Regenerator and magnetic refrigeration device having the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a regenerator and a magnetic refrigeration device having the same. The technical solution of the present invention enables the heat exchange medium in the receiving part to be connected through different circulation channels and flow distribution and collection structures to achieve heat exchange in the cold flow process and the hot flow mode. When the regenerator switches from the hot flow process to the cold flow process, or from the cold flow process to the hot flow process, the heat exchange medium in the previous mode will not reverse or reflux at both ends and inside of the receiving part due to the sudden change in the flow direction of the fluid, affecting the performance of the regenerator. The pressure loss caused by the diameter change from the pipe mouth to the receiving part is reduced, and the power consumption of the driving fluid is reduced; at the same time, the flow distribution and collection effects make the flow of the magnetic working medium receiving part more uniform, reducing the flow dead corners; the heat exchange medium is made to flow unidirectionally in the internal channel of the entire regenerator component, solving the influence of the retention volume on the temperature span and cooling capacity of the regenerator, and effectively improving the heat exchange efficiency of the regenerator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of magnetic refrigeration equipment, and in particular to a heat regenerator and a magnetic refrigeration device having the same. Background Art

[0002] Magnetic refrigeration technology is a solid-state refrigeration method based on the magnetocaloric effect. It uses environmentally friendly media such as water as heat transfer fluids. It has the characteristics of zero GWP (greenhouse effect potential / global warming potential), zero ODP (atmospheric ozone depletion potential), inherent high efficiency, low noise and low vibration. Compared with the low-temperature field, magnetic refrigeration has broader application prospects within the room temperature range, such as household refrigerators, air conditioners, medical and health care industries.

[0003] As the core component of the magnetic refrigerator, the magnetic regenerator (regenerator) has a built-in porous medium (magnetic working medium) for the heat exchange medium to flow through. The following problems currently exist for the magnetic regenerator:

[0004] The flow uniformity of the fluid flowing into the magnetic packing at the inlet is insufficient, and there is a retention volume in the inlet and outlet pipes or chambers. The so-called retention volume refers to the fluid flowing out of the cold accumulator being retained in the outlet pipe of the cold accumulator, resulting in the fluid not flowing into the heat exchanger for heat exchange but changing direction and flowing into the cold accumulator again in the next cycle. This volume of fluid will cause the cold and hot to mix inside the cold accumulator, thereby affecting the heat exchange efficiency. In addition, since the inlet of the cold accumulator is generally small, there is often a problem of uneven flow when flowing into the cold accumulator. This will cause the heat exchange effect to deteriorate, resulting in the problem of low heat exchange efficiency of the magnetic refrigerator.

[0005] Furthermore, there is also a part of retention volume in the magnetic working fluid filling area. The conventional magnetic refrigerant design can avoid the retention volume in the channel and the inlet transition area through independent inlets and outlets, but the retention volume inside the magnetic refrigerant is still not solved. When the fluid direction of this part of the retention volume is switched, the heat exchange fluid in the magnetic working fluid filling area inside the magnetic refrigerant oscillates between the cold end and the hot end, thereby affecting the temperature gradient inside the refrigerant. Based on the above technical background, the present invention proposes a method to completely solve the influence of all retention volumes on the heat exchange performance of the magnetic refrigerant. Summary of the invention

[0006] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a heat regenerator and a magnetic refrigeration device having the same, so as to solve the problem of low heat exchange efficiency of magnetic refrigerators in the prior art.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, according to one aspect of the present invention, a heat regenerator is provided, comprising: a containing part, the containing part is used to contain magnetocaloric material and heat exchange medium, the containing part is arranged adjacent to a magnetic field generating device, and the containing part can form a hot end and a cold end by applying a changing magnetic field to the magnetocaloric material through the magnetic field generating device; the magnetocaloric material has a cold flow channel group and a hot flow channel group that are independent of each other inside; a hot end inlet pipe, the hot end inlet pipe is connected to the hot end and is connected to the inlet of the hot flow channel group in the containing part; a hot end outlet pipe, the hot end outlet pipe is connected to the hot end and is connected to the outlet of the cold flow channel group in the containing part; a cold end inlet pipe, the cold end inlet pipe is connected to the cold end The end is connected and communicated with the inlet of the cold flow channel group in the accommodation part; the cold end outlet pipe, the cold end outlet pipe is connected to the cold end and communicated with the outlet of the hot flow channel group in the accommodation part; wherein the heat regenerator has a hot flow process and a cold flow process, when the heat regenerator is in the cold flow process, the heat exchange medium enters the accommodation part from the cold end inlet pipe, and after heat exchange with the magnetocaloric material through the cold flow channel group, the heat exchange medium is discharged from the accommodation part through the hot end outlet pipe, when the heat regenerator is in the hot flow process, the heat exchange medium enters the accommodation part through the hot end inlet pipe, and after heat exchange with the magnetocaloric material through the hot flow channel group, the heat exchange medium is discharged from the accommodation part through the cold end outlet pipe.

[0008] Furthermore, the accommodating portion has a first side wall and a second side wall which are arranged opposite to each other, the hot end inlet pipe and the hot end outlet pipe are both connected to the first side wall, and the cold end inlet pipe and the cold end outlet pipe are both connected to the second side wall.

