Magnetic refrigeration device and magnetic refrigeration system

Abstract

The application provides a magnetic refrigeration device and a magnetic refrigeration system. The magnetic refrigeration device comprises a magnetic refrigeration assembly, the magnetic refrigeration assembly comprises a magnetic field generator (10), an actuator (30) and a magnetic regenerator (20), the magnetic regenerator (20) comprises a magnetic heat unit, the actuator (30) is configured to adjust the relative position of the magnetic regenerator (20) and the magnetic field generator (10), and the magnetic heat unit comprises at least two magnetic heat material assemblies, the Curie temperatures of the magnetic heat materials in the at least two magnetic heat material assemblies are different, and the at least two magnetic heat material assemblies are sequentially arranged along the movement direction of the magnetic regenerator (20). According to the magnetic refrigeration device, the switching of the magnetic heat materials can be carried out as required, so that the magnetic heat materials in the system are in a better working state, and the working performance of the magnetic refrigeration device is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of magnetic refrigeration technology, specifically to a magnetic refrigeration device and a magnetic refrigeration system. Background Technology

[0002] A magnetic refrigeration device is a cooling system that utilizes the physical properties of magnetocaloric materials. The technological basis of this device is the magnetocaloric effect of these materials: applying a changing magnetic field to the magnetocaloric material causes its temperature to rise or fall. An increase in magnetic field strength reduces the material's magnetic entropy, releasing heat and increasing its temperature; conversely, a decrease in magnetic field strength increases the material's magnetic entropy, absorbing heat and decreasing its temperature. Therefore, a typical magnetic refrigeration device requires: a changing magnetic field, a magnetic regenerator (for housing the magnetocaloric material), a heat transfer fluid, a cold-end heat exchanger, a hot-end radiator, and a power supply unit.

[0003] The magnetocaloric material in the cold accumulator has the greatest adiabatic temperature change and the strongest magnetocaloric effect at its Curie temperature. As the magnetocaloric material deviates from the Curie temperature, the magnetocaloric effect decreases. When the cold accumulator is filled with only one type of magnetocaloric material, the temperature range of the cold accumulator bed is small. Therefore, in order to increase the temperature range of the cold accumulator, multiple types of magnetocaloric materials should be filled in the cold accumulator. From the hot end to the cold end of the cold accumulator, the Curie temperature of the magnetocaloric material gradually decreases.

[0004] In the cold accumulator, the magnetization and demagnetization zones are filled with magnetocaloric material. However, a larger mass of fluid flowing through this magnetocaloric material zone is not necessarily better. The mass value is related to the temperature range and operating conditions set for the magnetic refrigeration system. Furthermore, a large pressure loss and high piston power consumption occur when the fluid flows through the magnetocaloric material zone. The longer the fluid flows through this zone, the greater the pressure loss, the higher the piston power consumption, and the lower the fluid's energy efficiency. Therefore, when operating a magnetic refrigeration system, the appropriate mass of magnetocaloric material must be determined based on the system's temperature range and operating conditions.

[0005] In known technologies, the magnetothermal material in a magnetic refrigerator is fixed after assembly, and it is impossible to adjust the magnetothermal material according to the actual working environment temperature and target temperature of the magnetic refrigeration system. This causes the magnetic refrigeration system to use all the pre-set magnetothermal materials for heat exchange under any working state. This results in some magnetothermal materials working under poor ambient temperatures, poor magnetothermal effect of the system, and poor overall cooling performance of the magnetic refrigeration system. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this application is to provide a magnetic refrigeration device and a magnetic refrigeration system that can switch the magnetothermal material as needed, so that the magnetothermal material connected to the system is in a better working state and the working performance of the magnetic refrigeration device is guaranteed.

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a magnetic refrigeration device, including a magnetic refrigeration assembly. The magnetic refrigeration assembly includes a magnetic field generator, an actuator, and a magnetic accumulator. The magnetic accumulator includes a magnetothermal unit. The actuator is configured to adjust the relative position between the magnetic accumulator and the magnetic field generator. The magnetothermal unit includes at least two magnetothermal material components. The Curie temperatures of the magnetothermal materials in the at least two magnetothermal material components are different. The at least two magnetothermal material components are arranged sequentially along the movement direction of the magnetic accumulator. The actuator is configured to adjust the relative position between the magnetothermal material components and the working area of ​​the magnetic field generator.

[0008] Preferably, the magnetic accumulator also includes a support frame, the magnetothermal unit is mounted on the support frame, and the actuator is driven to the support frame via a kinematic pair.

[0009] Preferably, the kinematic pair includes a driven tooth and a drive gear. The driven tooth is provided on one side of the bracket along the movement direction of the magnetic accumulator, and the drive gear is provided at the output end of the actuator. The drive gear meshes with the driven tooth for transmission.

[0010] Preferably, the magnetothermal material assembly has connection holes at both ends along the flow direction of the heat exchange fluid, the arrangement direction of the magnetothermal material assembly is perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat exchange fluid in the magnetothermal material assembly, the support includes two side plates and a connecting plate, the magnetothermal material assembly has side plates at both ends along the flow direction of the heat exchange fluid, and the connecting plate is connected between the two side plates.

[0011] Preferably, a clearance groove is provided on the side plate at the position corresponding to the connection hole; and / or, a weight reduction groove is provided on the connection plate.

[0012] Preferably, the driven tooth extends beyond a predetermined length of the magnetothermal unit at the edge of the magnetothermal unit on the side where the actuator is located.

