Electrocaloric Module HVAC System to Eliminate Refrigerant Hazards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vapor compression refrigerant systems pose environmental hazards and are impractical in areas lacking sufficient power, and alternative heat transfer technologies like electrocaloric systems have limited practical applications.
Innovation Solution
A building heating or cooling system utilizing electrocaloric modules with a controller to alternately energize and de-energize modules, shifting between operational states to manage air flow and temperature regulation, leveraging electrocaloric materials for efficient heat transfer using air as the working fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If vapor compression refrigerant systems are used for heating and cooling, then effective temperature control is achieved, but environmental hazards (ozone depleting potential, global warming potential) and power dependency issues arise
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 and power dependency issues while maintaining effective temperature control.
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 precise temperature control without relying on refrigerant phase changes, thus eliminating environmental hazards.
2Reliability
If vapor compression refrigerant loops are used, then reliable heating and cooling is provided, but the systems are impractical in environments lacking sufficient power to drive mechanical compressors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compressor with an electrocaloric module that uses electric fields to control temperature. This eliminates the need for high-power mechanical compression, making the system suitable for environments with limited power availability while maintaining reliable heating and cooling functionality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electrocaloric modules are used for heat transfer, then refrigerant-related hazards are avoided and power efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple modules and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heating/cooling system into multiple electrocaloric modules that can operate independently or in combination. Each module handles a specific thermal zone or function, which simplifies the control logic for each individual module while providing overall system flexibility and eliminating refrigerant hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic cycling of electrocaloric modules between energized and de-energized states to achieve continuous heating or cooling. This periodic operation simplifies the control mechanism compared to continuous modulation, as modules are simply switched on and off in sequence, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
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 approach reduces the load on centralized heating/cooling systems, allows for localized temperature control, and achieves high efficiency by using air, thereby avoiding refrigerant-related hazards and power dependency issues.
Implementation Method 1
electrocaloric materials for efficient heat transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A building heating or cooling system is disclosed that includes an air handling system having an air delivery flow path in fluid communication with a conditioned space in the building. The building heating or cooling system also includes an electrocaloric heating or cooling system that includes first and second electrocaloric modules. A first inlet receives air from the conditioned space or the air delivery flow path and directs it through the first or second electrocaloric module to a first outlet to the conditioned space or the air delivery flow path, and a second inlet that receives air from the conditioned space or the air delivery flow path and directs it through the first or second electrocaloric module to a second outlet to outside the conditioned space.