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 units, each stage of magnetic refrigeration unit comprises a magnetic refrigeration module, a pumping part and a valve set, and the multiple stages of magnetic refrigeration modules are sequentially arranged; two ends of the first heat exchanger are respectively communicated with a first inlet and a second outlet of the multi-stage heat regenerator in the first-stage magnetic refrigeration unit; one intermediate heat exchanger is arranged between every two adjacent magnetic refrigeration units, and each intermediate heat exchanger is provided with a first heat exchange flow path and a second heat exchange flow path which can exchange heat with each other; and the first end of the second heat exchanger communicates with a first outlet of the final-stage heat regenerator in the final-stage magnetic refrigeration unit, and the second end of the second heat exchanger communicates with a second inlet of the final-stage heat regenerator in the final-stage magnetic refrigeration unit. According to the application, larger temperature span regulation and control can be realized, and the refrigeration and heating requirements in different environments can be met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of magnetic refrigeration technology, and more specifically to a magnetic heat pump system. Background Technology

[0002] Vapor compression systems are currently the most mature system on the market and are widely used in air conditioning. They offer high cooling efficiency, system stability, high technological maturity, and cost advantages. However, this system requires refrigerant circulation, has a relatively complex structure, and refrigerant leaks can cause environmental damage. Therefore, developing new heat pump technologies has become a key focus for major manufacturers. Typical new heat pump technologies include semiconductor refrigeration, Stirling refrigeration, and magnetic refrigeration.

[0003] Among them, magnetic refrigeration technology has the potential for a higher coefficient of performance (COP) and a theoretically high efficiency (5-6 times that of traditional vapor compression systems). Furthermore, magnetic refrigeration systems do not have compressors; they operate at atmospheric pressure and achieve cooling and heating through changes in the magnetic field, significantly reducing noise and vibration and providing a quieter operating environment. Therefore, magnetic refrigeration technology has become a heat pump technology with great potential. However, current applications of magnetic refrigeration technology generally use single-stage magnetic refrigeration systems with limited cooling capacity and a narrow achievable temperature range. This makes them unsuitable for scenarios with large ambient temperature variations, wide temperature ranges, and large cooling capacities, limiting their widespread application in homes.

[0004] Accordingly, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address at least one of the aforementioned problems in the prior art, namely, to solve the problems of limited applicability and low cooling / heating capacity of existing magnetic refrigeration systems, this application provides a magnetic heat pump system, the magnetic heat pump system comprising:

[0006] A multi-stage magnetic refrigeration unit, each stage of which includes a magnetic refrigeration module, a pumping unit, and a valve group. The magnetic refrigeration modules are 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 of the same magnetic refrigeration unit, 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.

[0007] 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 in the first stage magnetic refrigeration unit, and a second end that is simultaneously connected to the second outlet of the regenerator of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module in the first stage magnetic refrigeration unit.

[0008] An intermediate heat exchanger is provided between every two adjacent magnetic refrigeration units. The intermediate heat exchanger has a first heat exchange flow path and a second heat exchange flow path capable of exchanging heat with each other. The first end of the first heat exchange flow path is connected to the first outlet of the regenerator of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module in the upper-level magnetic refrigeration unit, and the second end of the first heat exchange flow path is connected to the second inlet of the regenerator of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module in the upper-level magnetic refrigeration unit. The first end of the second heat exchange flow path is simultaneously connected to the first inlet of the regenerator of multiple stages of magnetic refrigeration modules in the lower-level magnetic refrigeration unit, and the second end of the second heat exchange flow path is simultaneously connected to the second outlet of the regenerator of multiple stages of magnetic refrigeration modules in the lower-level magnetic refrigeration unit.

[0009] The second heat exchanger has its first end connected to the first outlet of the regenerator of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module in the last stage magnetic refrigeration unit, and its second end connected to the second inlet of the regenerator of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module in the last stage magnetic refrigeration unit.

[0010] The pumping unit is used to transport the heat transfer medium in a reciprocating flow.

[0011] The valve group is used to control the opening and closing of the first inlet of the regenerator of each stage of the magnetic refrigeration module, and the opening and closing of the second outlet of the regenerator of each stage of the magnetic refrigeration module.