[0009] Furthermore, the hot end inlet pipe and the hot end outlet pipe are independently arranged, and the cold end inlet pipe and the cold end outlet pipe are independently arranged.

[0010] Furthermore, the regenerator further comprises: a first flow distribution and collection structure, the first flow distribution and collection structure is connected to the first side wall, and the hot end inlet pipe and the hot end outlet pipe are connected to the accommodating portion through the first flow distribution and collection structure.

[0011] Furthermore, a changing magnetic field is applied to the magnetocaloric material by a magnetic field generating device, and the magnetocaloric material in the accommodation portion can be formed into a hot side and a cold side through several cycles, wherein the hot side is arranged close to the hot end, and the cold side is arranged close to the cold end; the cold flow channel group includes a plurality of first microchannels, which are arranged at intervals, and the hot flow channel group includes a plurality of second microchannels, which are arranged at intervals, the first microchannels have an inlet located on the cold side and an outlet located on the hot side, and the second microchannels have an inlet located on the hot side and an outlet located on the cold side; wherein the hot end inlet pipe is connected to the hot end and communicates with the inlet of the hot flow channel group, the hot end outlet pipe is connected to the hot end and communicates with the outlet of the cold flow channel group, the cold end inlet pipe is connected to the cold end and communicates with the inlet of the cold flow channel group, and the cold end outlet pipe is connected to the cold end and communicates with the outlet of the hot flow channel group.

[0012] Furthermore, the first flow distribution structure includes: a first flow distribution structure body, a first channel group and a second channel group are opened on the first flow distribution structure body, the first channel group and the second channel group are arranged adjacent to each other, the hot end inlet pipe is connected with the inlet of the hot flow channel group through the first channel group, and the hot end outlet pipe is connected with the outlet of the cold flow channel group through the second channel group; wherein, the first channel group includes a plurality of first channels, and the plurality of first channels are arranged at intervals, and the second channel group includes a plurality of second channels, and the plurality of second channels are arranged at intervals.

[0013] Further, there are a plurality of first channel groups and a plurality of second channel groups, and the plurality of first channel groups and the plurality of second channel groups are alternately arranged along the depth direction of the accommodating portion.

[0014] Furthermore, the regenerator also includes: a second flow distribution structure, the second flow distribution structure is connected to the second side wall, the second flow distribution structure is arranged opposite to the first flow distribution structure, and the cold end inlet pipe and the cold end outlet pipe are connected to the accommodating part through the second flow distribution structure.

[0015] Furthermore, the second flow distribution structure includes: a second flow distribution structure body, a third channel group and a fourth channel group are opened on the second flow distribution structure body, the third channel group and the fourth channel group are arranged adjacent to each other, the cold end inlet pipe is connected with the inlet of the cold flow channel group through the third channel group, and the cold end outlet pipe is connected with the outlet of the hot flow channel group through the fourth channel group; wherein, the third channel group includes a plurality of third channels, and the plurality of third channels are arranged at intervals, and the fourth channel group includes a plurality of fourth channels, and the plurality of fourth channels are arranged at intervals.

[0016] Further, there are a plurality of third channel groups and a plurality of fourth channel groups, and the plurality of third channel groups and the fourth channel groups are alternately arranged along the depth direction of the accommodating portion.

[0017] Furthermore, the first sub-flow collecting structure is integrally formed with the first side wall, and the second sub-flow collecting structure is integrally formed with the second side wall.

[0018] Furthermore, a plurality of magnetocaloric material filling units are provided on the side walls of the accommodation portion adjacent to the first side wall and the second side wall.

[0019] Furthermore, the magnetocaloric material includes a plurality of magnetocaloric material units, and the plurality of magnetocaloric material units have cold flow channel groups and hot flow channel groups interconnected therein.

[0020] Furthermore, the magnetocaloric material is a solid block structure, and the magnetocaloric material has a plurality of first microchannels and a plurality of second microchannels.

[0021] Furthermore, the magnetocaloric material comprises a magnetocaloric material body, in which a plurality of first microchannels and a plurality of second microchannels are arranged, and a powder magnetic fluid filling cavity is formed between the plurality of first microchannels and the plurality of second microchannels and the magnetocaloric material body.

[0022] Furthermore, a powder magnetic fluid-filled cavity is formed between adjacent first microchannels, and / or a powder magnetic fluid-filled cavity is formed between adjacent second microchannels, and / or a powder magnetic fluid-filled cavity is formed between the first microchannel and the second microchannel.

[0023] Furthermore, the magnetocaloric material includes a magnetocaloric material body, which is a hollow structure. A thin partition wall is arranged inside the magnetocaloric material body. There are multiple thin partition walls, and the multiple thin partition walls divide the interior of the magnetocaloric material body into a cold flow channel group and a hot flow channel group. The cold flow channel group and the hot flow channel group are arranged alternately.

[0024] Furthermore, granular magnetocaloric material is provided in the cold flow channel group and the hot flow channel group.

[0025] Furthermore, the hot end inlet pipe, the hot end outlet pipe, the cold end inlet pipe, the cold end outlet pipe and the accommodating portion are integrally formed.

[0026] Further, the accommodation portion is located in a working air gap of the magnetic field generating device, and the accommodation portion and the magnetic field generating device are arranged to be relatively movable to generate a magnetic field.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a magnetic refrigeration device, comprising a regenerator, wherein the regenerator is the above-mentioned regenerator.