[0013] Preferably, the magnetic field generator includes two permanent magnets arranged opposite each other, with a working area formed between the two permanent magnets. The two permanent magnets are fixed together by a connecting frame, and the magnetic accumulator can translate relative to the permanent magnets within the working area under the action of the actuator.

[0014] Preferably, the morphology of the magnetocaloric material filled in different magnetocaloric material components is different.

[0015] Preferably, the magnetic field generator includes a coil and an iron core, with the coil wound around the iron core and a working area formed between two adjacent iron cores. The magnetic accumulator can translate relative to the iron core within the working area under the action of the actuator.

[0016] Preferably, there are multiple magnetic refrigeration components, which are connected in series along the flow direction of the heat exchange fluid.

[0017] Preferably, there are multiple magnetic refrigeration components, which are arranged in parallel along a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the magnetic accumulator.

[0018] Preferably, there are multiple magnetic refrigeration components, which are divided into at least two groups. The magnetic refrigeration components in the same group are connected in series along the flow direction of the heat exchange fluid, and the magnetic refrigeration components in each group are connected in parallel along a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the magnetic accumulator.

[0019] Preferably, the magnetic refrigeration assembly includes a first assembly, a second assembly, and a third assembly. The magnetic thermal unit of the first assembly is filled with a high-temperature magnetic thermal material, the magnetic thermal unit of the second assembly is filled with a room-temperature magnetic thermal material, and the magnetic thermal unit of the third assembly is filled with a low-temperature magnetic thermal material. The Curie temperature of the high-temperature magnetic thermal material is greater than the Curie temperature of the room-temperature magnetic thermal material, and the Curie temperature of the room-temperature magnetic thermal material is greater than the Curie temperature of the low-temperature magnetic thermal material.

[0020] Preferably, the magnetic refrigeration assembly includes a first assembly, a second assembly, and a third assembly. The first assembly, the second assembly, and the third assembly have the same structure. The first assembly includes a first magnetocaloric material assembly, a second magnetocaloric material assembly, and a third magnetocaloric material assembly. The first magnetocaloric material assembly is filled with a high-temperature magnetocaloric material, the second magnetocaloric material assembly is filled with a room-temperature magnetocaloric material, and the third magnetocaloric material assembly is filled with a low-temperature magnetocaloric material. The Curie temperature of the high-temperature magnetocaloric material is greater than the Curie temperature of the room-temperature magnetocaloric material, and the Curie temperature of the room-temperature magnetocaloric material is greater than the Curie temperature of the low-temperature magnetocaloric material.

[0021] Preferably, the high-temperature section magnetocaloric material is a granular magnetocaloric material, the room-temperature section magnetocaloric material is a plate-shaped magnetocaloric material, and the low-temperature section magnetocaloric material is a microchannel-shaped magnetocaloric material.

[0022] Preferably, the magnetic field generator includes a permanent magnet stator and a permanent magnet rotor, with an annular working area formed between the permanent magnet stator and the permanent magnet rotor. A magnetic accumulator is disposed within the working area, and an actuator is driven to the permanent magnet rotor to drive the permanent magnet rotor to rotate, thereby generating a changing magnetic field in the working area through the rotation of the permanent magnet rotor.

[0023] Preferably, the magnetocaloric material assembly includes a box body and a box cover, with a cavity formed between the box body and the box cover. The magnetocaloric material is filled in the cavity, and the box cover is provided with a connection hole, while the magnetocaloric material is provided with a flow channel hole.

[0024] Preferably, the actuator includes a motor and a spindle, with the motor being driven by the permanent magnet rotor via the spindle.

[0025] According to another aspect of this application, a magnetic refrigeration system is provided, including a magnetic refrigeration device, which is the magnetic refrigeration device described above.

[0026] Preferably, the magnetic refrigeration system further includes a pump, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger. The magnetic refrigeration device includes a first magnetic refrigeration device and a second magnetic refrigeration device. The pump, the first magnetic refrigeration device, the first heat exchanger, the second magnetic refrigeration device, and the second heat exchanger are connected in sequence to form a fluid circuit. The connection holes on each magnetothermal material component of the first magnetic refrigeration device are connected to the first heat exchanger through a first four-way control valve. The connection holes on each magnetothermal material component of the second magnetic refrigeration device are connected to the first heat exchanger through a second four-way control valve.

