Electrocaloric system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrocaloric cooling and heating technologies face challenges in efficiently managing heat transfer and energy conversion due to limitations in synchronizing temperature changes induced by electric fields with directionality in heat flux, leading to suboptimal energy efficiency and compactness.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple layers of electrocaloric capacitors separated by insulation regions, where complementary electric fields are applied to induce temperature changes, and an actuator shifts the layers to facilitate heat transfer between them, utilizing active regeneration and thermal switches to enhance heat flux directionality and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If electrocaloric capacitors are arranged in single layer configuration, then device complexity is reduced, but heat transfer efficiency and power density are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-layer capacitor configuration to a multi-layer stacked configuration, adding the vertical dimension to the system architecture. This dimensional change enables heat transfer in multiple directions (horizontal and vertical), thereby increasing heat transfer efficiency and power density without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor assembly is segmented into multiple independent layers, each capable of independent temperature control and heat transfer operations. This segmentation allows parallel heat transfer processes to occur simultaneously across different layers, improving overall productivity and heat transfer efficiency
2Ease of operation
If electric fields are applied simultaneously to all capacitors, then operation is simplified, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to inability to synchronize temperature changes with heat flux directionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic alternation of electric field application between different capacitor layers. Electric fields are applied in a cyclic manner, switching between first and second layers, which synchronizes temperature changes with heat flux directionality and improves energy efficiency by preventing energy waste during heat transfer transitions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which capacitor layer receives the electric field based on the current operational phase and heat transfer requirements. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize energy efficiency by applying electric fields only when and where needed, rather than simultaneously to all capacitors
3Productivity
If heat transfer between capacitor layers is facilitated through direct thermal contact, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional thermal management components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (such as a thermal conductive paste, phase change material, or heat transfer fluid) between capacitor layers to facilitate heat transfer. This intermediary enables efficient thermal coupling between layers while avoiding the need for complex direct thermal contact mechanisms, thus improving heat transfer efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 system achieves higher power density, temperature lift, and efficiency through effective heat transfer and synchronization of electric field changes, enabling more efficient energy conversion and cooling/heating processes.
Implementation Method 1
A first electric field is applied to the first row of electrocaloric capacitors and a second electric field is applied to the second row of electrocaloric capacitors. The first and second electric fields are complementary such that when the first and second electric fields are applied to their respective electrocaloric capacitors the temperature of the first electrocaloric capacitor rises in accordance with a rising first electric field and the temperature of the second electrocaloric capacitor decreases in accordance with a decreasing second electric field
Data Source
AI summary
A support layer is disposed between a first layer of first electrocaloric capacitors and the second layer of second electrocaloric capacitors. The support layer has thermally conductive vias. A voltage source is configured to apply a first voltage thereby applying a first electric field to the first electrocaloric capacitors and a second voltage thereby applying a second electric field to the second electrocaloric capacitors. The first and second electric fields are complementary such that when the first and second electric fields are applied, heat is transferred through the thermally conductive vias from the first electrocaloric capacitors to the second electrocaloric capacitors or from the second electrocaloric capacitors to the first electrocaloric capacitors.