[0028] By applying the technical solution of the present invention, in the cold flow process and the hot flow mode, the heat exchange medium in the container can be connected through different circulation channels and flow distribution structures to achieve heat exchange, so that when the regenerator switches from the hot flow process to the cold flow process, or from the cold flow process to the hot flow process, the heat exchange medium in the previous mode will not reverse or reflux at both ends and inside of the container due to the sudden change in the flow direction of the fluid, affecting the performance of the regenerator. The heat exchange method using this structure reduces the pressure loss caused by the diameter change from the pipe mouth to the container, and reduces the power consumption of the driving fluid; at the same time, the flow distribution and collection effects make the flow of the magnetic working medium container more uniform, reducing the flow dead corners; and all heat exchange media flow in one direction in the internal channel of the regenerator, completely solving the influence of the retention volume on the temperature span and cooling capacity of the regenerator. This heat exchange method can effectively improve the heat exchange efficiency of the regenerator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The drawings constituting a part of the present application are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a first embodiment of a heat regenerator according to the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a second embodiment of a heat regenerator according to the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of a third embodiment of a heat regenerator according to the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A-A cross-sectional structural diagram;

[0034] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram showing the inlet and outlet channels and the internal fluid region of the flow distribution and manifold structure and the inner cavity of the receiving part of the first embodiment of the regenerator according to the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram showing an embodiment of a first flow distribution structure of a regenerator according to the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a second flow distribution structure of a regenerator according to the present invention is shown.

[0037] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of a first embodiment of a magnetocaloric material for a heat regenerator according to the present invention is shown;

[0038] Fig. 9 A schematic structural diagram of a second embodiment of a magnetocaloric material for a heat regenerator according to the present invention is shown;

[0039] Fig.10 A schematic structural diagram of a third embodiment of the magnetocaloric material of a regenerator according to the present invention is shown.

[0040] The above drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0041] 10. Accommodation portion; 11. Hot end; 12. Cold end; 13. First side wall; 14. Second side wall; 15. Magnetocaloric material filling unit;

[0042] 20. Hot end outlet pipe;

[0043] 30. Hot end inlet pipe;

[0044] 40. Cold end inlet pipe;

[0045] 50. Cold end outlet pipe;

[0046] 60. first flow distribution structure; 61. first flow distribution structure body; 611. first channel group; 6111. first channel;

[0047] 612, second channel group; 6121, second channel;

[0048] 70, second flow distribution structure; 71, second flow distribution structure body; 711, third channel group; 7111, third channel;

[0049] 712, fourth channel group; 7121, fourth channel;

[0050] 80. housing; 81. screw hole; 82. sealing groove;

[0051] 16. Magnetocaloric material; 161. Cold flow channel group; 1611. First microchannel; 162. Hot flow channel group; 1621. Second microchannel; 163. Powdered magnetic fluid filling cavity; 164. Magnetocaloric material body; 165. Interlayer thin wall; 166. Hot side; 167. Cold side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0053] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0054] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the terms used in this way can be interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein, for example. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0055] Now, exemplary embodiments according to the present application will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments may be implemented in a variety of different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of the present application thorough and complete, and to fully convey the concepts of these exemplary embodiments to those of ordinary skill in the art. In the accompanying drawings, for the sake of clarity, the thickness of the layers and regions may be enlarged, and the same reference numerals are used to represent the same devices, and thus their descriptions will be omitted.

[0056] Combination Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in combination with a specific embodiment of the present invention, a heat regenerator is provided.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the regenerator includes a housing 10, a hot end inlet pipe 30, a hot end outlet pipe 20, a cold end inlet pipe 40 and a cold end outlet pipe 50. The housing 10 is used to accommodate the magnetocaloric material and the heat exchange medium. The housing 10 is arranged adjacent to the magnetic field generating device. The magnetic field generating device applies a magnetic field to the magnetocaloric material to form a hot end 11 and a cold end 12 in the housing 10. The magnetocaloric material 16 has a cold flow channel group 161 and a hot flow channel group 162 that are independent of each other. The hot end inlet pipe 30 is connected to the hot end 11 and communicated with the inlet of the hot flow channel group 162 in the housing 10. The hot end outlet pipe 20 is connected to the hot end 11 and communicated with the outlet of the cold flow channel group 161 in the housing 10. The cold end inlet pipe 40 is connected to the cold end 12 and communicated with the inlet of the cold flow channel group 161 in the housing 10. The cold end outlet pipe 50 is connected to the cold end 12 and communicated with the outlet of the heat flow channel group 162 in the container 10. The regenerator has a hot flow process and a cold flow process. When the regenerator is in the cold flow process, the heat exchange medium enters the container 10 from the cold end inlet pipe 40, and after heat exchange with the magnetocaloric material through the cold flow channel group 161, the heat exchange medium is discharged from the container 10 through the hot end outlet pipe 20. When the regenerator is in the hot flow process, the heat exchange medium enters the container 10 through the hot end inlet pipe 30, and after heat exchange with the magnetocaloric material through the hot flow channel group 162, the heat exchange medium is discharged from the container 10 through the cold end outlet pipe 50.

[0058] In this embodiment, in the cold flow process and hot flow mode, the heat exchange medium in the container can be connected through different circulation channels and flow distribution and collection structures to achieve heat exchange, so that when the regenerator switches from the hot flow process to the cold flow process, or from the cold flow process to the hot flow process, the heat exchange medium in the previous mode will not affect the performance of the regenerator due to the sudden change in the flow direction of the fluid, and the backflow or reflux at both ends and inside the container will not affect the performance of the regenerator. That is, the heat exchange method of this structure is adopted to reduce the pressure loss caused by the diameter change from the pipe mouth to the container, and reduce the power consumption of the driving fluid; at the same time, the flow distribution and collection effect makes the flow of the magnetic medium container more uniform, reducing the flow dead corner; and all heat exchange media are made to flow unidirectionally in the internal channel of the regenerator, completely solving the influence of the retention volume on the temperature span and cooling capacity of the regenerator. This heat exchange method can effectively improve the heat exchange efficiency of the regenerator.

[0059] The accommodating portion 10 has a first side wall 13 and a second side wall 14 that are arranged opposite to each other. The hot end inlet pipe 30 and the hot end outlet pipe 20 are both connected to the first side wall 13, and the cold end inlet pipe 40 and the cold end outlet pipe 50 are both connected to the second side wall 14. This arrangement can improve the connection reliability of the hot end inlet pipe 30, the hot end outlet pipe 20, the cold end inlet pipe 40 and the cold end outlet pipe 50.

[0060] Preferably, in order to further improve the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger, the hot end inlet pipe 30 and the hot end outlet pipe 20 are independently arranged, and the cold end inlet pipe 40 and the cold end outlet pipe 50 are independently arranged.

[0061] Furthermore, the regenerator further includes a first flow distribution structure 60. The first flow distribution structure 60 is connected to the first side wall 13, and the hot end inlet pipe 30 and the hot end outlet pipe 20 are connected to the accommodating portion 10 through the first flow distribution structure 60. This arrangement can ensure that the heat exchange medium flows out of the accommodating portion 10, or flows into the accommodating portion 10 at a uniform speed, so that the heat exchange medium can achieve sufficient heat exchange with the magnetocaloric material.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present application, a changing magnetic field is applied to the magnetocaloric material 16 by a magnetic field generating device, and after several cycles, the magnetocaloric material 16 in the receiving portion 10 can form a hot side 166 and a cold side 167, the hot side 166 is arranged close to the hot end 11, and the cold side 167 is arranged close to the cold end 12; the magnetocaloric material 16 has a mutually independent cold flow channel group 161 and a hot flow channel group 162 inside, the cold flow channel group 161 includes a plurality of first microchannels 1611, and the plurality of first microchannels 1611 are arranged at intervals, and the hot flow channel group 162 includes a plurality of second microchannels 1621, and the plurality of second microchannels 1621 are arranged at intervals. 621 are arranged at intervals, the first microchannel 1611 has an inlet located on the cold side 167 and an outlet located on the hot side 166, and the second microchannel 1621 has an inlet located on the hot side 166 and an outlet located on the cold side 167; wherein, the hot end inlet pipe 30 is connected to the hot end 11 and communicates with the inlet of the hot flow channel group 162, the hot end outlet pipe 20 is connected to the hot end 11 and communicates with the outlet of the cold flow channel group 161, the cold end inlet pipe 40 is connected to the cold end 12 and communicates with the inlet of the cold flow channel group 161, and the cold end outlet pipe 50 is connected to the cold end 12 and communicates with the outlet of the hot flow channel group 162.

[0063] Specifically, Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the first flow distribution structure 60 includes a first flow distribution structure body 61. The first flow distribution structure body 61 is provided with a first channel group 611 and a second channel group 612. The first channel group 611 and the second channel group 612 are arranged adjacent to each other, and the hot end inlet pipe 30 is connected to the inlet of the hot flow channel group 162 through the first channel group 611. The hot end outlet pipe 20 is connected to the outlet of the cold flow channel group 161 through the second channel group 612. Among them, the first channel group 611 includes a plurality of first channels 6111, and the plurality of first channels 6111 are arranged at intervals, and the second channel group 612 includes a plurality of second channels 6121, and the plurality of second channels 6121 are arranged at intervals. Such an arrangement enables the heat exchange medium to flow into the accommodating portion 10 through the first flow distribution structure 60 at the same speed, so that the heat exchange medium can fully perform heat exchange operations with the magnetocaloric material.

[0064] Preferably, there are a plurality of first channel groups 611 and a plurality of second channel groups 612 , and the plurality of first channel groups 611 and the plurality of second channel groups 612 are alternately arranged along the depth direction of the accommodating portion 10 .

[0065] like Figure 1 and Figure 7As shown, the regenerator further includes a second flow distribution structure 70. The second flow distribution structure 70 is connected to the second side wall 14, and the second flow distribution structure 70 is arranged opposite to the first flow distribution structure 60. The cold end inlet pipe 40 and the cold end outlet pipe 50 are connected to the accommodating portion 10 through the second flow distribution structure 70. Specifically, the second flow distribution structure 70 includes a second flow distribution structure body 71. The second flow distribution structure body 71 is provided with a third channel group 711 and a fourth channel group 712, the third channel group 711 and the fourth channel group 712 are arranged adjacent to each other, the cold end inlet pipe 40 is connected to the inlet of the cold flow channel group 161 through the third channel group 711, and the cold end outlet pipe 50 is connected to the outlet of the hot flow channel group 162 through the fourth channel group 712; wherein, the third channel group 711 includes a plurality of third channels 7111, which are arranged at intervals, and the fourth channel group 712 includes a plurality of fourth channels 7121, which are arranged at intervals. Such an arrangement enables the heat exchange medium to flow into the accommodating portion 10 through the second flow distribution structure 70 at the same speed, so that the heat exchange medium can fully perform heat exchange operations with the magnetocaloric material.

