Magnetic heat pump system

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of magnetic refrigeration, in particular to a magnetic heat pump system. The problems that an existing magnetic refrigeration system is few in application scene and low in refrigeration / heat quantity are solved. In order to achieve the purpose, the magnetic heat pump system comprises multiple stages of magnetic refrigeration modules which are sequentially arranged, each stage of magnetic refrigeration module comprises a magnetic field assembly and a heat regenerator, a first outlet of the upper-stage heat regenerator communicates with a first inlet of the lower-stage heat regenerator, and a second inlet of the upper-stage heat regenerator communicates with a second outlet of the lower-stage heat regenerator; the first end of the first heat exchanger communicates with the first inlet of the multi-stage heat regenerator, and the second end of the first heat exchanger communicates with the second outlet of the multi-stage heat regenerator; the first end of the second heat exchanger communicates with a first outlet of the final-stage heat regenerator, and the second end of the second heat exchanger communicates with a second inlet of the final-stage heat regenerator; the pumping part is used for conveying the heat-conducting medium to flow back and forth; and the valve group is used for controlling the connection and disconnection of the first inlet and the second outlet of each stage of heat regenerator. Large-temperature-span regulation and control can be achieved, and the refrigerating and heating requirements of different environments can be met.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of magnetic refrigeration, and particularly relates to a magnetic heat pump system. BACKGROUND

[0002] As the most mature system on the market at present, the vapor compression system is most commonly used in air conditioners, has high refrigeration efficiency, stable system, high technical maturity, and an advantage in cost. However, the system needs to use a refrigerant cycle, has a complex structure, and refrigerant leakage will cause damage to the environment. Therefore, developing new heat pump technologies has become the focus of major manufacturers, and typical new heat pump technologies include semiconductor refrigeration, Stirling refrigeration, magnetic refrigeration and the like.

[0003] Among them, the magnetic refrigeration technology has a potential higher energy efficiency ratio (COP) and high theoretical efficiency (5-6 times that of the traditional vapor compression system). Moreover, the magnetic refrigeration system does not have a compressor, operates at normal pressure, realizes refrigeration and heat supply through magnetic field changes, can significantly reduce noise and vibration, and provides a quieter operating environment. Therefore, the magnetic refrigeration technology has become a heat pump technology with great potential. However, the current application of the magnetic refrigeration technology generally adopts a single-stage magnetic refrigeration system, the refrigeration capacity of the system is not large, the temperature span that can be achieved is low, and the system is not suitable for scenes with large environmental temperature changes, large temperature spans and large refrigeration capacities, thereby limiting its wide application in families.

[0004] Correspondingly, there is a need in the art for a new technical solution to solve the above problems. SUMMARY

[0005] In order to solve at least one of the above problems in the prior art, that is, to solve the problem of few applicable scenes and low refrigeration / heat of the existing magnetic refrigeration system, the present application provides a magnetic heat pump system, which comprises:

[0006] A magnetic refrigeration module, the magnetic refrigeration module is sequentially provided with multiple stages, each stage of the magnetic refrigeration module comprises a magnetic field assembly and a regenerator, the regenerator has a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet and a second outlet, in adjacent magnetic refrigeration modules, the first outlet of the regenerator at the upper stage is in communication with the first inlet of the regenerator at the lower stage, and the second inlet of the regenerator at the upper stage is in communication with the second outlet of the regenerator at the lower stage;

[0007] A first heat exchanger, a first end of the first heat exchanger is in communication with the first inlets of the regenerators of the multiple stages of the magnetic refrigeration modules at the same time, and a second end of the first heat exchanger is in communication with the second outlets of the regenerators of the multiple stages of the magnetic refrigeration modules at the same time;

[0008] a second heat exchanger, a first end of the second heat exchanger being in communication with a first outlet of the regenerator of the last stage of the magnetic refrigeration module, and a second end of the second heat exchanger being in communication with a second inlet of the regenerator of the last stage of the magnetic refrigeration module;

[0009] a pumping unit for transporting the heat-conducting medium to reciprocally flow between the first heat exchanger, the multiple stages of the regenerator, and the second heat exchanger;

[0010] a valve group for controlling the on-off between the first end of the first heat exchanger and the first inlet of the regenerator of each stage of the magnetic refrigeration module, and the on-off between the second end of the first heat exchanger and the second outlet of the regenerator of each stage of the magnetic refrigeration module.

[0011] The magnetic heat pump system of the present application can realize large temperature span regulation and control, and can meet the refrigeration and heating requirements in different environments, by arranging multiple stages of magnetic refrigeration modules and arranging the first heat exchanger to be in communication with the first inlet and the second outlet of the regenerator of the multiple stages of the magnetic refrigeration modules. The valve group can be used to selectively open different stages of the magnetic refrigeration modules, so as to adjust the temperature span and the refrigeration / heating capacity, and to realize precise temperature control and higher energy efficiency ratio. The arrangement of the two pairs of inlets and outlets on the regenerator can form two independent medium flow paths, which is conducive to the independent unidirectional flow of the heat-conducting medium in the excitation heat extraction and demagnetization cooling processes of the magnetic refrigeration module, so that the heat-conducting medium presents a pulse flow in the pipe, thereby reducing the flow dead zone. Moreover, the above arrangement of the present application is also conducive to avoiding the energy loss caused by the heat offset of the heat-conducting medium when reciprocally flowing in the same flow path during the excitation heat extraction and demagnetization cooling processes, thereby improving the overall energy efficiency of the system.

[0012] In the preferred technical solutions of the above magnetic heat pump system, the pumping unit comprises a first circulating pump and a second circulating pump, the magnetic heat pump system further comprises a first liquid storage unit and a second liquid storage unit, the discharge port of the first circulating pump is in communication with the first inlets of the regenerators of the multiple stages of the magnetic refrigeration modules, the inlet port of the first circulating pump is in communication with the second outlets of the regenerators of the multiple stages of the magnetic refrigeration modules, the discharge port of the second circulating pump is in communication with the second inlet of the regenerator of the last stage of the magnetic refrigeration module, the inlet port of the second circulating pump is in communication with the first outlet of the regenerator of the last stage of the magnetic refrigeration module, the first liquid storage unit is in communication with the inlet port of the first circulating pump, and the second liquid storage unit is in communication with the inlet port of the second circulating pump.

[0013] In the preferred technical solutions of the above magnetic heat pump system, the first liquid storage unit is further arranged between the first end of the first heat exchanger and the inlet port of the first circulating pump, and the second liquid storage unit is further arranged between the second end of the second heat exchanger and the inlet port of the second circulating pump.

[0014] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned magnetic heat pump system, the pumping part is a double-acting piston pump, and the double-acting piston pump has two liquid storage cavities independent of each other, one of which is provided with a first liquid inlet and a first liquid outlet, and the other of which is provided with a second liquid inlet and a second liquid outlet, the first liquid inlet is in communication with the second outlet of the regenerator of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module at the same time, the first liquid outlet is in communication with the first inlet of the regenerator of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module at the same time, the second liquid inlet is in communication with the first outlet of the regenerator of the last-stage magnetic refrigeration module, and the second liquid outlet is in communication with the second inlet of the regenerator of the last-stage magnetic refrigeration module.

[0015] The double-acting piston pump is used as the pumping part, and the internal cavity of the double-acting piston pump is larger, which can be used as a storage chamber for heat exchange medium, so that the heat exchange medium storage device can be saved, and the complexity of the system is reduced.

[0016] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned magnetic heat pump system, the first liquid inlet is further in communication with the first end of the first heat exchanger, or the first liquid outlet is further in communication with the second end of the first heat exchanger; and

[0017] The second liquid inlet is further in communication with the second end of the second heat exchanger, or the second liquid outlet is further in communication with the first end of the second heat exchanger.

[0018] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned magnetic heat pump system, the first inlet and the second outlet are arranged at one end of the length direction of the regenerator, and the first outlet and the second inlet are arranged at the other end of the length direction of the regenerator.

[0019] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned magnetic heat pump system, the valve group includes a plurality of first on-off valves corresponding to the number of regenerators, and a plurality of second on-off valves corresponding to the number of regenerators, and there is one first on-off valve on the pipeline through which the first end of the first heat exchanger is in communication with the first inlet of the regenerator of each magnetic refrigeration module, and one second on-off valve is arranged on the pipeline through which the second end of the first heat exchanger is in communication with the second outlet of the regenerator of each magnetic refrigeration module; or

[0020] The valve group includes a plurality of first flow regulating valves corresponding to the number of regenerators, and a plurality of second flow regulating valves corresponding to the number of regenerators, and there is one first flow regulating valve on the pipeline through which the first end of the first heat exchanger is in communication with the first inlet of the regenerator of each magnetic refrigeration module, and one second flow regulating valve is arranged on the pipeline through which the second end of the first heat exchanger is in communication with the second outlet of the regenerator of each magnetic refrigeration module.

[0021] By setting the first flow regulating valve and the second flow regulating valve, the flow of each magnetic refrigeration module can be individually adjusted, and the system regulation accuracy is improved.

[0022] In the preferred technical solution of the above magnetic heat pump system, the magnetic heat pump system comprises three-stage magnetic refrigeration modules.

[0023] In the preferred technical solution of the above magnetic heat pump system, the specifications of the multiple-stage magnetic refrigeration modules are the same or different.

[0024] In the preferred technical solution of the above magnetic heat pump system, the Curie temperatures of the single magnetic heat working medium filled in the multiple-stage regenerators or the temperature ranges formed by the Curie temperatures of the multiple magnetic heat working mediums are the same or different. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] The present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 a system diagram of a first embodiment of the magnetic heat pump system of the present application;

[0027] Figure 2 a system diagram of a second embodiment of the magnetic heat pump system of the present application.

[0028] List of reference signs

[0029] 1, magnetic refrigeration module; 11, magnetic field assembly; 12, regenerator; 121, first inlet; 122, first outlet; 123, second inlet; 124, second outlet; 2, first heat exchanger; 3, second heat exchanger; 4, pumping unit; 41, first circulating pump; 42, second circulating pump; 43, bidirectional piston pump; 431, first liquid inlet; 432, first liquid outlet; 433, second liquid inlet; 434, second liquid outlet; 51, first on-off valve; 52, second on-off valve; 61, first liquid storage; 62, second liquid storage. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The preferred embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of the present application, and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present application.

[0031] It should be noted that in the description of the present application, the terms indicating the direction or positional relationship of the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and the like are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the drawings, which is only for the convenience of description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third" are only for the purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. In addition, in the description of the present application, "multi-stage" means at least two stages.

[0032] In addition, it should be noted that in the description of the present application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "mounting", "connection", "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be fixedly connected, or it can be detachably connected, or integrally connected; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium; it can be the communication inside two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] First refer to Figure 1 The magnetic heat pump system of the present application is briefly introduced.