[0012] The magnetic heat pump system of this application, by setting up multi-stage magnetic refrigeration units, can achieve a wider temperature range regulation, meeting the cooling and heating needs of different environments. Through the valve group configuration, different levels of magnetic refrigeration modules can be selectively activated, thereby enriching the module combination methods and achieving precise temperature control and a higher energy efficiency ratio. By setting two pairs of inlets and outlets on the regenerator, the system can form two relatively independent medium flow paths, which is beneficial for the independent unidirectional flow of the heat transfer medium in the magnetic refrigeration modules during excitation heat extraction and demagnetization cooling processes. This results in a pulsed flow of the heat transfer medium within the pipe, reducing flow dead zones. Furthermore, the above-mentioned configuration 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 excitation heat extraction and demagnetization cooling processes, thus improving the overall energy efficiency of the system.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned magnetic heat pump system, the pumping unit includes a first circulation pump and a second circulation pump. Each stage of the magnetic refrigeration unit further includes a first liquid storage device and a second liquid storage device. 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, and 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, and the inlet of the second circulation pump is connected to the first outlet of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module. The first liquid storage device is connected to the inlet of the first circulation pump, and the second liquid storage device is connected to the inlet of the second circulation pump.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the above magnetic heat pump system, 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 or between the first end of the second heat exchange flow path and the liquid inlet of the first circulating pump, and the second liquid storage device is further disposed between the second end of the first heat exchange flow path and the liquid inlet of the second circulating pump or between the second end of the second heat exchanger and the liquid inlet of the second circulating pump.

[0015] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned magnetic heat pump system, 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.

[0016] By using a bidirectional piston pump as the pumping unit, the larger internal cavity of the double-effect piston pump can serve as a storage chamber for the heat exchange medium, thus saving the need for a liquid storage device for the heat exchange medium and reducing the complexity of the system.

[0017] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned magnetic heat pump system, the first liquid inlet is further connected to the first end of the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchange flow path, or the first liquid outlet is further connected to the second end of the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchange flow path; and

[0018] The second liquid inlet is further connected to the second end of the first heat exchange flow path or the second heat exchanger, or the second liquid outlet is further connected to the first end of the second heat exchanger or the first heat exchange flow path.

[0019] In the preferred embodiment of the above magnetic heat pump system, 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.

[0020] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned magnetic heat pump system, 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 provided on the pipeline connecting the first end of the first heat exchanger or the first end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger to the first inlet of the regenerator of each corresponding stage of the magnetic refrigeration module. A second on-off valve is provided on the pipeline connecting the second end of the first heat exchanger or the second end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger to the second outlet of the regenerator of each corresponding stage of the magnetic refrigeration module; or

[0021] 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. A first flow regulating valve is provided on the pipeline connecting the first end of the first heat exchanger or the first end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger to the first inlet of the regenerator of the corresponding stage of the magnetic refrigeration module. A second flow regulating valve is provided on the pipeline connecting the second end of the first heat exchanger or the second end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger to the second outlet of the regenerator of the corresponding stage of the magnetic refrigeration module.

[0022] By setting a first flow regulating valve and a second flow regulating valve, the flow rate of each magnetic refrigeration module can be individually adjusted, improving the system's regulation accuracy.

[0023] In the preferred embodiment of the above magnetic heat pump system, the first end of the first heat exchanger is also connected to the first end of the first heat exchange flow path of the next intermediate heat exchanger; and / or

[0024] The first end of the second heat exchange path of the intermediate heat exchanger is also connected to the first end of the first heat exchange path of the next intermediate heat exchanger or the first end of the second heat exchanger; and / or

[0025] The second end of the second heat exchanger is also connected to the second end of the second heat exchange flow path of the previous intermediate heat exchange; and / or

[0026] The second end of the first heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger is also connected to the second end of the second heat exchange flow path of the previous intermediate heat exchanger or the second end of the first heat exchanger.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned magnetic heat pump system, the magnetic heat pump system includes a two-stage magnetic refrigeration unit; and / or

[0028] Each stage of the magnetic refrigeration unit includes three magnetic refrigeration modules.

[0029] In the preferred embodiment of the above magnetic heat pump system, the specifications of the multiple magnetic refrigeration modules are the same or different and / or

[0030] 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. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The present application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a system diagram of a first embodiment of the magnetic heat pump system of this application;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a system diagram of a second embodiment of the magnetic heat pump system of this application.