[0066] Preferably, there are multiple third channel groups 711 and multiple fourth channel groups 712, and the multiple third channel groups 711 and the fourth channel groups 712 are arranged alternately along the depth direction of the accommodating portion 10. That is, in this embodiment, the structure of the second flow distribution structure 70 can be arranged in the same arrangement as the structure of the first flow distribution structure 60.

[0067] Preferably, the first flow distribution structure 60 is integrally formed with the first side wall 13, and the second flow distribution structure 70 is integrally formed with the second side wall 14. Such an arrangement can improve the stability of the regenerator.

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of magnetocaloric material filling units 15 are provided on the side walls of the accommodating portion 10 adjacent to the first side wall 13 and the second side wall 14. Such an arrangement can improve the heat exchange efficiency and installation stability of the magnetocaloric material.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, the hot end inlet pipe 30, the hot end outlet pipe 20, the cold end inlet pipe 40, the cold end outlet pipe 50 are integrally formed with the accommodating portion 10. Such an arrangement can further improve the stability and reliability of the regenerator.

[0070] The regenerator in the above embodiment can also be used in the technical field of magnetic refrigeration equipment. That is, according to another aspect of the present invention, a magnetic refrigeration device is provided, including a regenerator, and the regenerator is the regenerator in the above embodiment.

[0071] Specifically, the magnetic refrigeration device can reduce the volume of the heat exchange medium retained at the inlet and outlet of the regenerator, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange system. (The so-called retention volume refers to the fluid flowing out of the regenerator being retained in the outlet pipe of the regenerator, resulting in the fluid not flowing into the heat exchanger for heat exchange, but flowing into the regenerator again in the next cycle due to the change of fluid direction. This volume of fluid will cause the cold and hot to mix inside the regenerator, thereby affecting the heat exchange efficiency.

[0072] Since the inlet of the regenerator is generally small, the fluid flowing into the regenerator often has the problem of uneven flow, which leads to poor heat exchange effect and reduces the heat exchange efficiency of the magnetic refrigerator. The magnetic refrigeration device is used to effectively improve the uniformity of the fluid flow inside the regenerator.

[0073] A plurality of tiny channels (including the first channel and the second channel) are arranged at the inlet end of the regenerator to form a liquid separator so that the fluid can flow evenly when entering the regenerator, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency. A dual-channel independent inlet and outlet design is adopted on both sides of the magnetic medium. When the flow direction in the regenerator is switched, the inlet and outlet are switched at the same time, so that the fluid in the inlet and outlet pipes of the regenerator maintains intermittent unidirectional flow. Among them, a control valve body can be arranged in each inlet and outlet pipe to realize the conduction of the channel. For example, the valve body structure can be a one-way valve.

[0074] At the end of the regenerator, a distribution flow structure consisting of multiple tiny independent channels is provided, which is connected to the inlet and outlet channels respectively. This makes the fluid flow in and out of the regenerator uniform. The dual-channel independent inlet and outlet design is adopted. When the flow direction in the regenerator is switched, the inlet and outlet are switched at the same time, so that the fluid in the inlet and outlet pipes of the regenerator maintains intermittent unidirectional flow, thereby reducing the retention volume of the inlet and outlet parts of the regenerator. The so-called retention volume refers to the fluid flowing out of the regenerator being retained in the outlet pipe of the regenerator, not flowing into the heat exchanger for heat exchange, but switching direction and flowing into the regenerator again in the next cycle. This volume of fluid will cause cold and hot mixing inside the regenerator, thereby affecting the heat exchange efficiency.

[0075] In the present application, the regenerator is mainly composed of a cover (not shown in the figure), a shell 80, and a seal (not shown in the figure). The shell is provided with a sealing groove 82, a magnetic fluid filling unit, a flow distribution structure, and inlet and outlet pipes. The cover and the shell are preferably tightened by screw holes 81 evenly distributed on the edge. The shell includes a plurality of magnetic fluid filling units. The space where the magnetic fluid filling unit is located is used to fill microchannel block, granular, powder, irregular sheet, shavings and other shapes of magnetocaloric materials (magnetocaloric materials). The magnetic fluid unit constitutes a magnetic fluid filling area, which is generally a porous medium for fluid to pass through and exchange heat with it. The regenerator includes a flow distribution structure at both ends of the regenerator, and each end of the regenerator has a flow distribution structure. The end of the regenerator close to the cold end heat exchanger is called the low temperature end, and the inlet and outlet connected thereto are called the cold inlet and the cold outlet. Similarly, the end close to the hot end of the heat exchanger is called the high temperature end, and the inlet and outlet connected thereto are called the hot inlet and the hot outlet.

