Solid-state heating or cooling systems, devices, and methods
First Claim
1. A heating/cooling system comprising:
- a plurality of modules, each of the modules comprising one or more structures formed of shape memory alloy, the shape memory alloy being constructed to convert from a first crystal phase to a second crystal phase upon application of a first stress and to release latent heat in converting from the first crystal phase to the second crystal phase;
at least one loading device coupled to the modules and configured to apply a force thereto;
a fluid network coupled to a heat source and a heat sink;
at least one pump configured to move heat transfer fluid through the fluid network; and
a controller operatively coupled to the fluid network, the at least one loading device, and the at least one pump and configured to control the heating/cooling system such that;
during a first part of a cycle, a first of the plurality of modules rejects heat to the heat sink while a second of the plurality of modules absorbs heat from the heat source, andduring a second part of the cycle, the first and second modules are connected together to transfer heat therebetween.
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Abstract
A system for heating/cooling includes a plurality of thermoelastic modules. Each of the modules includes one or more structures formed of shape memory alloy, which converts from austenite to martensite upon application of a first stress and release latent heat from the conversion. During a first part of a heating/cooling cycle, a first module is stressed to cause conversion. The latent heat released from the first module is rejected to a heat sink while a second unstressed module absorbs heat from a heat source. During a second part of the heating/cooling cycle, the first and second modules are connected together to transfer heat therebetween for heat recovery. The cycle can be repeated indefinitely with the first and second modules alternating roles. Structures of the thermoelastic cooling material and specific applications thereof are also disclosed.
66 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A heating/cooling system comprising:
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a plurality of modules, each of the modules comprising one or more structures formed of shape memory alloy, the shape memory alloy being constructed to convert from a first crystal phase to a second crystal phase upon application of a first stress and to release latent heat in converting from the first crystal phase to the second crystal phase; at least one loading device coupled to the modules and configured to apply a force thereto; a fluid network coupled to a heat source and a heat sink; at least one pump configured to move heat transfer fluid through the fluid network; and a controller operatively coupled to the fluid network, the at least one loading device, and the at least one pump and configured to control the heating/cooling system such that; during a first part of a cycle, a first of the plurality of modules rejects heat to the heat sink while a second of the plurality of modules absorbs heat from the heat source, and during a second part of the cycle, the first and second modules are connected together to transfer heat therebetween. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification