Shape-memory alloy heat pump system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a Shape-Memory Alloy heat pump system comprising a Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) core; a loading and unloading mechanism to convert the SMA core from one crystalline state to another crystalline state, such that the core can release heat when loading and absorb heat when unloading; a fluid delivery system comprising one or more fluid lines to deliver fluid to the SMA core at an inlet side and the fluid to exit at an outlet side; a first valve assembly configured to split the fluid line at the outlet side into three separate fluid streams; a second valve assembly positioned in fluid communication with the inlet to the SMA core, and configured to deliver fluid from the three separate fluid streams to the inlet side of the SMA core; and a controller implemented with specific parameters and logic to control the direction of flow of the fluid, such that the direction of the fluid is alternated between the inlet and the outlet of the SMA core at different points in the SMA core cycle.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.