Abstract: The present invention lies in the field of electrocaloric energy conversion. More specifically, the present invention relates to improvements in systems and methods which employ electrocaloric materials as a source of temperature variation in electrocaloric refrigeration processes. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to the application of electrocaloric materials in combination with a working fluid communicating with a heat source and a heat sink in counter flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a household appliance, in particular a laundry dryer comprising a bi-directionally rotating drum to accommodate laundry to be dried, a generator of hot air circulating inside said drum, and a blower to supply said hot air into said drum. It is provided for according to the invention that a channel (12) is attached to a helical casing (21) in which a blower (11) is arranged, said blower (11) supplying an air flow (T3) into a drum (2). A swingable flap gate (22) is formed on the outer perimeter of said helical casing (21) and in the area thereof being close to said blower (11), said flap gate (22) being always pressed against said casing (21) by the gravitational force.