[0027] The magnetic refrigeration device provided in this application includes a magnetic refrigeration assembly, which comprises a magnetic field generator, an actuator, and a magnetic accumulator. The magnetic accumulator includes a magnetocaloric unit. The actuator is configured to adjust the relative position between the magnetic accumulator and the magnetic field generator. The magnetocaloric unit includes at least two magnetocaloric material components, each with a different Curie temperature. These components are sequentially arranged along the movement direction of the magnetic accumulator. The actuator is configured to adjust the relative position between the magnetocaloric material components and the working area of ​​the magnetic field generator. This magnetic refrigeration device can adjust the relative position between the magnetic accumulator and the magnetic field generator according to operating conditions, thereby adjusting the working positions of different magnetocaloric material components. This causes changes in the magnetocaloric material located within the working area of ​​the magnetic field generator. By switching the magnetocaloric material within the working area of ​​the magnetic field generator, different magnetocaloric materials are present under different operating conditions, ensuring that the magnetocaloric material in the working state is in its optimal operating condition and guaranteeing the performance of the magnetic refrigeration device. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective structural diagram of a magnetic refrigeration device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of a magnetic refrigeration device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the magnetocaloric unit of a magnetic refrigeration device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a perspective structural diagram of the magnetic accumulator of a magnetic refrigeration device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetic refrigeration device in a first state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the magnetic refrigeration device in a second state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 7This is a perspective structural diagram of a magnetic refrigeration device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a perspective structural diagram of a magnetic refrigeration device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a perspective structural diagram of a magnetic refrigeration device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a perspective structural diagram of a magnetic refrigeration device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 11 This is an exploded structural diagram of a magnetic refrigeration device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic refrigeration device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetic refrigeration system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0041] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0042] 01. First component; 02. Second component; 03. Third component; 1. Pump; 2a. First magnetic refrigeration device; 2b. Second magnetic refrigeration device; 3a. First heat exchanger; 3b. Second heat exchanger; 4a. First four-way control valve; 4b. Second four-way control valve; 10. Magnetic field generator; 11. Clearance groove; 12. Weight reduction groove; 20. Magnetic accumulator; 21. First magnetocaloric material assembly; 22. Second magnetocaloric material assembly; 23. Third magnetocaloric material assembly; 24. Support; 25. Driven gear; 26. Side plate; 27. Connecting plate; 28. Connecting hole; 30. Actuator; 31. Drive gear; 41. Pipe joint; 51. Permanent magnet stator; 52. Permanent magnet rotor; 61. Cover; 62. Box body; 621. Flow channel hole; 63. Magnetocaloric material; 70. Main shaft; 80. Motor. Detailed Implementation

[0043] See also Figures 1 to 13 As shown, according to an embodiment of this application, the magnetic refrigeration device includes a magnetic refrigeration assembly, which includes a magnetic field generator 10, an actuator 30, and a magnetic accumulator 20. The magnetic accumulator 20 includes a magnetothermal unit. The actuator 30 is configured to adjust the relative position between the magnetic accumulator 20 and the magnetic field generator 10. The magnetothermal unit includes at least two magnetothermal material assemblies. The magnetothermal materials 63 in the at least two magnetothermal material assemblies have different Curie temperatures. The at least two magnetothermal material assemblies are arranged sequentially along the movement direction of the magnetic accumulator 20. The actuator 30 is configured to adjust the relative position between the magnetothermal material assemblies and the working area of ​​the magnetic field generator 10.

[0044] The magnetic refrigeration device can adjust the relative position of the magnetic accumulator 20 and the magnetic field generator 10 according to the working conditions, and adjust the working position of different magnetic thermal material components. This causes the magnetic thermal material located in the working area of ​​the magnetic field generator 10 to change. By switching the magnetic thermal material located in the working area of ​​the magnetic field generator 10, the magnetic thermal material located in the working area of ​​the magnetic field generator 10 is different under different working conditions. This ensures that the magnetic thermal material in the working state is in the optimal working state, and can guarantee the working performance of the magnetic refrigeration device.

[0045] In this embodiment, the magnetic refrigeration device achieves the switching of the magnetocaloric material within the working area by moving the entire magnetic accumulator 20 relative to the magnetic field generator 10. Therefore, the magnetocaloric material components within the magnetic accumulator 20 can be kept in a fixed state. There is no need to set up a structure that allows relative movement between the magnetocaloric material components and the box or shell of the magnetic accumulator 20, nor is it necessary to add an additional actuator within the magnetic accumulator 20. By utilizing the relationship between the arrangement direction of the magnetocaloric material components and the movement direction of the magnetic accumulator 20, the switching of the magnetocaloric material within the working area can be achieved solely through the movement of the magnetic accumulator 20. The structure of the magnetic accumulator 20 is simpler and easier to implement.

[0046] The magnetic field generator 10 magnetizes or demagnetizes the magnetocaloric material in the working area of ​​the magnetic accumulator 20, causing it to generate cold and heat through a magnetocaloric effect. The cold and heat are then transported to the heat exchangers at the hot and cold ends through the heat exchange fluid in the piping system. The magnetic field generator 10 and actuator 30 in the magnetic refrigeration device are stationary relative to the outer shell of the magnetic refrigeration device, while the magnetic accumulator 20 is moving relative to the outer shell of the magnetic refrigeration device.

[0047] The magnetic accumulator 20 also includes a support 24, on which the magnetocaloric unit is mounted. The actuator 30 is driven to the support 24 via a kinematic pair. Multiple magnetocaloric material components of the magnetocaloric unit are fixedly mounted on the support 24, forming an integrated structure. Driven by the actuator 30, these components are moved through the kinematic pair to switch the magnetocaloric material within the working area. The support 24 serves two purposes: firstly, it connects the multiple magnetocaloric material components of the magnetocaloric unit; secondly, it functions as part of the power transmission mechanism that drives the magnetic accumulator 20 to move.

[0048] In one embodiment, the kinematic pair includes a driven tooth 25 and a drive gear 31. The driven tooth 25 is provided on one side of the support 24 along the movement direction of the magnetic accumulator 20, and the drive gear 31 is provided at the output end of the actuator 30. The drive gear 31 meshes with the driven tooth 25 for transmission. In this embodiment, the kinematic pair is a gear and rack mechanism, and the movement position of the magnetic accumulator 20 is adjusted through the cooperation of the gear and rack.

[0049] In other embodiments, the kinematic pair may also be a crank-connecting rod mechanism, a crank-slider mechanism, a cam-slider mechanism, etc.