[0076] In magnetic refrigeration, the regenerator is a core component that generates heat and cold and performs heat exchange. The magnetic working fluid filling unit in the regenerator is filled with one or more magnetocaloric materials with Curie temperature. According to the prior art, the magnetocaloric materials are preferably arranged in the regenerator according to the Curie temperature, wherein the high-temperature end is close to the hot-end heat exchanger, and the low-temperature end is close to the cold-end heat exchanger. During the magnetic cold flow process, when the magnetic field of the magnetic field generating device is applied to the regenerator, the magnetocaloric material in the regenerator undergoes a magnetocaloric effect, and the temperature rises under adiabatic conditions. At this time, a heat exchange medium is introduced from the cold inlet of the regenerator, and the heat exchange medium includes but is not limited to aqueous solution and liquid metal. At the same time, the cold outlet fluid does not flow. The heat exchange medium flowing into the cold inlet absorbs the heat in the regenerator and the temperature rises, and flows out from the hot outlet of the regenerator, and then flows into the hot-end heat exchanger for heat exchange. During the demagnetization heat flow process, when the magnetic field applied to the regenerator by the magnetic field generating device is removed, the magnetocaloric effect occurs and the temperature in the regenerator decreases. The heat exchange medium from the hot end heat exchanger flows into the regenerator through the hot inlet of the regenerator. After absorbing the cold, the heat exchange medium flows out from the cold outlet of the regenerator and then flows through the cold end heat exchanger, thus completing the process of hot and cold flow. Refrigeration is achieved through multiple cycles.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, due to the left-right symmetry of the regenerator, if one end is defined as the cold end, the other side is the hot end. Similarly, the inlet and outlet connected to the hot end are called the hot inlet and hot outlet, and the inlet connected to the cold end heat exchanger is called the cold inlet and cold outlet. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the right side is defined as the cold end and the left side is defined as the hot end.

[0078] If the regenerator has only one inlet and one outlet, then the section of the channel from the channel connection (the threaded structure shown in the figure) to the contact surface between the hot and cold ends of the magnetic working medium is a common channel. Since the working condition of the regenerator is generally an oscillating flow, that is, it flows from the hot end to the cold end, and then from the cold end to the hot end. Therefore, in a single inlet and outlet channel, there will be undischarged heat exchange medium that flows back to the regenerator during the reverse process, thereby affecting its efficiency. Therefore, the dual-channel setting of the present application can be used when the regenerator needs to flow through the heat exchange medium from the hot end heat exchanger, and then it flows in through the hot inlet and flows out through the cold outlet. At this time, the hot outlet and the cold inlet are closed, and the hot inlet and the cold outlet are opened. When the regenerator needs to flow through the heat exchange medium from the cold end heat exchanger, it flows in through the cold inlet and flows out through the hot outlet. At this time, the other two ports are closed. In this way, it is ensured that the two flows flow through independent pipes and are unidirectional. Thereby avoiding the mixing of hot and cold fluids, solving the problem of retained volume, and improving the efficiency of the magnetic refrigerator. The function of setting the flow distribution structure is to achieve a flow distribution effect, so that the heat exchange medium can flow through the magnetic working medium unit evenly.

[0079] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the cross section of the channel in the flow distribution structure is a rectangular micropore with a side length of 0.2 mm to 5 mm.

[0080] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , a micropore arrangement of a first flow distribution structure is shown, which has 6 layers, each of which is horizontally connected and each layer is not connected to each other. Different layers are alternately connected to the hot inlet flow channel area and the hot outlet flow channel area, thereby forming liquid separation and liquid collection. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in the figure, “·” indicates vertically outward from the paper surface, indicating inflow, and is connected to the hot inlet flow channel domain. “×” indicates vertically inward from the paper surface, indicating outflow.

[0081] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, it is represented as a fan-shaped regenerator. This embodiment is based on an embodiment of a fan-shaped regenerator. However, the structure of the regenerator of the present application can also be applied to regenerators of other shapes. For example, the cross section along the fluid flow direction is a rectangular, circular, fan-shaped, trapezoidal, elliptical, U-shaped, etc.

[0082] According to another embodiment of the present application, the magnetocaloric material 16 includes a plurality of magnetocaloric material units, each of which has a cold flow channel group 161 and a hot flow channel group 162 that are interconnected. This arrangement can improve the efficiency of the regenerator.

[0083] Among them, Figure 8 As shown, the magnetocaloric material 16 may be a solid block structure, and the magnetocaloric material 16 has a plurality of first microchannels 1611 and a plurality of second microchannels 1621 .

[0084] like Fig. 9 As shown, the magnetocaloric material 16 includes a magnetocaloric material body 164, in which a plurality of first microchannels 1611 and a plurality of second microchannels 1621 are arranged, and a powder magnetic fluid filling cavity 163 is formed between the plurality of first microchannels 1611 and the plurality of second microchannels 1621 and the magnetocaloric material body 164. Such a setting can increase the contact area between the magnetocaloric material and the fluid. Among them, the adjacent first microchannels 1611 can be set to be used to fill the powder magnetic fluid filling cavity 163, and the adjacent second microchannels 1621 can be set to be a powder magnetic fluid filling cavity 163, and at the same time, a powder magnetic fluid filling cavity 163 can be formed between the first microchannel 1611 and the second microchannel 1621. The magnetocaloric material body 164 is preferably made of a material with good thermal conductivity.

