System and method for maximising heat output and temperature delta in a SMA heat pump/refrigeration system
US12072125B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 1, 2020 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 1, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B30/00
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides a heat pump system and method comprising a first Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elastocaloric core positioned in a housing and adapted to absorb heat and store energy in response to a first fluid inputted at a first temperature. The housing is configured to receive the first fluid at a first temperature via an inlet to cause the first SMA or NTE elastocaloric core to change state. A device is configured to apply stress on the first SMA or NTE core in the housing to cause the SMA or NTE elastocaloric core to change state, releasing heat/energy and causing the SMA/NTE to heat up. A second fluid at a higher temperature is inputted and then subsequently heated further as a result of heat transfer. A second Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) or elastocaloric core is positioned in a cascade arrangement with the first core, but exhibiting a higher activation temperature. The higher temperature fluid leaving core 1 is inputted into core 2, resulting in a larger net temperature lift than could be achieved with a single core. In the alternative, in a cooling system, to achieve a lower temperature drop, the second …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.