[0050] In this embodiment, the actuator 30 is a rotary actuator, such as a motor, and is provided with a drive gear 31. The drive gear 31 meshes with a rack structure arranged on the support 24 of the cold storage component. Through the meshing structure of the gear and rack, the rotary motion of the rotary actuator is converted into the linear motion of the magnetic cold storage 20, so that the magnetic cold storage 20 can realize linear reciprocating motion, thereby realizing the switching of different magnetocaloric materials.

[0051] The magnetothermal material assembly has connection holes 28 at both ends along the flow direction of the heat exchange fluid. The arrangement direction of the magnetothermal material assembly is perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat exchange fluid in the magnetothermal material assembly. The support 24 includes two side plates 26 and a connecting plate 27. The magnetothermal material assembly has side plates 26 at both ends along the flow direction of the heat exchange fluid, and the connecting plate 27 connects the two side plates 26.

[0052] The side plate 26 located at the first end of the heat exchange fluid flow direction of the magnetocaloric material assembly connects the first ends of multiple magnetocaloric material assemblies within the same magnetocaloric unit together. The side plate 26 located at the second end of the heat exchange fluid flow direction of the magnetocaloric material assembly connects the second ends of multiple magnetocaloric material assemblies within the same magnetocaloric unit together. Then, the two side plates 26 are connected together by a connecting plate 27, thus forming a stable and reliable connection structure between the magnetocaloric material assemblies. This facilitates the formation of an integral structure for the magnetic accumulator 20, allows for effective adjustment of the position of the magnetic accumulator 20, and facilitates adjustment of the fit between the magnetocaloric material assembly and the magnetic field working area. The connecting hole 28 is used to connect the heat exchange fluid pipeline to the interior of the magnetocaloric material assembly, allowing the heat exchange fluid to flow into the interior of the magnetocaloric material assembly and exchange heat with the magnetocaloric material.

[0053] In one embodiment, a clearance groove 11 is provided on the side plate 26 at the position corresponding to the connection hole 28. This clearance groove 11 is used to avoid obstructing the connection hole 28, facilitating the connection between the heat exchange fluid pipeline and the connection hole 28. A pipeline connector 41 can be provided at the connection hole 28, thereby enabling quick connection with the heat exchange fluid pipeline and improving connection and disassembly efficiency.

[0054] The pipe connector 41 is an elbow structure located within the clearance groove 11, allowing the fluid pipeline to extend along the end face of the magnetocaloric material assembly and connect with the pipe connector 41. This fully utilizes the internal space of the clearance groove 11 to arrange the heat exchange fluid pipeline, reducing its space occupation. Simultaneously, it effectively avoids interference between the heat exchange fluid pipeline and the magnetic field generator 10 during the movement of the magnetic accumulator 20. The connection method between the pipe connector 41 and the magnetic accumulator 20 is similar to the connection method of rotating accumulators in conventional magnetic refrigeration systems.

[0055] The connecting plate 27 is provided with a weight reduction groove 12, which can reduce the weight of the bracket 24, realize the lightweighting of the magnetic accumulator 20, and reduce material consumption.

[0056] The driven tooth 25 extends beyond the preset length of the magnetocaloric unit at the edge of the magnetocaloric unit on the side where the actuator 30 is located. Specifically, in this embodiment, the length of the side plate 26 is greater than the total width of the magnetocaloric unit along the arrangement direction of the magnetocaloric material assembly, and extends beyond a preset length at one end. A driven tooth 25 is provided on one edge of the side plate 26, forming a rack structure that meshes with the drive gear 31. Since the length of the rack structure is greater than the total width of the magnetocaloric material assembly, there is sufficient allowance to ensure that there is enough meshing length between the driven tooth 25 and the drive gear 31, so that each magnetocaloric material assembly can be completely located within the working area, allowing the performance of the magnetocaloric material assembly to be fully utilized. Because the length of the driven tooth 25 exceeds the total width of the magnetocaloric material assembly in the arrangement direction, a gap will be formed between the connecting plate 27 and the edge of the magnetocaloric unit on the side where the actuator 30 is located in this embodiment. This gap does not need to be too large, only large enough to ensure that the magnetocaloric material assembly on the side where the actuator 30 is located can be completely located within the working area.

[0057] In one embodiment, the magnetic field generator 10 includes two permanent magnets arranged opposite each other, with a working area formed between the two permanent magnets. The two permanent magnets are fixed together by a connecting frame, and the magnetic accumulator 20 can translate relative to the permanent magnets within the working area under the action of the actuator 30.

[0058] Since the magnetic field generator 10 used in this embodiment is a permanent magnet magnetic field generator, its own magnetic field is a fixed magnetic field. A relative motion between the magnetic field generator 10 and the magnetic accumulator 20 is required to generate a changing magnetic field relative to the magnetic accumulator 20. In this embodiment, the changing magnetic field is generated by the actuator 30 driving the magnetic accumulator 20 to reciprocate, thereby magnetizing and demagnetizing the magnetothermal material within the magnetic accumulator 20.

[0059] This method has the following advantages:

[0060] 1. The actuator 30 for switching the magnetocaloric material components and the actuator 30 for driving the magnetic accumulator 20 to move relative to the magnetic field generator 10 are the same, and their power transmission mechanisms are also completely identical. This allows the present application to add the function of switching magnetocaloric materials with different Curie temperatures without adding a separate power source, making the whole system more efficient, the structure more compact, and the functions more comprehensive.

