Convective flow in the liquid crystal heat switch

Abstract

The 'heat switch' is based on the fact that in some liquid crystal (LC) materials heat transfer depends on the voltage applied between two parallel electrodes containing the sample. The rate of heat transfer depends on the voltage rather than the electric field intensity, but is not understood. Since the heat switch can involve electric field intensities up to at least the breakdown field of air, it is important to understand the mechanism responsible for heat transfer. Results are presented indicating that a mechanism described earlier is involved. A proposal for a refrigerator using LC heat switches is also made.