[0034] As Figure 1 shown, in order to solve the problem of few applicable scenarios and low refrigeration / heat of the existing magnetic refrigeration system, the magnetic heat pump system of the present application comprises a magnetic refrigeration module 1, a first heat exchanger 2, a second heat exchanger 3, a pumping part 4 and a valve group. The magnetic refrigeration module 1 is provided with multiple stages in turn, and each stage of the magnetic refrigeration module 1 comprises a magnetic field assembly 11 and a regenerator 12, wherein the regenerator 12 has a first inlet 121, a first outlet 122, a second inlet 123 and a second outlet 124. In adjacent magnetic refrigeration modules 1, the first outlet 122 of the regenerator 12 at the upper stage is in communication with the first inlet 121 of the regenerator 12 at the lower stage, and the second inlet 123 of the regenerator 12 at the upper stage is in communication with the second outlet 124 of the regenerator 12 at the lower stage. The first end of the first heat exchanger 2 is in communication with the first inlets 121 of the regenerators 12 of the multiple stages of the magnetic refrigeration module 1 at the same time, and the second end of the first heat exchanger 2 is in communication with the second outlets 124 of the regenerators 12 of the multiple stages of the magnetic refrigeration module 1 at the same time. The first end of the second heat exchanger 3 is in communication with the first outlet 122 of the regenerator 12 of the last stage of the magnetic refrigeration module 1, and the second end of the second heat exchanger 3 is in communication with the second inlet 123 of the regenerator 12 of the last stage of the magnetic refrigeration module 1. The pumping part 4 is used to transport the heat-conducting medium to flow back and forth between the first heat exchanger 2, the multiple regenerators 12 and the second heat exchanger 3. The valve group is used to control the on-off between the first end of the first heat exchanger 2 and the first inlets 121 of the regenerators 12 of each stage of the magnetic refrigeration module 1, and the on-off between the second end of the first heat exchanger 2 and the second outlets 124 of the regenerators 12 of each stage of the magnetic refrigeration module 1.

[0035] For example, when the heating demand is large, the magnetic field of the regenerator 12 in the plurality of magnetic refrigeration modules 1 is applied, and the temperature of the magnetic heat working substance in the plurality of regenerators 12 rises. The heat conducting medium flows through the plurality of regenerators 12 in the direction from the first magnetic refrigeration module 1 to the last magnetic refrigeration module 1 under the transportation of the pumping part 4, exchanges heat with the magnetic heat working substance in the plurality of regenerators 12, takes out the heat and transports it to the second heat exchanger 3, exchanges heat with the air in the target space through the second heat exchanger 3, and thus the heating of the target space is realized. Then, the magnetic field of the plurality of regenerators 12 is removed, and the temperature of the magnetic heat working substance in the plurality of regenerators 12 drops. At this time, the heat conducting medium flows through the plurality of regenerators 12 in the reverse direction under the transportation of the pumping part 4, exchanges heat with the magnetic heat working substance in the plurality of regenerators 12 in the reverse direction, takes out the cold and transports it to the first heat exchanger 2, exchanges heat with the outdoor air through the first heat exchanger 2, and thus the heat is absorbed from the outdoor air, and thus one cycle is completed.

[0036] When the heating demand or the temperature span demand is small, part of the magnetic refrigeration modules 1 can be bypassed by controlling the opening and closing of the valves in the valve group, and only part of the magnetic refrigeration modules 1 is used for heating. For example, only one or several magnetic refrigeration modules 1 in the plurality of magnetic refrigeration modules 1 are used to realize the heating of the target space, and the working process of the magnetic refrigeration module 1 is similar to the above, which will not be described in detail.

[0037] In the present application, the heat conducting medium is not limited, which can be water, ethylene glycol, etc., and liquid metal can also be used for high temperature conditions.

[0038] The magnetic heat pump system of the present application can realize large temperature span regulation by setting the plurality of magnetic refrigeration modules 1 and setting the first heat exchanger 2 to simultaneously communicate with the first inlet 121 and the second outlet 124 of the plurality of magnetic refrigeration modules 1, and can meet the refrigeration and heating demands in different environments. By setting the valve group, different levels of magnetic refrigeration modules 1 can be selectively opened to adjust the temperature span and the refrigeration / heat, realize precise temperature control and higher energy efficiency ratio. By setting two pairs of inlets and outlets on the regenerator 12, the system can form two independent medium flow paths, which is beneficial to the independent unidirectional flow of the heat conducting medium in the magnetic refrigeration module 1 in the processes of excitation heat extraction and demagnetization cooling, so that the heat conducting medium presents a pulse flow in the pipe, thereby reducing the flow dead zone. Moreover, the above setting mode of the present application is also beneficial to avoiding the energy loss caused by the heat mutual offset of the heat conducting medium when flowing back and forth in the same flow path in the processes of excitation heat extraction and demagnetization cooling, and thus the overall energy efficiency of the system is improved.

[0039] The following will be described with reference to Figure 1This paper describes a first embodiment of the magnetic heat pump system of this application. It should be noted beforehand that in the following embodiments, "magnetic refrigeration module 1" is merely a general term for the module and is not intended to limit its specific operating state. Those skilled in the art will understand that the magnetic refrigeration module 1 simultaneously performs magnetization (heating) and demagnetization (cooling) processes in one cycle. Whether the magnetic refrigeration module 1 specifically functions as a refrigeration or heating module depends entirely on the placement of the first heat exchanger 2 and the second heat exchanger 3, and is unrelated to the module's name. Therefore, in some embodiments, when the magnetic refrigeration module 1 is used for heating, it can also be referred to as a magnetic heating module.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, in the first embodiment, the magnetic heat pump system of this application includes a magnetic refrigeration module 1, a first heat exchanger 2, a second heat exchanger 3, a pumping unit 4, a valve group, a first liquid storage unit 61, and a second liquid storage unit 62.

