THERMAL RECTIFIER AND THERMAL RECTIFICATION UNIT

摘要

Provided are a thermal rectifier usable in a broad temperature range and a thermal rectification unit including such a thermal rectifier. A thermal rectifier (90) includes a first panel (1), a second panel (2), and a switching mechanism (6). The switching mechanism (6) includes a first thermally conductive portion (61) thermally connected to the first panel (1) and a second thermally conductive portion (62) thermally connected to the second panel (2). The switching mechanism (6) switches, as at least one of the first thermally conductive portion (61) or the second thermally conductive portion (62) changes their shape or dimensions, from a heat radiation state to a heat insulation state, or vice versa. The heat radiation state is a state where the first thermally conductive portion (61) and the second thermally conductive portion (62) are thermally coupled together. The heat insulation state is a state where the first thermally conductive portion (61) and the second thermally conductive portion (62) are thermally isolated from each other.