[0061] 2. Using a driven magnetic accumulator 20 to generate a changing magnetic field is more advantageous than using a driven magnet, because the magnetic accumulator 20 has a smaller total volume than a magnet, so driving the magnetic accumulator 20 can better reduce energy consumption.

[0062] In this embodiment, the magnetocaloric material assembly includes a first magnetocaloric material assembly 21, a second magnetocaloric material assembly 22, and a third magnetocaloric material assembly 23, wherein the first magnetocaloric material assembly 21, the second magnetocaloric material assembly 22, and the third magnetocaloric material assembly 23 are filled with different magnetocaloric materials.

[0063] Specifically, the first magnetocaloric material assembly 21 is filled with high-temperature magnetocaloric material, the second magnetocaloric material assembly 22 is filled with room-temperature magnetocaloric material, and the third magnetocaloric material assembly 23 is filled with low-temperature magnetocaloric material. The Curie temperature of the high-temperature magnetocaloric material is higher than that of the room-temperature magnetocaloric material, and the Curie temperature of the room-temperature magnetocaloric material is higher than that of the low-temperature magnetocaloric material. The temperature division of the high-temperature, room-temperature, and low-temperature magnetocaloric materials is not constant and can be adjusted by operators according to actual needs, or calculated by the controller based on factors such as the application region of the magnetic refrigeration device.

[0064] Each magnetocaloric material component is isolated from the others by its housing and is structurally unconnected. Different magnetocaloric materials with varying Curie temperatures are filled within the housings of the different magnetocaloric material components. This ensures that when the magnetic refrigeration system operates at different ambient temperatures, the magnetocaloric material connected to the heat exchange fluid piping remains within its corresponding Curie temperature range, thereby guaranteeing high energy efficiency of the magnetic refrigeration system.

[0065] The aforementioned magnetic refrigeration device, when applied to a magnetic refrigeration system, can switch between multiple operating modes, as detailed below:

[0066] When the ambient temperature is high, the magnetic refrigeration system receives the ambient temperature value through the ambient temperature sensor. Then, the controller controls the actuator 30 to drive the magnetic accumulator 20 to the position where the first magnetocaloric material assembly 21 is located in the working area of ​​the magnetic field generator 10, so that the heat exchange fluid pipeline is connected to the first magnetocaloric material assembly 21 in the high-temperature section. In this state, the actuator 30 drives the accumulator components to move left and right, so that the relative movement range of the magnetic field generator 10 is within the area of ​​the first magnetocaloric material assembly 21 and the second magnetocaloric material assembly 22 on the magnetic accumulator 20.

[0067] When the ambient temperature approaches the target cooling value, the magnetic refrigeration system receives the ambient temperature value through the ambient temperature sensor. Then, the controller controls the actuator 30 to drive the magnetic accumulator 20 to the position where the second magnetocaloric material assembly 22 is located in the working area of ​​the magnetic field generator 10, so that the heat exchange fluid pipeline is connected to the second magnetocaloric material assembly 22 in the normal temperature range. In this state, the actuator 30 drives the accumulator components to move left and right, so that the relative movement range of the magnetic field generator 10 is within the area of ​​the first magnetocaloric material assembly 21 and the second magnetocaloric material assembly 22 on the magnetic accumulator 20, or within the area of ​​the second magnetocaloric material assembly 22 and the third magnetocaloric material assembly 23.

[0068] When the ambient temperature approaches the target cooling value, the magnetic refrigeration system receives the ambient temperature value through the ambient temperature sensor. Then, the controller controls the actuator 30 to drive the magnetic accumulator 20 to the position where the third magnetocaloric material assembly 23 is located in the working area of ​​the magnetic field generator 10, so that the heat exchange fluid pipeline is connected to the third magnetocaloric material assembly 23 in the low-temperature section. In this state, the actuator 30 drives the accumulator components to move left and right, so that the relative movement range of the magnetic field generator 10 is within the area of ​​the second magnetocaloric material assembly 22 and the third magnetocaloric material assembly 23 on the magnetic accumulator 20.

[0069] In addition to the three basic modes mentioned above, the heat exchange fluid pipeline can be connected to two adjacent magnetocaloric material components at the same time, so that when the cold storage moves relative to the magnetic field generator 10, both magnetocaloric material components within the relative movement range of the magnetic field generator 10 are in working state, thereby improving the cooling performance. For example, the second magnetocaloric material component 22 and the third magnetocaloric material component 23 can be connected to the fluid heat exchange fluid pipeline at the same time, or the first magnetocaloric material component 21 and the second magnetocaloric material component 22 can be connected to the fluid heat exchange fluid pipeline at the same time.

[0070] In one embodiment, the magnetic field generator 10 includes a coil and an iron core. The coil is wound around the iron core, and a working area is formed between two adjacent iron cores. The magnetic accumulator 20 can translate relative to the iron core within the working area under the action of the actuator 30. In this embodiment, the magnetic field generator used is an electromagnet magnetic field generator, whose changing magnetic field is generated by changing current. Therefore, the actuator 30 in this embodiment only serves to switch the magnetocaloric material components, connecting different magnetocaloric material components to the heat exchange fluid pipeline.

[0071] In one embodiment, the magnetocaloric materials filled in different magnetocaloric material components have different morphologies. For example, the first magnetocaloric material component 21 is filled with granular magnetocaloric material, the second magnetocaloric material component 22 is filled with plate-shaped magnetocaloric material, and the third magnetocaloric material component 23 is filled with magnetocaloric material blocks with microchannels. Since magnetocaloric materials with different morphologies have different heat exchange effects and different pressure losses, the system can select magnetocaloric materials with different morphologies to be connected to the working flow path according to the actual working conditions to ensure that the system has better cooling performance.

