Shape memory alloy heat pump

A heat pump comprising:

• a housing;
• at least one shape-memory alloy core positioned in the housing, the shape memory alloy core including at least one stack of a plurality of plates formed of a shape-memory alloy, the plurality of plates having a plurality of fluid ports adapted to allow passage of a fluid through the shape-memory alloy core, the plurality of plates including a plurality of plate stiffener slots, each stiffener slot of the plurality of plate stiffener slots being positioned in alignment with a respective stiffener slot of an adjacent plate;
• an intake port adapted to introduce the fluid into the shape-memory alloy core;
• and
• an outlet port adapted to externally discharge the fluid introduced through the intake port;
• wherein the housing comprising at least one buckling support adapted to keep intact the plurality of plates while a compressive load is applied.