[0041] Three magnetic refrigeration modules 1 are provided, each including a magnetic field assembly 11 and a regenerator 12. The regenerator 12 typically includes a shell and a magnetic thermal working fluid disposed within the shell. Channels for the flow of the heat-conducting medium are formed within the shell. The magnetic thermal working fluid can be arranged in a multi-layer microchannel configuration or a particle-filled configuration. Preferably, the magnetic field assembly 11 includes a drive mechanism, a transmission mechanism, a fixed magnet, and a rotating magnet. Both the fixed and rotating magnets are annular, with the rotating magnet rotatably disposed radially inside the fixed magnet. The drive mechanism can be a motor or a geared motor, and the transmission mechanism can be a transmission belt assembly, a transmission chain assembly, or a gear set, etc. The drive mechanism is connected to the rotating magnet through the transmission mechanism to drive the rotating magnet to rotate. In one possible embodiment, the fixed magnet and the rotating magnet are arranged in a nested Halbach magnet structure. When the drive mechanism drives the rotating magnet to rotate a certain angle, the generated magnetic field excites the magnetic thermal working fluid within the regenerator 12, causing the temperature of the magnetic thermal working fluid to rise. When the drive mechanism drives the rotating magnet to continue rotating at a certain angle, the generated magnetic field can demagnetize the magnetothermal working fluid in the regenerator 12, thereby reducing the temperature of the magnetothermal working fluid.

[0042] Each regenerator 12 is filled with multiple magnetocaloric working fluids, and the Curie temperatures of these fluids increase or decrease sequentially from one end to the other. Taking a magnetic heat pump system used for heating as an example, the Curie temperature of the magnetocaloric working fluid in the regenerator 12 increases sequentially along the flow direction of the heat transfer medium during excitation. Based on this, in the three-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1, each of the three regenerators 12 is filled with a magnetocaloric working fluid with a different Curie temperature. The Curie temperatures of these working fluids can form a temperature range. Again, taking a magnetic heat pump system used for heating as an example, the temperature range corresponding to the regenerators 12 of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1 extends from the first-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1 to the last-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1 (i.e.,...).Figure 1 The Curie temperature increases sequentially from left to right. In this application, the sequential increase in the temperature range formed by the Curie temperature refers to the sequential increase in the average value of the temperature range formed by the Curie temperature. For example, MnFeP(Si,Ge) series, Gd and GdEr alloys can be used as magnetocaloric working fluids in the -35 to 20°C temperature range, LaFeSiH alloys can be used as magnetocaloric working fluids in the 20 to 60°C temperature range, and LaCeFeCoSi, etc., can be used as magnetocaloric working fluids in the temperature range above 60°C. Of course, when the magnetic refrigeration system is suitable for the refrigeration mode, the Curie temperature of the magnetocaloric working fluid in a single regenerator 12 decreases sequentially along the flow direction of the heat transfer medium during the demagnetization process, and the temperature range corresponding to the regenerator 12 of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1 decreases sequentially along the direction from the first stage magnetic refrigeration module 1 to the last stage magnetic refrigeration module 1.

[0043] In this application, each regenerator 12 has a first inlet 121, a first outlet 122, a second inlet 123, and a second outlet 124. The first inlet 121 and the second outlet 124 are located at one end along the length of the regenerator 12. Figure 1 The first outlet 122 and the second inlet 123 are located at the other end of the length direction of the regenerator 12 (as shown on the left end). Figure 1 (As shown on the right end), thus, a heat-conducting medium flow path is formed between the first inlet 121 and the first outlet 122, and another heat-conducting medium flow path is formed between the second inlet 123 and the second outlet 124. Further, in adjacent magnetic refrigeration modules 1, the first outlet 122 of the upper-level regenerator 12 is connected to the first inlet 121 of the lower-level regenerator 12, and the second inlet 123 of the upper-level regenerator 12 is connected to the second outlet 124 of the lower-level regenerator 12. Specifically... Figure 1 The first outlet 122 of the regenerator 12 in the first-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1 is connected to the first inlet 121 of the regenerator 12 in the second-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1. The first outlet 122 of the second-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1 is connected to the first inlet 121 of the regenerator 12 in the third-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1. The second outlet 124 of the third-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1 is connected to the second inlet 123 of the second-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1. The second outlet 124 of the second-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1 is connected to the second inlet 123 of the first-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1. Thus, the first inlet 121 and first outlet 122 of the three regenerators 12 are interconnected to form a complete heat transfer medium channel, and the second inlet 123 and second outlet 124 of the three regenerators 12 are interconnected to form another complete heat transfer medium channel, and the flow directions of the two heat transfer medium channels are opposite.

