Conceptual Design of a Cascade Solid-State Electrocaloric Refrigerator Using Thermally Depolarized Ferroelectrics with Spark-Gap Triggered Oscillations

This concept introduces a novel architecture: each stage uses thermal depolarization of a poled ferroelectric capacitor above its Curie temperature (Tc) to generate high open-circuit voltage, triggering a spark-gap (possibly UVC-assisted) that closes to form an LC oscillating circuit. The resulting damped AC oscillations drive cyclic polarization/depolarization, inducing net ECE cooling via adiabatic cycles. Waste energy radiates electromagnetically through a directional antenna (equivalent to radiation resistance R_rad), serving as the hot sink. Cascading stages with decreasing Tc enables stepwise heat pumping without mechanical parts or conventional heat switches.