| 摘要 |
<p>This application relates to a heat transfer apparatus and method employing an active regenerative cycle. The invention employs a working or 'active' fluid (24) and a heat transfer fluid (10) which are physically separated. The working fluid is contained in an array of refrigeration elements (22) that are distributed over the temperature gradient of a regenerative bed (12). The work for the refrigeration cycle is provided by alternative compression and expansion of the working fluid in each of the refrigeration elements (22) at a temperature corresponding to the element's location in the temperature gradient. The compression and expansion strokes may be coupled together for optimum work recovery. The heat transfer fluid is circulated relative to the working fluid between a thermal load (16) and a heat sink (20).</p> |
