Effect of geometry on the coefficient of performance of Ni–Ti elastocaloric parts manufactured via powder bed fusion

Abstract

This study investigates the greater coefficient of Performance (COP) exhibited by the Ni–Ti lattice geometry (LS) over the solid geometry (SS) for solid-state heating and cooling. The LS's advantageous COP can be attributed to factors including variations in phase transformation behavior, a larger surface area facilitating enhanced heat transfer, and a greater volume of water heated per cycle owing to the cavities. Moreover, the LS demands lower compression forces due to its lower mass and geometry, which contribute to its heightened energy efficiency. Remarkably, the LS achieved a maximum temperature span of 11.2 °C at 40 kN compression force, whereas the SS required 80 kN to attain a similar 12.9 °C span. Both the SS and LS showcased a non-linear correlation with compression force which was attributed to Lauder's transformation and pseudo-elastic behaviors. Additionally, the temperature span of the SS exhibited symmetrical behavior during heating-cooling cycles. Conversely, the LS displayed asymmetry, with a more substantial temperature change during the cooling phase than the heating phase.

Keywords

• Nitinol
• Powder bed fusion
• Electrocaloric
• Heat pump
• Refrigeration
• Phase transformation