The invention is for an apparatus and method for a refrigerator and a heat pump based on the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) offering a simpler, lighter, robust, more compact, environmentally compatible, and energy efficient alternative to traditional vapor-compression devices. The subject magnetocaloric apparatus alternately exposes a suitable magnetocaloric material to strong and weak magnetic field while switching heat to and from the material by a mechanical commutator comprising heat pipe elements. The invention may be practiced with multiple magnetocaloric stages to attain large differences in temperature. Key applications include thermal management of electronics, as well as industrial and home refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning. The invention offers a simpler, lighter, compact, and robust apparatus compared to magnetocaloric devices of prior art. Furthermore, the invention may be run in reverse as a thermodynamic engine, receiving low-level heat and producing mechanical energy.

A heat transfer system cycles between a first mode where a heat transfer fluid is directed to a first electrocaloric module and from the first electrocaloric module to a heat exchanger to a second electrocaloric module while one of the first and second electrocaloric modules is energized, and a second mode where the heat transfer fluid is directed to the second electrocaloric module and from the second electrocaloric module to the heat exchanger to the first electrocaloric module, while the other of the first and second electrocaloric modules is energized. The modes are repeatedly cycled in alternating order directing the heat transfer fluid to cause a temperature gradient in each of the first and second electrocaloric modules, and heat is rejected to the fluid from the heat exchanger or is absorbed by the heat exchanger from the fluid.

A heat transfer system cycles between a first mode where a heat transfer fluid is directed to a first electrocaloric module and from the first electrocaloric module to a heat exchanger to a second electrocaloric module while one of the first and second electrocaloric modules is energized, and a second mode where the heat transfer fluid is directed to the second electrocaloric module and from the second electrocaloric module to the heat exchanger to the first electrocaloric module, while the other of the first and second electrocaloric modules is energized. The modes are repeatedly cycled in alternating order directing the heat transfer fluid to cause a temperature gradient in each of the first and second electrocaloric modules, and fluid from a flow path between the electrocaloric modules is mixed with circulating fluid from a conditioned space to cool or heat the conditioned space.

An electrocaloric element for a heat transfer system includes an electrocaloric material of a copolymer of (i) vinylidene fluoride, and (ii) an addition polymerization monomer that is larger than vinylidene fluoride and includes a substituent more electronegative than chlorine. Electrodes are disposed on opposite surfaces of the electrocaloric material, and an electric power source is configured to provide voltage to the electrodes. The system also includes a first thermal flow path between the electrocaloric material and a heat sink, and a second thermal flow path between the electrocaloric material and a heat source.

A novel two-chamber design for thermal boilers is presented in this document. The boiler uses spiral-shaped tubes with conical and flat portions which form a combustion chamber. The use of a direct flame burner causes exhaust gas turbulence and increases the gas pressure in the main chamber. The high-pressure gases, which have lost their kinetic energy due to collision with spirals, leave the main chamber and enter into the secondary chamber, where their energy is used to preheat inlet water. The control of distance between spirals, the reverse flow of exhaust gases in the chambers, and the specific geometry of the spirals maximize boiler efficiency,

A heating tile designed to be easily installed using standard construction methods and materials while providing a radiant heating method that is compatible with both computer controlled systems as well as simple thermostat controls, can be repaired without major floor rework, does not produce a significant magnetic field, is protected against overheating due to excessive exposed surface insulation, and is water and contaminant resistant even if there is minor cracking of the tile.

A fluid heating apparatus according to an embodiment disclosed herein may include a burner, a heat exchanger, a first flow rate sensor that detects a flow rate of a fluid supplied to the heat exchanger, a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of a fluid discharged from the heat exchanger, and a controller that controls a first pump provided in an internal circulation flow path on the basis of the flow rate detected by the first flow rate sensor to manage the flow rate of the fluid supplied to the heat exchanger and controls an operation of the burner on the basis of the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

Systems and methods are described herein for a composite building panel for use in a panelized structure. In some aspects, a composite building panel may include: a core defining a channel formed via subtractive manufacturing; a utility conduit placed or formed in and bonded to the channel and enclosed by the core, where the utility conduit exits the core along a first mating edge of the core; and first and second skin elements bonded to the core to form a layered structure. In some cases, the layered structure may also include a reinforced block coupled to at least the first fiber-reinforced skin element and defining part of the first mating edge, where the reinforced block defines a first portion of the first mating edge for mating with another composite building panel of the panelized structure.

A magnetic filter 10 includes first and second separation chambers 10, 12. The separation chambers 10, 12 each have an inlet and an outlet, and the separation chambers 10, 12 are joined together such that the inlets of the first and second chambers are adjacent, and the outlets of the first and second chambers are adjacent. An inlet port arrangement 28 connects both inlets to a single inlet pipe, and an outlet port arrangement 30 connects both outlets to a single outlet pipe.

A convection outdoor or indoor gas heater is provided, the heater comprising: a top; a first wall; a combustion chamber which includes a vent cap with a plurality of vents, the vent cap proximate to the top, the combustion chamber housed within the first wall, spaced apart from the first wall to define a first interstitial passageway, the first interstitial passageway in fluid communication with the plurality of vents; a gas burner assembly which is housed in the combustion chamber; a second wall spaced apart from the first wall to define a second interstitial passageway, the second interstitial passageway in fluid communication with the first interstitial passageway; a base which supports the first wall, the second wall and the combustion chamber; a combustion air inlet in fluid communication with the combustion chamber; an ambient air inlet in fluid communication with the second interstitial passageway; and an outlet in fluid communication with the first interstitial passageway.