mechanical compressor with lightweight electrocaloric elements and electrical field generation components, dramatically reducing system weight and making portable cooling applications feasible

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the electrocaloric film is completely unsupported, then the central portion can expand and contract freely during electrocaloric cycles, but the film lacks structural stability and mechanical support

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal expansion freedomVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into discrete support portions positioned at specific locations on the electrocaloric film, providing mechanical stability at the edges and corners while leaving the central portion free to expand and contract during electrocaloric cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the electrocaloric film have different support characteristics - the edge and corner portions are supported to maintain structural integrity, while the central portion remains unsupported to allow free thermal expansion and contraction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 electrocaloric module effectively transfers heat without environmental hazards and power constraints, offering a lightweight, efficient cooling solution.

Implementation Method 1

selectively applying voltage to activate electrodes on first and second surfaces of an electrocaloric material disposed in an electrocaloric module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrocaloric effect: Electrocaloric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3638964B1Electrocaloric module and electrocaloric heat transfer system with patterned electrodes, and accordingly a method of transferring heat

Publication Date: 2021.03.03 CARRIER CORP

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AI summary

An electrocaloric module includes an electrocaloric element that includes an electrocaloric film, a first electrode on a first surface of the electrocaloric film, and a second electrode on a second surface of the electrocaloric film. A support is attached along an edge portion of the electrocaloric film, leaving a central portion of the electrocaloric film unsupported film. At least one of the first and second electrodes includes a patterned disposition of conductive material on the film surface. The electrocaloric module also includes a first thermal connection configured to connect to a first thermal flow path between the electrocaloric element and a heat sink, a second thermal connection configured to connect to a second thermal flow path between the electrocaloric element and a heat source, and a power connection connected to the first and second electrodes and configured to connect to a power source.