[0085] like Fig.10 As shown, in another embodiment of the present application, the magnetocaloric material 16 includes a magnetocaloric material body 164, the magnetocaloric material body 164 is a hollow structure, and a thin interlayer wall 165 is arranged in the magnetocaloric material body 164, and there are multiple thin interlayer walls 165. The multiple thin interlayer walls 165 divide the interior of the magnetocaloric material body 164 into a cold flow channel group 161 and a hot flow channel group 162, and the cold flow channel group 161 and the hot flow channel group 162 are arranged alternately. In this embodiment, the cold flow channel group 161 and the hot flow channel group 162 are used to fill granular magnetocaloric materials, and the heat exchange fluid can flow in the gaps between the particles. Among them, the thin interlayer wall 165 is preferably made of a material with good thermal conductivity.

[0086] In the present application, the receiving portion 10 is located in the working air gap of the magnetic field generating device, and the receiving portion 10 and the magnetic field generating device are arranged to be relatively movable to generate a magnetic field. If the magnetic field generating device is an electromagnet, the receiving portion is located in the working air gap of the magnetic field generating device. If the magnetic field generating device is a permanent magnet, the magnetic field generating device and the receiving portion move relative to each other to generate a changing magnetic field, that is, magnetization and demagnetization.

[0087] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface of", "above", etc. may be used here to describe the spatial positional relationship between a device or feature and other devices or features as shown in the figure. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation described in the figure. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is inverted, the device described as "above other devices or structures" or "above other devices or structures" will be positioned as "below other devices or structures" or "below other devices or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used here are interpreted accordingly.

[0088] In addition to the above, it should be noted that "one embodiment", "another embodiment", "embodiment", etc. mentioned in this specification refer to the specific features, structures or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment included in at least one embodiment generally described in this application. The same expression appearing in multiple places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, when describing a specific feature, structure or characteristic in conjunction with any embodiment, it is claimed that the realization of such feature, structure or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments also falls within the scope of the present invention.

[0089] In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its own emphasis. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0090] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A regenerator, characterized in that: include: A containing part (10), the containing part (10) being used to contain a magnetocaloric material (16) and a heat exchange medium, the containing part (10) being arranged adjacent to a magnetic field generating device, the magnetic field generating device applying a changing magnetic field to the magnetocaloric material (16) to form a hot end (11) and a cold end (12) in the containing part (10); the magnetocaloric material (16) having a cold flow channel group (161) and a hot flow channel group (162) independent of each other inside; A hot end inlet pipe (30), the hot end inlet pipe (30) being connected to the hot end (11) and communicating with an inlet of a hot flow channel group (162) in the accommodating portion (10); A hot end outlet pipe (20), the hot end outlet pipe (20) being connected to the hot end (11) and communicating with an outlet of a cold flow channel group (161) in the accommodating portion (10); A cold end inlet pipe (40), the cold end inlet pipe (40) being connected to the cold end (12) and communicating with an inlet of a cold flow channel group (161) in the accommodating portion (10); A cold end outlet pipe (50), the cold end outlet pipe (50) being connected to the cold end (12) and communicating with an outlet of a hot flow channel group (162) in the accommodating portion (10); The regenerator has a hot flow process and a cold flow process. When the regenerator is in the cold flow process, the heat exchange medium enters the accommodating portion (10) from the cold end inlet pipe (40), exchanges heat with the magnetocaloric material (16) through the cold flow channel group (161), and then is discharged from the accommodating portion (10) through the hot end outlet pipe (20). When the regenerator is in the hot flow process, the heat exchange medium enters the accommodating portion (10) through the hot end inlet pipe (30), exchanges heat with the magnetocaloric material (16) through the hot flow channel group (162), and then is discharged from the accommodating portion (10) through the cold end outlet pipe (50). The accommodating portion (10) has a first side wall (13) and a second side wall (14) arranged opposite to each other, the hot end inlet pipe (30) and the hot end outlet pipe (20) are both connected to the first side wall (13), and the cold end inlet pipe (40) and the cold end outlet pipe (50) are both connected to the second side wall (14); The regenerator further comprises: a first flow distribution and collection structure (60), the first flow distribution and collection structure (60) being connected to the first side wall (13), the hot end inlet pipe (30) and the hot end outlet pipe (20) being connected to the accommodating portion (10) via the first flow distribution and collection structure (60); The magnetic field generating device is used to apply a changing magnetic field to the magnetocaloric material (16), and after several cycles, the magnetocaloric material (16) in the receiving portion (10) can form a hot side (166) and a cold side (167), wherein the hot side (166) is arranged close to the hot end (11), and the cold side (167) is arranged close to the cold end (12); The cold flow channel group (161) comprises a plurality of first microchannels (1611), the plurality of first microchannels (1611) are arranged at intervals, the hot flow channel group (162) comprises a plurality of second microchannels (1621), the plurality of second microchannels (1621) are arranged at intervals, the first microchannels (1611) have an inlet located at a cold side (167) and an outlet located at a hot side (166), the second microchannels (1621) have an inlet located at a hot side (166) and an outlet located at a cold side (167); The hot end inlet pipe (30) is connected to the hot end (11) and communicates with the inlet of the hot flow channel group (162); the hot end outlet pipe (20) is connected to the hot end (11) and communicates with the outlet of the cold flow channel group (161); the cold end inlet pipe (40) is connected to the cold end (12) and communicates with the inlet of the cold flow channel group (161); and the cold end outlet pipe (50) is connected to the cold end (12) and communicates with the outlet of the hot flow channel group (162); The first diversity flow structure (60) comprises: A first flow distribution structure body (61), wherein a first channel group (611) and a second channel group (612) are provided on the first flow distribution structure body (61), wherein the first channel group (611) and the second channel group (612) are arranged adjacent to each other, wherein the hot end inlet pipe (30) is connected to the inlet of the hot flow channel group (162) through the first channel group (611), and the hot end outlet pipe (20) is connected to the outlet of the cold flow channel group (161) through the second channel group (612); Wherein, the first channel group (611) includes a plurality of first channels (6111), and the plurality of first channels (6111) are arranged at intervals, and the second channel group (612) includes a plurality of second channels (6121), and the plurality of second channels (6121) are arranged at intervals; There are a plurality of the first channel groups (611), and a plurality of the second channel groups (612), and the plurality of the first channel groups (611) and the plurality of the second channel groups (612) are arranged alternately along the depth direction of the accommodating portion (10).