[0044] The pumping unit 4 includes a first circulation pump 41 and a second circulation pump 42. The discharge port of the first circulation pump 41 is simultaneously connected to the first inlet 121 of multiple regenerators 12, and the inlet of the first circulation pump 41 is simultaneously connected to the second outlet 124 of the multi-stage regenerator 12. The discharge port of the second circulation pump 42 is connected to the second inlet 123 of the last stage regenerator 12, and the inlet of the second circulation pump 42 is connected to the first outlet 122 of the last stage regenerator 12. Specifically, the discharge port of the first circulation pump 41 is directly connected to the first inlet 121 of the first stage regenerator 12. The discharge port of the first circulation pump 41 is connected to the first inlet 121 of the second stage regenerator 12 and the first inlet 121 of the third stage regenerator 12 via pipelines connecting the first outlet 122 of the first stage regenerator 12 to the first inlet 121 of the second stage regenerator 12, and to the first outlet 122 of the second stage regenerator 12 to the first inlet 121 of the third stage regenerator 12. Similarly, the inlet of the first circulation pump 41 is directly connected to the second outlet 124 of the first-stage regenerator 12. The inlet of the first circulation pump 41 is connected to the second outlet 124 of the second-stage regenerator 12 through a pipeline connecting the second inlet 123 of the first-stage regenerator 12 to the second outlet 124 of the second-stage regenerator 12, and the pipeline connecting the second inlet 123 of the second-stage regenerator 12 to the second outlet 124 of the third-stage regenerator 12.

[0045] In this embodiment, both the first heat exchanger 2 and the second heat exchanger 3 are finned heat exchangers. The first heat exchanger 2 and the second heat exchanger 3 are respectively equipped with a first fan and a second fan to achieve heat exchange of the heat transfer medium within the first heat exchanger 2 and the second heat exchanger 3. Specifically, the first end of the first heat exchanger 2 ( Figure 1 The lower end shown is connected to the inlet of the first circulating pump 41, thereby indirectly connected to the first inlet 121 of the regenerator 12 of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1, and the second end of the first heat exchanger 2 (shown below) is connected to the inlet of the first circulating pump 41, thereby indirectly connected to the first inlet 121 of the regenerator 12 of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1. Figure 1 The upper end shown is simultaneously connected to the second outlet 124 of the regenerator 12 of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1. The first end of the second heat exchanger 3 (as shown) Figure 1 The upper end shown is connected to the first outlet 122 of the regenerator 12 of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module 1, and the second end of the second heat exchanger 3 (shown at the upper end) is connected to the first outlet 122 of the regenerator 12 of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module 1. Figure 1 The lower end (as shown) is connected to the liquid inlet of the second circulation pump 42, thereby indirectly connected to the second inlet 123 of the regenerator 12 of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module 1.

[0046] The first liquid storage component 61 and the second liquid storage component 62 are preferably water tanks. The first liquid storage component 61 is disposed between the first end of the first heat exchanger 2 and the liquid inlet of the first circulating pump 41, and the second liquid storage component 62 is disposed between the second end of the second heat exchanger 3 and the liquid inlet of the second circulating pump 42.

[0047] The valve assembly includes three first on / off valves 51 corresponding to the number of regenerators 12, and three second on / off valves 52 corresponding to the number of regenerators 12. A first on / off valve 51 is installed on the pipeline connecting the first circulating pump 41 to the first inlet 121 of each stage regenerator 12, and a second on / off valve 52 is installed on the pipeline connecting the second end of the first heat exchanger 2 to the second outlet 124 of each stage regenerator 12. Specifically, a first on / off valve 51 is installed on the pipeline connecting the discharge port of the first circulating pump 41 to the first inlet 121 of the first stage regenerator 12; a first on / off valve 51 is installed on the branch pipe connecting the discharge port of the first circulating pump 41 to the first outlet 122 of the first stage regenerator 12 and the first inlet 121 of the second stage regenerator 12; and a first on / off valve 51 is installed on the branch pipe connecting the discharge port of the first circulating pump 41 to the branch pipe connecting the first outlet 122 of the second stage regenerator 12 and the first inlet 121 of the third stage regenerator 12. A second on / off valve 52 is installed on the pipeline connecting the second end of the first heat exchanger 2 to the second outlet 124 of the first-stage regenerator 12. A second on / off valve 52 is also installed on the branch pipe connecting the second end of the first heat exchanger 2 to the second inlet 123 of the first-stage regenerator 12 and the second outlet 124 of the second-stage regenerator 12, and on the branch pipe connecting the second end of the first heat exchanger 2 to the second inlet 123 of the second-stage regenerator 12 and the second outlet 124 of the third-stage regenerator 12. Preferably, both the first on / off valve 51 and the second on / off valve 52 are solenoid valves.

[0048] The working principle of the magnetic heat pump system of this application is explained below.

[0049] Taking the heating operation of a magnetic heat pump system as an example, in one possible implementation, when the heating demand is large, the magnetic field components 11 of the three magnetic refrigeration modules 1 are activated, causing all rotating magnets to rotate at a specific angle. At this time, the magnetic field components 11 generate magnetic fields that excite the magnetic thermal working fluid in their respective regenerators 12. Then, the first circulation pump 41 is activated, the first on / off valve 51 and the second on / off valve 52 connected to the first-stage regenerator are activated, the remaining first on / off valves 51 and the second on / off valve 52 are closed, and the second circulation pump 42 is shut down. At this time, driven by the first circulation pump 41, the heat transfer medium sequentially enters the regenerators 12 of the three magnetic refrigeration modules 1 to absorb heat and rise in temperature. After heat exchange, the heat transfer medium enters the second heat exchanger 3, and under the action of the second fan, it exchanges heat with the air in the target space before finally flowing into the second liquid storage unit 62.

