Modular Multilayer Capacitor for Electrocaloric Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitor devices for electrocaloric and pyroelectric applications lack flexibility in size, geometry, and capacitance, and often have high thermal mass, which hinders their efficiency in energy conversion and cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular capacitor device design comprising multiple capacitors arranged in parallel or series, with high thermal conductivity plates and a thin bonding layer, allowing for arbitrary size and geometry configurations, and utilizing electrocaloric dielectric materials to enhance thermal management and energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If existing capacitor devices are used for electrocaloric applications, then basic energy conversion function is achieved, but thermal mass is high which hinders efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor device is divided into multiple individual capacitors arranged in an array, each with its own electrodes and dielectric. This segmentation allows for reduced individual thermal mass while maintaining total capacitance through parallel or series connections, directly addressing the high thermal mass problem in existing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-block capacitor geometry to a multi-dimensional array configuration with capacitors arranged in rows and columns between two plates. This dimensional reorganization enables efficient heat transfer pathways while reducing overall thermal mass, improving energy conversion efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional capacitor design is used, then basic capacitance function is achieved, but flexibility in size and geometry is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the capacitor into multiple modular units that can be independently configured, the design achieves flexibility in size and geometry. The capacitors can be arranged in different patterns (parallel, series, or combinations) to meet specific application requirements while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular capacitor array design serves multiple functions: it provides configurable capacitance values, adaptable geometry for different space constraints, and flexible electrical connections (series/parallel). This universal approach allows the same basic modular structure to fulfill various design requirements without increasing inherent complexity.
3Temperature
If high thermal mass capacitor devices are used, then structural stability is maintained, but heat transfer efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the capacitor into multiple small units with low individual thermal mass enables more efficient heat transfer. The distributed structure creates multiple heat transfer pathways between the capacitors and the electrode plates, improving thermal management while reducing overall thermal mass compared to a single large capacitor.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode plates serve as intermediary thermal management components, providing efficient heat transfer interfaces between the capacitor array and the external thermal management system. This intermediary structure enables effective heat removal without requiring high thermal mass in the capacitors themselves.
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 modular design enables efficient heat transfer and energy conversion, reducing thermal mass and improving the electrocaloric effect, making it suitable for advanced cooling systems and heat pumps with enhanced energy efficiency and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
A first plate is proximate and electrically coupled to the first external electrodes of the capacitors. A second plate is proximate and electrically coupled to the second external electrodes of the capacitors
Implementation Method 2
utilizing electrocaloric dielectric materials to enhance thermal management and energy conversion
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitor device includes a plurality of capacitors arranged into a shape. Each capacitor of the plurality of capacitors has a first external electrode on a first side of the capacitor and a second external electrode on a second side of the capacitor opposing the first side. A first plate is proximate and electrically coupled to the first external electrodes of the capacitors. A second plate is proximate and electrically coupled to the second external electrodes of the capacitors.