Application Cases

Experiment Name: Polarization Testing of Electrocaloric Refrigeration Devices

Experimental Objective:
To drive electrocaloric materials and investigate the maximum temperature rise caused by the electrocaloric effect on the surface of the components under different polarization voltages, laying the groundwork for subsequent experiments.

Testing Equipment:
Signal generator, ATA-2041 high-voltage amplifier, electrocaloric materials, etc.

Experimental Procedure:
The ATA-2041 high-voltage amplifier can amplify low-voltage signals generated by the signal generator by up to 60 times, with a maximum output voltage of ±200V. The signal from the generator is input into the high-voltage amplifier via a BNC cable for amplification. The amplified high-voltage DC output signal’s positive terminal is connected to pin 9 of the electromagnetic relay switch, while the negative terminal is connected to one of the conductive copper wires of the electrocaloric module. The other conductive copper wire of the electrocaloric module is connected to pin 5 of the electromagnetic relay switch.

The signal generator’s CH2 channel produces a square wave signal with a high level of 6V and a low level of 0V. One end of the wire is connected to pin 13, and the other end is connected to pin 14. Through the control of the relay switch, a high-voltage square wave signal with the same frequency as the relay switch is applied to the electrocaloric module. The experimental flowchart is shown in Figure 1-1.

Figure 1-1: Experimental Flowchart

Experimental Results:
Under room temperature conditions, the surface temperature of the electrocaloric element subjected to a 200V polarization voltage and a 20s-period high-voltage square wave signal is shown in Figure 1-2.

• During the 0-20s phase, no voltage signal is applied to the electrocaloric element, and its surface temperature fluctuates around 20°C.

• At 20s, the high-voltage square wave signal is activated, and a 200V polarization voltage is applied to the electrocaloric element array.

• During the 20-21.6s phase, the surface temperature of the electrocaloric element rapidly increases from 19.99°C to 20.52°C within 1.6s, resulting in an electrocaloric temperature rise of 0.53°C.

• During the 21.6-30s phase, the polarization voltage continues to be applied to the electrocaloric element array, but the element begins to dissipate heat to the environment, causing the temperature to drop to 20.27°C.

• At 30s, the 200V polarization voltage is removed from the electrocaloric element array.

• During the 30-31.8s phase, the surface temperature of the electrocaloric element rapidly decreases from 20.27°C to 19.82°C within 1.8s, resulting in an electrocaloric temperature drop of 0.45°C.

• Subsequently, during the 31.8-40s phase, the electrocaloric element begins to absorb heat from the environment, and its surface temperature rises back to 20.05°C.

  
  

Figure 1-2: Variation of the Surface Temperature of the Electrocaloric Element Over Time Under a 200V Polarization Voltage and a 20s Period

Voltage Amplifier Recommendation: ATA-2041

Figure: ATA-2041 High-Voltage Amplifier Specifications

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