Numerical simulation and experimental investigation of a novel elastocaloric air conditioning system
Journal
Applied Thermal Engineering
Journal Volume
274
Start Page
126643
ISSN
1359-4311
Date Issued
2025-09-01
Author(s)
Abstract
Elastocaloric cooling, which leverages the pseudoelasticity of shape memory alloys (SMAs), is a promising and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional air conditioning systems. This paper introduces a novel air cutter mechanism to reduce airflow mixing between cooling and heating channels in elastocaloric cooling systems. The effectiveness of this mechanism was validated through simulations and experimental tests. A rotational elastocaloric air conditioning system was developed by optimizing the air cutter's static pressure and operating parameters at different flow velocities. Both the simulation and experimental results demonstrated that the air cutter mechanism effectively minimized airflow mixing, decreasing the temperature in the cold channel and increasing the cooling capacity. The best results indicate that at an inlet flow velocity of 1 m/s, an optimal air cutter's pressure of 50 Pa reduced the mixing flow ratio to 1.0, reducing the cold outlet temperature by 18.03 K and achieving a cooling capacity of 303 W. This finding provides critical insights into the optimization of elastocaloric cooling systems for energy-efficient and eco-friendly applications.
Subjects
Elastocaloric air conditioning
Elastocaloric effect
Nickel–titanium alloy
Solid refrigerant
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Type
journal article