Methods for torsional refrigeration by twisted, coiled, and supercoiled fibers and systems thereof

US11703257B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System · US

Inventors

• Zunfeng Liu · Richardson, US
• Run Wang · Tianjin, CN
• Jiuke Mu · Plano, US
• Zhong Wang · Dallas, US
• Shaoli Fang · Richardson, US
• Marcio D. Lima · Richardson, US
• Ali E. Aliev · Dallas, US
• Na Li · Beijing, CN
• Carter S. Haines · Sachse, US
• Ray H. Baughman · Morristown, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 29, 2020
• Grant date: Jul 18, 2023
• Expiry date: Oct 10, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/2925
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Cooling by a twist-untwist process, by a stretch-release process for twisted, coiled, or supercoiled yarns or fibers, and methods and systems thereof. High mechanocaloric cooling results from release of inserted twist or from stretch release for twisted, coiled, or supercoiled fibers, including natural rubber fibers, NiTi wires, and polyethylene fishing line. Twist utilization can increase cooling and cooling efficiencies. A cooler using twist insertion and release can be shorter and smaller in volume than a cooler that requires a large elastomeric elongation. The cooler system can be utilized in mechanochromic textiles and remotely readable tensile and torsional sensors.