Heat transfer apparatus and method employing active regenerative cycle
US6332323A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 25, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 25, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 25, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B29/003
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This application relates to a heat transfer apparatus and method employing an active regenerative cycle. The invention employs a working or "active" fluid and a heat transfer fluid which are physically separated. The working fluid is contained in an array of refrigeration elements that are distributed over the temperature gradient of a regenerative bed. The work for the refrigeration cycle is provided by alternative compression and expansion of the working fluid in each of the refrigeration elements at a temperature corresponding to the element's location in the temperature gradient. The compression and expansion strokes may be coupled together for optimum work recovery. The heat transfer fluid is circulated relative to the working fluid between a thermal load and a heat sink to enact a refrigeration cycle having improved energy efficiency.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.