Thermal diode based on a multilayer structure of phase change materials

Abstract

Thermal diodes are devices that allow heat to flow preferentially in one direction. This unique thermal management capability has attracted attention in various applications, like electronics, sensors, energy conversion or space applications, among others. Despite their interest, the development of efficient thermal diodes remains still a challenge. In this paper, we report a scalable and adjustable thermal diode based on a multilayer structure that consists of a combination of phase change and phase invariant materials. We applied a parametric sweep in order to find the optimum conditions to maximize the thermal rectification ratio. Our simulations predicted a maximum thermal rectification ratio of ~20%. To evaluate the impact of these devices in real applications, we theoretically analysed the performance of a magnetocaloric refrigerating device that integrates this thermal diode. The results showed a 0.18 K temperature span between the heat source and the heat sink at an operating frequency of 25 Hz.