Multi-layered electrocaloric heat pump systems and methods

Abstract

In at least one illustrative embodiment, a cooling system includes a heat source, multiple electrocaloric material layers coupled to the heat source, and a heat sink coupled to the electrocaloric material layers. An electric field applied to each electrocaloric material layer is independently controllable. The electric field applied to each electrocaloric material layer is operable to move heat energy from the heat source to the heat sink during an interval, and to restore initial conditions of the electrocaloric material layers during a subsequent interval. The heat sink, the electrocaloric material layers, and the heat source may be bonded together. The electrocaloric material layers and the heat source may be bonded together, and the heat sink may be removably coupled to the electrocaloric material layers. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.