[0072] In one embodiment, multiple magnetic refrigeration components are connected in series along the flow direction of the heat exchange fluid to achieve multi-stage refrigeration. To improve the refrigeration capacity of the magnetic refrigeration device, different Curie temperatures and / or different morphologies of magnetic thermal materials can be filled into different magnetic thermal material components of different magnetic thermal units, so that the magnetic refrigeration device can have a greater refrigeration capacity and more flexible configuration.

[0073] In one embodiment, the magnetic cooling assembly includes a first assembly 01, a second assembly 02, and a third assembly 03. The first assembly 01, the second assembly 02, and the third assembly 03 have the same structure. The first assembly 01 includes a first magnetocaloric material assembly 21, a second magnetocaloric material assembly 22, and a third magnetocaloric material assembly 23. The first magnetocaloric material assembly 21 is filled with a high-temperature magnetocaloric material, the second magnetocaloric material assembly 22 is filled with a room-temperature magnetocaloric material, and the third magnetocaloric material assembly 23 is filled with a low-temperature magnetocaloric material. The Curie temperature of the high-temperature magnetocaloric material is greater than the Curie temperature of the room-temperature magnetocaloric material, and the Curie temperature of the room-temperature magnetocaloric material is greater than the Curie temperature of the low-temperature magnetocaloric material.

[0074] Based on the functions of each of the aforementioned magnetic refrigeration components, the magnetic refrigeration device in this embodiment can have the following combinations of magnetocaloric materials:

[0075] Table 1. Magnetic Cryogenic Material Configuration Table

[0076] Mode 1 Mode 2 Mode 3 Mode 4 Mode 5 Mode 6 Mode 7 Mode 8 First assembly 01 High temperature section High temperature section High temperature section High temperature section Normal temperature section Normal temperature section Normal temperature section Low temperature section First assembly 02 High temperature section High temperature section Normal temperature section Normal temperature section Normal temperature section Normal temperature section Low temperature section Low temperature section First assembly 03 High temperature section Normal temperature section Normal temperature section Low temperature section Normal temperature section Low temperature section Low temperature section Low temperature section

[0077] The different Curie temperature combinations in the table above exhibit different cooling performances and can achieve different cooling purposes. For example, modes 1, 5, and 8 represent the magnetic refrigeration system's ability to operate at the corresponding high, normal, and low temperatures of the magnetocaloric materials, respectively, to maximize its cooling capacity. Modes 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7, on the other hand, allow the magnetic refrigeration system to achieve rapid cooling by adjusting the magnetocaloric material configuration to meet different cooling temperature requirements.

[0078] Furthermore, the magnetocaloric material components in a single magnetocaloric unit can be connected to the heat exchange system individually or in pairs. When a single magnetocaloric unit has only one magnetocaloric material component connected to the heat exchange system, the different configurations are shown in Table 1 above. When a single magnetocaloric element has two magnetocaloric material components connected to the system, the magnetic refrigeration system can have a more powerful cooling capacity because the latter uses twice the amount of magnetocaloric material as the former.

[0079] In this embodiment, the different magnetocaloric material components in the magnetocaloric unit have both different Curie temperatures and different material morphologies. For example, in one embodiment, the magnetic refrigeration assembly includes a first component 01, a second component 02, and a third component 03. The magnetocaloric units of the first component 01 are all filled with high-temperature magnetocaloric material, the magnetocaloric units of the second component 02 are all filled with room-temperature magnetocaloric material, and the magnetocaloric units of the third component 03 are all filled with low-temperature magnetocaloric material. The Curie temperature of the high-temperature magnetocaloric material is higher than that of the room-temperature magnetocaloric material, and the Curie temperature of the room-temperature magnetocaloric material is higher than that of the low-temperature magnetocaloric material. Simultaneously, each of the three magnetocaloric material components in the first component 01 is filled with granular magnetocaloric material, each of the three magnetocaloric material components in the second component 02 is filled with plate-shaped magnetocaloric material, and each of the three magnetocaloric material components in the third component 03 is filled with microchannel-shaped magnetocaloric material. In this way, the magnetic refrigeration system can select magnetocaloric materials with different morphologies to be incorporated into the system according to different operating conditions, thereby achieving better refrigeration performance.

[0080] In one embodiment, there are multiple magnetic refrigeration components, which are arranged in parallel along a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the magnetic accumulator 20, thereby forming multiple parallel heat exchange flow paths, which can further increase the heat exchange capacity, reduce the heat exchange fluid flow, and reduce the flow resistance of the heat exchange fluid in the magnetic calorimetric material.

[0081] In one embodiment, there are multiple magnetic refrigeration components, which are divided into at least two groups. The magnetic refrigeration components in the same group are arranged in series along the flow direction of the heat exchange fluid, and the magnetic refrigeration components of each group are arranged in parallel along a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the magnetic regenerator 20.

[0082] In this embodiment, multi-stage refrigeration is achieved by connecting multiple magnetic refrigeration components in series and in parallel. The connection arrangement of the multiple magnetic refrigeration components is not only the arrangement along the fluid flow direction in the magnetocaloric material component, but also the arrangement perpendicular to the fluid flow direction, which can make the magnetic refrigeration device more compact. At the same time, the magnetic field generators 10 of two adjacent magnetic refrigeration components up and down can be combined into a "曰"-shaped magnetic field generator, further making the magnetic refrigeration components more compact.