[0050] Next, the magnetic field components 11 of the three magnetic refrigeration modules 1 continue to operate, causing all rotating magnets to continue rotating at a specific angle. At this time, the magnetic field components 11 generate magnetic fields to demagnetize the magnetothermal working fluid in their respective regenerators 12. Then, the second circulation pump 42 is turned on, the three first on / off valves 51 and the three second on / off valves 52 remain in their current state, and the first circulation pump 41 is turned off. At this time, under the pumping of the second circulation pump 42, the heat transfer medium sequentially enters the three magnetic refrigeration modules 1 in reverse order to absorb cold energy and cool down. The cooled heat transfer medium enters the first heat exchanger 2, and under the action of the first fan, it exchanges heat with the air and finally flows into the first liquid storage unit 61. This cycle repeats continuously.

[0051] When the heating demand or temperature range demand is small, one or two of the three magnetic refrigeration modules 1 can be activated according to the specific heating demand. In this case, only the first on / off valve 51 and the second on / off valve 52 corresponding to the corresponding magnetic refrigeration module 1 need to be opened, and the remaining first on / off valves 51 and second on / off valves 52 need to be closed, and then the above control actions can be performed. For example, when only one magnetic refrigeration module 1 needs to be operated, the first on / off valve 51 and the second on / off valve 52 corresponding to the third-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1 can be opened, and the remaining two sets of first on / off valves 51 and second on / off valves 52 can be closed. At this time, the heat transfer medium only flows through the third-stage regenerator 12 for heat exchange.

[0052] In the above-described embodiment, by providing two pairs of inlets and outlets on the regenerator 12, two relatively independent medium flow paths can be formed. This facilitates the independent unidirectional flow of the heat transfer medium in the magnetic refrigeration module 1 during both the excitation heat extraction and demagnetization cooling processes, resulting in a pulsed flow of the heat transfer medium within the pipe, thereby reducing flow dead zones. Furthermore, the above-described arrangement of this application also helps to avoid energy loss caused by the mutual cancellation of heat when the heat transfer medium flows back and forth in the same flow path during the excitation heat extraction and demagnetization cooling processes, thus improving the overall energy efficiency of the system.

[0053] The following reference Figure 2 The second embodiment of the magnetic heat pump system of this application will be described.

[0054] like Figure 2As shown, in the second embodiment, without changing other settings, all the first liquid storage components 61 and second liquid storage components 62 are eliminated, and the pumping unit 4 is adjusted to a bidirectional piston pump 43. The bidirectional piston pump 43 has two independent liquid storage chambers. One liquid storage chamber is provided with a first liquid inlet 431 and a first liquid outlet 432, and the other liquid storage chamber is provided with a second liquid inlet 433 and a second liquid outlet 434. The first liquid inlet 431 is simultaneously connected to the second outlet 124 of the regenerator 12 of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1, and the first liquid outlet is simultaneously connected to the first inlet 121 of the regenerator 12 of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1. More specifically, the first liquid outlet is connected to the second end of the first heat exchanger 2, thereby indirectly connected to the first inlet 121 of the regenerator 12 of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1. The second liquid inlet 433 is connected to the first outlet 122 of the regenerator 12 of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module 1. Furthermore, the second liquid inlet 433 is connected to the second end of the second heat exchanger 3, thereby indirectly connected to the first outlet 122 of the regenerator 12 of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module 1. The second liquid outlet is connected to the second inlet 123 of the regenerator 12 of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module 1.

[0055] Taking the heating operation of the magnetic heat pump system as an example, in one possible implementation, when the heating demand is high, the magnetic field components 11 of the three magnetic refrigeration modules 1 are activated, causing all rotating magnets to rotate by a specific angle. At this time, the magnetic field components 11 generate magnetic fields that excite the magnetic thermal working fluid in their respective regenerators 12. Then, the bidirectional piston pump 43 is activated, and the first on / off valve 51 and the second on / off valve 52 corresponding to the first-stage regenerator are opened, while the other first on / off valves 51 and second on / off valves 52 are closed. At this time, driven by the bidirectional piston pump 43, the heat transfer medium flows from a storage chamber ( Figure 2 The liquid flows out from the first outlet 432 of the left cavity shown and flows sequentially through the regenerators 12 of the three magnetic refrigeration modules 1 to absorb heat and increase temperature. After heat exchange, the heat transfer medium enters the second heat exchanger 3 and exchanges heat with the air in the target space under the action of the second fan. After heat exchange, the heat transfer medium flows from the second inlet 433 to another storage cavity of the bidirectional piston pump 43. Figure 2 (Right cavity shown).

[0056] Next, the magnetic field components 11 of the three magnetic refrigeration modules 1 continue to operate, causing all rotating magnets to continue rotating at a specific angle. At this time, the magnetic field components 11 generate magnetic fields to demagnetize the magnetothermal working fluid in their respective regenerators 12. Then, the bidirectional piston pump 43 is controlled to operate in reverse, while the three first on / off valves 51 and the three second on / off valves 52 remain in their current states. At this time, under the action of the bidirectional piston pump 43, the heat transfer medium flows from one liquid storage chamber ( Figure 2The liquid flows out from the second outlet 434 of the right cavity shown and flows sequentially through the regenerators 12 of the three magnetic refrigeration modules 1 for heat exchange and cooling. The heat-conducting medium after heat exchange passes through another storage chamber of the bidirectional piston pump 43. Figure 2 The air then enters the first heat exchanger 2 (as shown in the left cavity) and exchanges heat with the air under the action of the first fan. This cycle repeats continuously.