[0034] List of reference numerals

[0035] 10. Magnetic refrigeration unit; 11. Magnetic refrigeration module; 111. Magnetic field assembly; 112. Regenerator; 1121. First inlet; 1122. First outlet; 1123. Second inlet; 1124. Second outlet; 14. Pumping unit; 141. First circulating pump; 142. Second circulating pump; 143. Bidirectional piston pump; 1431. First liquid inlet; 1432. First liquid outlet; 1433. Second liquid inlet; 1434. Second liquid outlet; 151. First on / off valve; 152. Second on / off valve; 161. First liquid storage unit; 162. Second liquid storage unit; 20. First heat exchanger; 30. Intermediate heat exchanger; 40. Second heat exchanger. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Preferred embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0037] It should be noted that in the description of this application, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," indicating directional or positional relationships, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Additionally, in the description of this application, "multi-level" refers to at least two levels.

[0038] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0039] First refer to Figure 1 This paper provides a brief introduction to the magnetic heat pump system of this application.

[0040] like Figure 1As shown, to address the limitations of existing magnetic refrigeration systems in terms of applicability and low cooling / heating capacity, the magnetic heat pump system of this application includes a multi-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, a first heat exchanger 20, an intermediate heat exchanger 30, and a second heat exchanger 40. Each stage of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10 includes a magnetic refrigeration module 11, a pumping unit 14, and a valve assembly. The magnetic refrigeration module 11 is arranged in multiple stages, and each stage includes a magnetic field assembly 111 and a regenerator 112. The regenerator 112 has a first inlet 1121, a first outlet 1122, a second inlet 1123, and a second outlet 1124. In adjacent magnetic refrigeration modules 11 within the same magnetic refrigeration unit 10, the first outlet 1122 of the regenerator 112 in the upper stage is connected to the first inlet 1121 of the regenerator 112 in the lower stage, and the second inlet 1123 of the regenerator 112 in the upper stage is connected to the second outlet 1124 of the regenerator 112 in the lower stage. The first end of the first heat exchanger 20 is simultaneously connected to the first inlet 1121 of the regenerator 112 of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 in the first-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, and the second end of the first heat exchanger 20 is simultaneously connected to the second outlet 1124 of the regenerator 112 of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 in the first-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10. An intermediate heat exchanger 30 is provided between every two adjacent magnetic refrigeration units 10. The intermediate heat exchanger 30 has a first heat exchange flow path and a second heat exchange flow path that can exchange heat with each other. The first end of the first heat exchange flow path is connected to the first outlet 1122 of the regenerator 112 of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 in the upper-level magnetic refrigeration unit 10, and the second end of the first heat exchange flow path is connected to the second inlet 1123 of the regenerator 112 of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 in the upper-level magnetic refrigeration unit 10. The first end of the second heat exchange flow path is simultaneously connected to the first inlet 1121 of the regenerator 112 of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 in the lower-level magnetic refrigeration unit 10, and the second end of the second heat exchange flow path is simultaneously connected to the second outlet 1124 of the regenerator 112 of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 in the lower-level magnetic refrigeration unit 10. The first end of the second heat exchanger 40 is connected to the first outlet 1122 of the regenerator 112 of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 in the last stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, and the second end of the second heat exchanger 40 is connected to the second inlet 1123 of the regenerator 112 of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 in the last stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10. The pumping unit 14 is used to transport the heat transfer medium in the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 and the associated heat exchanger for reciprocating flow. The valve group is used to control the opening and closing of the first inlet 1121 of the regenerator 112 of each stage magnetic refrigeration module 11, and the opening and closing of the second outlet 1124 of the regenerator 112 of each stage magnetic refrigeration module 11.