[0083] In one embodiment, the magnetic field generator 10 includes a permanent magnet stator 51 and a permanent magnet rotor 52. An annular working area is formed between the permanent magnet stator 51 and the permanent magnet rotor 52. The magnetic regenerator 20 is arranged in the working area. The actuator 30 is drivingly connected to the permanent magnet rotor 52 to drive the permanent magnet rotor 52 to rotate, and a changing magnetic field is formed in the working area through the rotation of the permanent magnet rotor 52. The actuator 30 includes a motor 80 and a main shaft 70. The motor 80 is drivingly connected to the permanent magnet rotor 52 through the main shaft 70. The magnetic field generator 10 of this embodiment uses rotation to generate a changing magnetic field. The magnetic regenerator 20 is also an annular structure as a whole and forms segmented magnetocaloric units. Multiple magnetocaloric units are connected end to end in sequence to form an annular structure.

[0084] The motor 80 is connected to the permanent magnet rotor 52 through the main shaft 70. The motor 80 drives the main shaft to drive the permanent magnet rotor to perform a rotational motion, so that a relative rotational motion occurs between the permanent magnet rotor 52 and the permanent magnet stator 51, and then a changing magnetic field is generated in the annular area where the regenerator is located. Therefore, when the permanent magnet rotor 52 rotates to the corresponding phase where the magnetocaloric material component is located, it is magnetized, causing the magnetocaloric material inside to generate heat; when the permanent magnet rotor 52 moves away from the magnetocaloric material component, it is demagnetized, causing the magnetocaloric material inside to generate cold.

[0085] The magnetocaloric material component includes a box body 62 and a box cover 61. A cavity is formed between the box body 62 and the box cover 61. The magnetocaloric material 63 is filled in the cavity. A connection hole 28 is provided on the box cover 61. A flow channel hole 621 is provided in the magnetocaloric material. The connection hole 28 and the flow channel hole 621 are correspondingly arranged, so that the heat exchange fluid can enter the flow channel hole 621 through the connection hole 28 to exchange heat with the magnetocaloric material 63, and then flow out from the connection hole 28 at the other end through the flow channel hole 621.

[0086] Since the permanent magnet rotor uses a unidirectional rotation drive, a separate actuator 30 is not required to drive the magnetic accumulator 20 for motion switching. Only a four-way valve is needed to select and connect the required magnetothermal material components. The heat exchange fluid pipeline is connected to the flow channel holes 621 through the connection holes 28 at both ends of the magnetothermal material components.

[0087] According to an embodiment of this application, a magnetic refrigeration system includes a magnetic refrigeration device, which is the magnetic refrigeration device described above.

[0088] The magnetic refrigeration system also includes a pump 1, a first heat exchanger 3a, and a second heat exchanger 3b. The magnetic refrigeration device includes a first magnetic refrigeration device 2a and a second magnetic refrigeration device 2b. The pump 1, the first magnetic refrigeration device 2a, the first heat exchanger 3a, the second magnetic refrigeration device 2b, and the second heat exchanger 3b are connected in sequence to form a fluid circuit. The connection holes 28 on each magnetic thermal material component of the first magnetic refrigeration device 2a are connected to the first heat exchanger 3a through a first four-way control valve 4a. The connection holes 28 on each magnetic thermal material component of the second magnetic refrigeration device 2b are connected to the first heat exchanger 3a through a second four-way control valve 4b.

[0089] One port of the first four-way control valve 4a is connected to the first heat exchanger 3a, and the other three ports are connected to the connection holes 28 on the first magnetocaloric material assembly 21, the second magnetocaloric material assembly 22, and the third magnetocaloric material assembly 23, respectively. During operation, the magnetocaloric material assemblies that participate in the operation and those that do not can be selected as needed. The magnetocaloric material assemblies that participate in the operation are connected to the heat exchange fluid pipeline at the end of the first heat exchanger 3a, while the branch where the magnetocaloric material assemblies that do not participate in the operation are closed, so that no heat exchange fluid flows through the magnetocaloric material assemblies that do not participate in the operation. This allows different magnetocaloric materials to be connected to the heat exchange fluid pipeline of the magnetic refrigeration system, so that the magnetocaloric materials connected to the heat exchange fluid pipeline are all in the best working state, so that the pressure resistance of the system reaches the required optimal state, thereby ensuring the best refrigeration performance of the system.

[0090] When the actuator 30 switches a certain magnetothermal material component in the magnetic accumulator 20 to the working state, the four-way control valve in the system will connect the branch flow path corresponding to the magnetothermal material component in the working state to the main flow path, so that the heat exchange fluid can flow through the magnetothermal material component and exchange heat with the magnetothermal material inside, thereby realizing the cooling or heating function of the magnetic refrigeration system.

[0091] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the aforementioned advantageous methods can be freely combined and superimposed without conflict.

[0092] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application. The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A magnetic refrigeration device, characterized in that, The device includes a magnetic refrigeration assembly, which includes a magnetic field generator (10), an actuator (30), and a magnetic accumulator (20). The magnetic accumulator (20) includes a magnetocaloric unit. The actuator (30) is configured to adjust the relative position of the magnetic accumulator (20) and the magnetic field generator (10). The magnetocaloric unit includes at least two magnetocaloric material components. The Curie temperatures of the magnetocaloric materials in the at least two magnetocaloric material components are different. The at least two magnetocaloric material components are arranged sequentially along the direction of movement of the magnetic accumulator (20).