[0057] When the heating demand or temperature range demand is relatively small, one or two of the three magnetic refrigeration modules 1 can be activated according to the specific heating demand. In this case, only the first on / off valve 51 and the second on / off valve corresponding to the corresponding magnetic refrigeration module 1 need to be opened, while the remaining first on / off valves 51 and the second on / off valves 52 need to be closed, and then the above control actions can be performed. For example, when only one magnetic refrigeration module 1 needs to be operated, the first on / off valve 51 and the second on / off valve 52 corresponding to the third-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1 can be opened, while the remaining two sets of first on / off valves 51 and the second on / off valves 52 need to be closed. At this time, the heat transfer medium only flows through the third-stage regenerator 12 for heat exchange.

[0058] The use of a bidirectional piston pump 43 as the pumping unit 4 is advantageous because the internal cavity of the bidirectional piston pump is larger and can serve as a storage chamber for the heat exchange medium. This saves on the liquid storage device for the heat exchange medium and reduces the complexity of the system.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will understand that although the above two embodiments are described in conjunction with the heating operation of the magnetic heat pump system, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. For the cooling operation, the first heat exchanger 2 and the second heat exchanger 3 have opposite functions, so it is sufficient to place the first heat exchanger 2 in the target space and the second heat exchanger 3 outdoors; or the operating sequence of the pumping unit 4 during excitation and demagnetization can be changed, for example, controlling the second circulation pump 42 to operate during excitation and controlling the first circulation pump 41 to operate during demagnetization, etc., which will not be elaborated further in this application.

[0060] It should be noted that the above preferred embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can adjust the above settings to make this application applicable to more specific application scenarios.

[0061] For example, in an alternative embodiment, although the first heat exchanger 2 and the second heat exchanger 3 are both described in the above embodiments using finned heat exchangers as an example, their specific forms are not unique, and those skilled in the art can adjust them based on the application scenario. For example, one or both of them can also be replaced with plate heat exchangers or liquid-cooled heat exchangers, etc.

[0062] For example, in another alternative embodiment, although the above embodiment is described in conjunction with three magnetic cooling modules 1, this is merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. In other embodiments, those skilled in the art can adjust the number of magnetic cooling modules 1, for example, the number of magnetic cooling modules 1 can also be two, four or more, etc.

[0063] For example, the above embodiment is illustrated by the example of a single regenerator 12 filled with a magnetocaloric working fluid whose Curie temperature increases or decreases sequentially, while the temperature range corresponding to the regenerators 12 of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1 increases or decreases sequentially. However, this is only a preferred embodiment, and those skilled in the art can flexibly adjust it according to specific needs. For example, each regenerator 12 may be filled with only one type of magnetocaloric working fluid, but the Curie temperature of multiple regenerators 12 may increase or decrease sequentially; or each regenerator 12 may be filled with different types of magnetocaloric working fluid, but the Curie temperature of multiple regenerators 12 may be the same; or the magnetocaloric working fluid filled in the regenerators 12 of multiple magnetic refrigeration modules 1, as well as the Curie temperature or temperature range of the regenerators 12, may all be the same. The specifications mentioned in this application mainly refer to the heating / cooling capacity of the magnetic refrigeration module 1.

[0064] For example, in another alternative embodiment, the specific positions of the first liquid storage element 61 and the second liquid storage element 62 can be adjusted by those skilled in the art, as long as the conditions are met that the first liquid storage element 61 is connected to the inlet of the first circulating pump 41, and the second liquid storage element 62 is connected to the inlet of the second circulating pump 42. For example, the first heat exchanger 2 can also be located between the inlet of the first circulating pump 41 and the first liquid storage element 61, and the second heat exchanger 3 can be located between the second circulating pump 42 and the second liquid storage element 62.

[0065] For example, in another alternative embodiment, although the above embodiment is described with the example of the first liquid inlet 431 being connected to the second outlet 124 of the regenerator 12 of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1 and the first liquid outlet being connected to the second end of the first heat exchanger 2, the arrangement of the first liquid inlet 431 and the first liquid outlet is not unique. In other embodiments, the first liquid inlet 431 can also be connected to the first end of the first heat exchanger 2, and the first liquid outlet 432 can be connected to the first inlet 121 of the regenerator 12 of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module 1. Similarly, although the above embodiment is described with the second liquid inlet 433 connected to the second end of the second heat exchanger 3 and the second liquid outlet connected to the second inlet 123 of the regenerator 12 of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module 1 as an example, the arrangement of the second liquid inlet 433 and the second liquid outlet is not unique. In other embodiments, the second liquid inlet 433 can also be connected to the first outlet 122 of the regenerator 12 of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module 1, the second liquid outlet can be further connected to the first end of the second heat exchanger 3, and the second end of the second heat exchanger 3 can be connected to the second inlet 123 of the regenerator 12 of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module 1.

[0066] For example, in another alternative embodiment, the use of a first on / off valve 51 and a second on / off valve 52 in the valve group is not limiting; those skilled in the art can adjust it. For instance, the valve group may include multiple first flow regulating valves corresponding one-to-one with the number of regenerators 12, and multiple second flow regulating valves corresponding one-to-one with the number of regenerators 12. A first flow regulating valve is provided on the pipeline connecting the first end of the first heat exchanger 2 to the first inlet 121 of the regenerator 12 of each stage of the magnetic refrigeration module 1, and a second flow regulating valve is provided on the pipeline connecting the second end of the first heat exchanger 2 to the second outlet 124 of the regenerator 12 of each stage of the magnetic refrigeration module 1. By setting the first and second flow regulating valves, the flow rate of each magnetic refrigeration module 1 can be individually adjusted, improving the system's adjustment accuracy.

