Gas separated cycling of SMA/NTE bundles in a fluid environment for power production cycle or heat pump cycles
US12378951B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 13, 2023 |
| Grant date | Aug 5, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 13, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF03G7/0641
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides energy recovery or heat pump 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 can be introduced into the chamber 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 controlled 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, or increased CoP within the SMA/NTE heat pump. By eliminating energy destruction via the mixing of fluids, the power production cycle can either operate faster, which means the same quantity of SMA/NTE material can produce more power, or a lower number of NTE strands can be used to create the same power that allow mixing to occur. Similarly within a heat pump, the separation of fluid can be of benefit in the heating or cooling of the SMA/NTE core, and also in the separation of the fluid that is either co…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.