SMA Wire Heat Transfer via Spaced Bracket
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat recovery systems using Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) materials face inefficiencies due to suboptimal heat transfer from fluids to wire elements, limiting the engine's operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a device where SMA or NTE wires are arranged adjacently with spacers to maintain a gap, secured by a bracket system that maximizes heat transfer surface area, and coated with resin or plastic to maintain a gap, allowing for efficient force generation and power recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If SMA or NTE wires are arranged adjacently in friction or interference contact, then structural stability is improved, but heat transfer performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A spacer element is introduced as an intermediary component between adjacent SMA or NTE wires. The spacer maintains a controlled gap that allows fluid flow and heat transfer while the bracket system provides structural stability. This mediator resolves the contradiction by enabling both structural integrity and thermal performance simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket system is designed with selective engagement - it secures the wires at certain locations (providing structural stability) while leaving gaps at other locations (enabling heat transfer). This local differentiation of structural support versus thermal access resolves the contradiction between stability and heat transfer performance.
2Device complexity
If wires are kept close together, then device complexity is reduced, but heat transfer surface area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system extends the structural support into a third dimension, allowing wires to be spaced apart vertically or laterally without increasing horizontal complexity. This dimensional approach maintains compact device footprint while increasing effective heat transfer surface area through proper wire spacing.
3Temperature
If a bracket system is added to secure wires and maximize heat transfer surface area, then heat transfer performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it secures the SMA or NTE wires in place, maintains proper spacing for heat transfer, and potentially serves as a fluid distribution manifold. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved heat transfer performance.
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 configuration enhances heat transfer performance, improves the engine's efficiency by effectively converting low-grade heat into usable mechanical work, and reduces production time and costs by simplifying the assembly process.
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 heat engine concept is under development which utilises Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) or another Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) material as the working medium
Implementation Method 3
improve the heat transfer from the fluid to each wire element in the working core
Implementation Method 4
when a fluid is passed over said wires
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention provides an energy recovery device comprising a drive mechanism; an engine comprising a plurality of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) elements or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elements fixed at a first end by a holder element and connected at a second end to a drive mechanism wherein Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) elements or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elements are positioned to from a gap between adjacent elements and configured to improve heat transfer from a fluid to each element.