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Device for determining the thermal response of a barocaloric material sample
ES2958726
The present invention relates to a device and method for determining the thermal response of a barocaloric material sample, wherein the device comprises a main body with a sealed chamber configured to contain a pressurizing fluid and the barocaloric material sample either compacted or dispersed in said pressurizing fluid; a thermal system configured to modify the temperature of the pressurizing fluid contained in the sealed chamber of the main body; a hydrostatic‑pressure generation system configured to modify the pressure of the pressurizing fluid contained in the sealed chamber of the main body; and a temperature‑and‑pressure monitoring system comprising: at least one temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the pressurizing fluid in the sealed chamber, and a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure of the pressurizing fluid in the sealed chamber.
Advantages / Differential Points Hydrostatic (isostatic) pressure application via fluid: Pressure is transmitted in all directions through a pressurizing fluid, unlike uniaxial approaches, improving realism for barocaloric transitions. Measures both compact and dispersed samples: The barocaloric material can be tested as a compact body or dispersed powder within the pressurizing (preferably heat‑carrying) fluid. Higher precision and accuracy: Configuration aims to increase precision/accuracy in both the thermal response and the actual pressure applied to the material and fluid. Reduced friction losses: The fluid‑mediated pressure transmission reduces pressure losses caused by friction between compact samples and solid container walls. Capability for high pressures in a sealed system: The main body is designed to withstand high operating pressures in a sealed chamber, allowing realistic barocaloric cycling. Thermal control integrated with heat exchanger: A thermal system (e.g., thermostatic bath + internal heat exchanger) controls the fluid/sample temperature with optional thermal insulation for tighter control. Continuous monitoring: The device includes a monitoring system with continuous measurement (recommended 1–10 Hz) of pressure and temperature (with optional two temperature sensors—fluid and sample). Two‑fluid separation via piston/secondary chamber: An embolo/secondary chamber allows the hydraulic pump fluid to be different from the pressurizing fluid in contact with the sample—facilitating chemical compatibility and test flexibility without changing the pump fluid. Stepwise (escalated) pressure protocol: Pressure can be changed stepwise (both pressurization and depressurization), registering the thermal change at each step for detailed response curves. Determination of thermalization time: Optional stabilization stages enable measuring thermalization/interchange times (t₁, t₂) to better describe system dynamics and support efficient device design. Ergonomic/sealed access: A robust top cover/tapa with sealing, safety/purge provisions, and assisted handling (hydraulic jack, alignment structure) improves safe operation and repeatable assembly. Applications Determination and enhanced characterization of barocaloric materials’ thermal response under realistic refrigeration‑relevant conditions (pressurization and temperature cycling), including normal and inverse barocaloric behavior. R&D workflow integration: Preferably used after confirming barocaloric nature by other techniques, to perform more exhaustive/precise characterization requiring larger sample/fluid volumes.
Scientific instrumentation / R&D equipment
The patent explicitly positions the device within the research field of barocaloric materials, providing a laboratory/bench‑scale system to characterize materials under realistic refrigeration‑relevant conditions.