2. The regenerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hot end inlet pipe (30) and the hot end outlet pipe (20) are independently arranged, and the cold end inlet pipe (40) and the cold end outlet pipe (50) are independently arranged.

3. The regenerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The regenerator further comprises: A second flow distribution structure (70), the second flow distribution structure (70) is connected to the second side wall (14), the second flow distribution structure (70) is arranged opposite to the first flow distribution structure (60), and the cold end inlet pipe (40) and the cold end outlet pipe (50) are connected to the accommodating portion (10) through the second flow distribution structure (70).

4. The regenerator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second diversity flow structure (70) comprises: a second flow distribution and collection structure body (71), wherein a third channel group (711) and a fourth channel group (712) are provided on the second flow distribution and collection structure body (71), wherein the third channel group (711) and the fourth channel group (712) are arranged adjacent to each other, wherein the cold end inlet pipe (40) is connected to the inlet of the cold flow channel group (161) through the third channel group (711), and the cold end outlet pipe (50) is connected to the outlet of the hot flow channel group (162) through the fourth channel group (712); Wherein, the third channel group (711) includes a plurality of third channels (7111), and the plurality of third channels (7111) are arranged at intervals, and the fourth channel group (712) includes a plurality of fourth channels (7121), and the plurality of fourth channels (7121) are arranged at intervals.

5. The regenerator according to claim 4, characterized in that: There are a plurality of the third channel groups (711), and a plurality of the fourth channel groups (712), and the plurality of the third channel groups (711) and the fourth channel groups (712) are arranged alternately along the depth direction of the accommodating portion (10).

6. The regenerator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first flow distribution structure (60) is integrally formed with the first side wall (13), and the second flow distribution structure (70) is integrally formed with the second side wall (14).

7. The regenerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of magnetocaloric material filling units (15) are provided on the side walls of the accommodating portion (10) adjacent to the first side wall (13) and the second side wall (14).

8. The regenerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The magnetocaloric material (16) comprises a plurality of magnetocaloric material units, wherein the plurality of magnetocaloric material units have a cold flow channel group (161) and a hot flow channel group (162) that are interconnected.

9. The regenerator according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 7, characterized in that: The magnetocaloric material (16) is a solid block structure, and the magnetocaloric material (16) has a plurality of first microchannels (1611) and a plurality of second microchannels (1621).

10. The regenerator according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 7, characterized in that: The magnetocaloric material (16) comprises a magnetocaloric material body (164), wherein a plurality of first microchannels (1611) and a plurality of second microchannels (1621) are arranged in the magnetocaloric material body (164), and a powder magnetic working fluid filling cavity (163) is formed between the plurality of first microchannels (1611) and the plurality of second microchannels (1621) and the magnetocaloric material body (164).

11. The regenerator according to claim 10, characterized in that The powder magnetic medium filling cavity (163) is formed between adjacent first microchannels (1611), and / or The powder magnetic medium filling cavity (163) is formed between adjacent second microchannels (1621), and / or The powder magnetic medium filling cavity (163) is formed between the first microchannel (1611) and the second microchannel (1621).

12. The regenerator according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 7, characterized in that: The magnetocaloric material (16) includes a magnetocaloric material body (164), the magnetocaloric material body (164) is a hollow structure, a partition wall (165) is arranged inside the magnetocaloric material body (164), and the partition wall (165) is multiple. The multiple partition walls (165) divide the interior of the magnetocaloric material body (164) into a cold flow channel group (161) and a hot flow channel group (162), and the cold flow channel group (161) and the hot flow channel group (162) are arranged alternately.

13. The regenerator according to claim 12, characterized in that Granular magnetocaloric material is provided in the cold flow channel group (161) and the hot flow channel group (162).

14. The regenerator according to claim 1, characterized in that The hot end inlet pipe (30), the hot end outlet pipe (20), the cold end inlet pipe (40), the cold end outlet pipe (50) and the accommodating portion (10) are integrally formed.

15. The regenerator according to claim 1, characterized in that The accommodating portion (10) is located in a working air gap of the magnetic field generating device, and the accommodating portion (10) and the magnetic field generating device are arranged to be relatively movable to generate a magnetic field.

16. A magnetic refrigeration device, comprising a regenerator, wherein the regenerator is the regenerator according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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