SMA/NTE Bundle Gas Separation for Faster Thermal Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy recovery systems using Shape-Memory Alloys (SMAs) and Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) materials suffer from inefficient operation due to overlapping hot and cold fluid phases caused by delayed fluid control valve cycles, leading to energy waste and reduced Coefficient of Performance (CoP) in heat pumps.
Innovation Solution
A system that introduces a controlled gas into the immersion chamber between hot and cold fluids to separate their flows, preventing mixing and optimizing the thermal cycles of SMAs/NTE elements, thereby enhancing power production and heat pump efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fluid control valves are used to switch between hot and cold fluids, then the thermal cycles can be controlled, but the delayed opening and closing causes overlapping phases and fluid mixing which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
An inert gas is introduced as an intermediary substance between the hot and cold fluids in the immersion chamber. This gas acts as a separator that prevents direct mixing of the hot and cold working fluids during valve transition periods, eliminating energy waste while allowing continuous cycle operation.
2Productivity
If the cycle time is reduced for faster operation, then productivity increases, but the heating and cooling phases overlap causing fluid mixing and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The inert gas serves as a mediator that enables faster cycling by preventing fluid mixing during rapid transitions. This allows the system to operate at higher speeds without the penalty of energy loss from contaminated fluid streams.
3Productivity
If hot and cold fluid phases overlap to reduce cycle time, then productivity improves, but mixing of fluids occurs which has detrimental effects on system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The inert gas acts as a protective intermediary that maintains fluid stream integrity during high-frequency cycling. By preventing mixing, it ensures consistent and reliable system performance even at elevated operating speeds.
4Ease of operation
If conventional actuators (hydraulic, pneumatic, motor-based) are used for SMA actuation, then the system can be controlled, but the system becomes complex and energy losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SMA elements are directly actuated by thermal input from the working fluids without requiring intermediate hydraulic, pneumatic, or motor-based actuators. This self-service approach eliminates complex actuation systems and their associated energy losses while maintaining precise control through temperature regulation.
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 gas separation method increases the efficiency of power production and heat pump performance by minimizing energy loss through fluid mixing, allowing faster cycles and higher CoP without the need for additional SMA/NTE strands.
Implementation Method 1
A Shape-memory Alloy (SMA) is an alloy that 'remembers' its original, cold-forged shape which once deformed returns to its pre-deformed shape upon heating
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of Shape-Memory Alloy (SMAs) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elements arranged to define a core
Implementation Method 3
a controlled gas is introduced into the chamber between the first fluid and the second fluid, such that no mixing of the first fluid and the second fluid takes place
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides an energy recovery system comprising a plurality of Shape-Memory Alloy (SMAs) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elements arranged to define a core and housed in an immersion chamber. A first fluid is introduced into the chamber and provides a first temperature change to activate the core from a first state to a second state and a second fluid is introduced at a second temperature to activate the core from the second state to the first state. A gas is inserted into the chamber between the first fluid and the second fluid. The advantage of the invention is that increased efficiency and power production from the SMA/NTE engine is achieved.