[0067] For example, in another alternative embodiment, the use of solenoid valves for the first on / off valve 51 and the second on / off valve 52 is merely exemplary. Those skilled in the art can adjust the specific form of the first on / off valve 51 and the second on / off valve 52. For example, at least one of them can be adjusted to an electrically controlled butterfly valve, an electrically controlled hydraulic valve, etc.

[0068] Of course, the alternative implementation methods described above, as well as the alternative implementation methods and preferred implementation methods, can be used in combination to create new implementation methods that are suitable for more specific application scenarios.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments described herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this application and form different embodiments. For example, any of the claimed embodiments in the claims of this application can be used in any combination.

[0070] The technical solutions of this application have been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of this application is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A magnetic heat pump system, characterized in that, The magnetic heat pump system includes: A magnetic refrigeration module is provided, which is arranged in multiple stages. Each stage of the magnetic refrigeration module includes a magnetic field component and a regenerator. The regenerator has a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet, and a second outlet. In adjacent magnetic refrigeration modules, the first outlet of the regenerator in the upper stage is connected to the first inlet of the regenerator in the lower stage, and the second inlet of the regenerator in the upper stage is connected to the second outlet of the regenerator in the lower stage. The first heat exchanger has a first end that is simultaneously connected to the first inlet of the regenerator of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module, and a second end that is simultaneously connected to the second outlet of the regenerator of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module. The second heat exchanger has a first end connected to the first outlet of the regenerator of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module, and a second end connected to the second inlet of the regenerator of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module. A pumping unit is used to transport the heat transfer medium back and forth between the first heat exchanger, the multi-stage regenerator, and the second heat exchanger. A valve assembly is provided for controlling the connection and disconnection between the first end of the first heat exchanger and the first inlet of the regenerator of each stage of the magnetic refrigeration module, and between the second end of the first heat exchanger and the second outlet of the regenerator of each stage of the magnetic refrigeration module.

2. The magnetic heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pumping unit includes a first circulation pump and a second circulation pump. The magnetic heat pump system also includes a first liquid storage unit and a second liquid storage unit. The discharge port of the first circulation pump is simultaneously connected to the first inlet of the regenerator of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module. The inlet of the first circulation pump is simultaneously connected to the second outlet of the regenerator of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module. The discharge port of the second circulation pump is connected to the second inlet of the regenerator of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module. The inlet of the second circulation pump is connected to the first outlet of the regenerator of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module. The first liquid storage unit is connected to the inlet of the first circulation pump, and the second liquid storage unit is connected to the inlet of the second circulation pump.

3. The magnetic heat pump system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first liquid storage device is further disposed between the first end of the first heat exchanger and the liquid inlet of the first circulating pump, and the second liquid storage device is further disposed between the second end of the second heat exchanger and the liquid inlet of the second circulating pump.

4. The magnetic heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pumping unit is a bidirectional piston pump, which has two independent liquid storage chambers. One liquid storage chamber is provided with a first liquid inlet and a first liquid outlet, and the other liquid storage chamber is provided with a second liquid inlet and a second liquid outlet. The first liquid inlet is simultaneously connected to the second outlet of the regenerator of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module, and the first liquid outlet is simultaneously connected to the first inlet of the regenerator of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module. The second liquid inlet is connected to the first outlet of the regenerator of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module, and the second liquid outlet is connected to the second inlet of the regenerator of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module.

5. The magnetic heat pump system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first liquid inlet is further connected to a first end of the first heat exchanger, or the first liquid outlet is further connected to a second end of the first heat exchanger; and The second liquid inlet is further connected to the second end of the second heat exchanger, or the second liquid outlet is further connected to the first end of the second heat exchanger.

6. The magnetic heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first inlet and the second outlet are located at one end of the length direction of the regenerator, and the first outlet and the second inlet are located at the other end of the length direction of the regenerator.

7. The magnetic heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve group includes a plurality of first on / off valves corresponding one-to-one with the number of regenerators, and a plurality of second on / off valves corresponding one-to-one with the number of regenerators. A first on / off valve is installed on the pipeline connecting the first end of the first heat exchanger to the first inlet of the regenerator of each stage of the magnetic refrigeration module, and a second on / off valve is installed on the pipeline connecting the second end of the first heat exchanger to the second outlet of the regenerator of each stage of the magnetic refrigeration module; or The valve group includes a plurality of first flow regulating valves corresponding one-to-one with the number of regenerators, and a plurality of second flow regulating valves corresponding one-to-one with the number of regenerators. A first flow regulating valve is provided on the pipeline connecting the first end of the first heat exchanger to the first inlet of the regenerator of each stage of the magnetic refrigeration module, and a second flow regulating valve is provided on the pipeline connecting the second end of the first heat exchanger to the second outlet of the regenerator of each stage of the magnetic refrigeration module.

8. The magnetic heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic heat pump system includes a three-stage magnetic refrigeration module.

9. The magnetic heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specifications of the magnetic refrigeration modules described in the multiple stages may be the same or different.

10. The magnetic heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature range formed by the Curie temperature of a single magnetocaloric working fluid or the Curie temperature of multiple magnetocaloric working fluids filling the multi-stage regenerator may be the same or different.

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