2. The magnetic refrigeration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic accumulator (20) also includes a bracket (24), the magnetic thermal unit is mounted on the bracket (24), and the actuator (30) is driven to the bracket (24) through a kinematic pair.

3. The magnetic refrigeration device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The kinematic pair includes a driven tooth (25) and a drive gear (31). The driven tooth (25) is provided on one side of the bracket (24) along the movement direction of the magnetic accumulator (20). The drive gear (31) is provided at the output end of the actuator (30). The drive gear (31) meshes with the driven tooth (25) for transmission.

4. The magnetic refrigeration device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The magnetothermal material assembly has connection holes (28) at both ends along the flow direction of the heat exchange fluid. The arrangement direction of the magnetothermal material assembly is perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat exchange fluid in the magnetothermal material assembly. The support (24) includes two side plates (26) and a connecting plate (27). The magnetothermal material assembly has the side plates (26) at both ends along the flow direction of the heat exchange fluid, and the connecting plate (27) connects the two side plates (26).

5. The magnetic refrigeration device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The side plate (26) is provided with a clearance groove (11) corresponding to the position of the connecting hole (28); and / or, the connecting plate (27) is provided with a weight reduction groove (12).

6. The magnetic refrigeration device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The driven tooth (25) extends beyond the preset length of the magnetothermal unit at the edge of the magnetothermal unit located on the side where the actuator (30) is located.

7. The magnetic refrigeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The magnetic field generator (10) includes two permanent magnets arranged opposite each other, with a working area formed between the two permanent magnets. The two permanent magnets are fixed together by a connecting frame. The magnetic accumulator (20) can translate relative to the permanent magnets in the working area under the action of the actuator (30).

8. The magnetic refrigeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The morphology of the magnetocaloric material filling different magnetocaloric material components is different.

9. The magnetic refrigeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The magnetic field generator (10) includes a coil and an iron core. The coil is wound around the iron core, and a working area is formed between two adjacent iron cores. The magnetic accumulator (20) is able to translate relative to the iron core within the working area under the action of the actuator (30).

10. The magnetic refrigeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The magnetic refrigeration components are multiple, and the multiple magnetic refrigeration components are connected in series along the flow direction of the heat exchange fluid.

11. The magnetic refrigeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The magnetic refrigeration components are multiple, and the multiple magnetic refrigeration components are arranged in parallel along a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the magnetic accumulator (20).

12. The magnetic refrigeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The magnetic refrigeration components are multiple, and the multiple magnetic refrigeration components are divided into at least two groups. The magnetic refrigeration components located in the same group are connected in series along the flow direction of the heat exchange fluid, and the magnetic refrigeration components in each group are connected in parallel along a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the magnetic accumulator (20).

13. The magnetic refrigeration device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The magnetic refrigeration assembly includes a first assembly (01), a second assembly (02), and a third assembly (03). The magnetic thermal unit of the first assembly (01) is filled with a high-temperature magnetic thermal material, the magnetic thermal unit of the second assembly (02) is filled with a room-temperature magnetic thermal material, and the magnetic thermal unit of the third assembly (03) is filled with a low-temperature magnetic thermal material. The Curie temperature of the high-temperature magnetic thermal material is greater than that of the room-temperature magnetic thermal material, and the Curie temperature of the room-temperature magnetic thermal material is greater than that of the low-temperature magnetic thermal material.

14. The magnetic refrigeration device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The magnetic refrigeration assembly includes a first assembly (01), a second assembly (02), and a third assembly (03). The first assembly (01), the second assembly (02), and the third assembly (03) have the same structure. The first assembly (01) includes a first magnetic thermal material assembly (21), a second magnetic thermal material assembly (22), and a third magnetic thermal material assembly (23). The first magnetic thermal material assembly (21) is filled with high-temperature magnetic thermal material, the second magnetic thermal material assembly (22) is filled with room-temperature magnetic thermal material, and the third magnetic thermal material assembly (23) is filled with low-temperature magnetic thermal material. The Curie temperature of the high-temperature magnetic thermal material is greater than that of the room-temperature magnetic thermal material, and the Curie temperature of the room-temperature magnetic thermal material is greater than that of the low-temperature magnetic thermal material.

15. The magnetic refrigeration device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The high-temperature section magnetocaloric material is a granular magnetocaloric material, the room-temperature section magnetocaloric material is a plate-shaped magnetocaloric material, and the low-temperature section magnetocaloric material is a microchannel-shaped magnetocaloric material.

16. A magnetic refrigeration system, comprising a magnetic refrigeration device, characterized in that, The magnetic refrigeration device is the magnetic refrigeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The magnetic refrigeration system according to claim 16, characterized in that, The magnetic refrigeration system further includes a pump (1), a first heat exchanger (3a), and a second heat exchanger (3b). The magnetic refrigeration device includes a first magnetic refrigeration device (2a) and a second magnetic refrigeration device (2b). The pump (1), the first magnetic refrigeration device (2a), the first heat exchanger (3a), the second magnetic refrigeration device (2b), and the second heat exchanger (3b) are sequentially connected to form a fluid circuit. The connection holes (28) on each of the magnetic thermal material components of the first magnetic refrigeration device (2a) are connected to the first heat exchanger (3a) through a first four-way control valve (4a). The connection holes (28) on each of the magnetic thermal material components of the second magnetic refrigeration device (2b) are connected to the first heat exchanger (3a) through a second four-way control valve (4b).

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