[0041] Taking a magnetic heat pump system for heating as an example, during the operation of the magnetic heat pump system, a changing magnetic field is provided by the magnetic field component 111, and the regenerator 112 is filled with a magnetic thermal working fluid. When the heating demand is large, a magnetic field is applied to the regenerators 112 of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration modules 11 in the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10. At this time, the temperature of the magnetic thermal working fluid in the regenerator 112 rises. Under the delivery of the pumping section 14 of the first-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, the heat transfer medium flows sequentially through multiple regenerators 112 from the first-stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 to the last-stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 in the first-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, and exchanges heat with the magnetic thermal working fluid in multiple regenerators 112 in sequence, extracting the heat and transferring it to the intermediate heat exchanger 30, and then to the next stage magnetic refrigeration unit 112. Under the delivery of the pumping unit 14, the heat transfer medium exchanges heat with the heat transfer medium of the previous stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10 in the intermediate heat exchanger 30. Then, along the direction from the first stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 to the last stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 of this unit, it passes through multiple regenerators 112 in sequence and exchanges heat with the magnetic thermal working medium in the multiple regenerators 112. The heat is further extracted and transported to the next stage until the heat transfer medium in the last stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10 transports the heat to the second heat exchanger 40. The second heat exchanger 40 exchanges heat with the air in the target space to achieve the heating of the target space.

[0042] Then, the magnetic field of multiple regenerators 112 is removed, and the temperature of the magnetothermal working fluid in the regenerators 112 drops. At this time, under the delivery of the pumping unit 14 of the last stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, the heat transfer medium flows in reverse order through multiple regenerators 112 of this unit, and exchanges heat with the magnetothermal working fluid in the regenerators 112 in reverse order. The cold energy is taken out and delivered to the intermediate heat exchanger 30, and the intermediate heat exchanger 30 transfers the cold energy to the next stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10 until the heat transfer medium transfers the cold energy to the first heat exchanger 20. Through the heat exchanger 20 and the outdoor air, heat is absorbed from the outdoor air, and thus one cycle ends.

[0043] When the heating demand or temperature range demand is small, the opening and closing of valves in the valve group of each stage of the magnetic refrigeration unit 10 can be controlled to bypass some of the magnetic refrigeration modules 11 in each unit, and only some of the magnetic refrigeration modules 11 in each magnetic refrigeration unit 10 can be used for heating. For example, only one or a few of the multiple magnetic refrigeration modules 11 in each magnetic refrigeration unit 10 can be made to work to achieve heating of the target space. The working process of the magnetic refrigeration module 11 is similar to that described above and will not be repeated.

[0044] In this application, the heat transfer medium is not limited and can be water, ethylene glycol, etc. Liquid metal can also be used for high-temperature conditions.

[0045] The magnetic heat pump system of this application, by setting up multi-stage magnetic refrigeration units 10, can achieve a wider temperature range regulation, meeting the cooling and heating needs under different environments. Through the valve group configuration, different levels of magnetic refrigeration modules 11 can be selectively activated, thereby enriching the module combination methods and achieving precise temperature control and a higher energy efficiency ratio. By setting two pairs of inlets and outlets on the regenerator 112, the system can form two relatively independent medium flow paths, which is beneficial for the independent unidirectional flow of the heat transfer medium in the magnetic refrigeration modules 11 during the excitation heat extraction and demagnetization cooling processes. This results in a pulsed flow of the heat transfer medium within the pipe, reducing flow dead zones. Furthermore, the above-mentioned configuration 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, thereby improving the overall energy efficiency of the system.

[0046] The following reference Figure 1 This paper describes a first embodiment of the magnetic heat pump system of this application. It should be noted beforehand that in the following embodiments, the term "magnetic refrigeration module 11" is merely a general name 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 11 simultaneously performs magnetization (heating) and demagnetization (cooling) processes in one cycle. Whether the magnetic refrigeration module 11 specifically functions as a refrigeration or heating module depends entirely on the placement of the first heat exchanger 20 and the second heat exchanger 40, and is unrelated to the module's name. Therefore, in some embodiments, when the magnetic refrigeration module 11 is used for heating, it can also be referred to as a magnetic heating module. The magnetic refrigeration unit 10 is similar and will not be described further.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, in a first embodiment, the magnetic heat pump system of this application includes a magnetic refrigeration unit 10, a first heat exchanger 20, an intermediate heat exchanger 30, and a second heat exchanger 40.

[0048] The magnetic refrigeration unit 10 has two stages, each stage including a magnetic refrigeration module 11, a pumping unit 14, and a valve assembly. Each stage of the magnetic refrigeration unit 10 includes three sequentially arranged magnetic refrigeration modules 11, each including a magnetic field assembly 111 and a regenerator 112. The regenerator 112 typically includes a shell and a magnetothermal working medium disposed within the shell. Channels for the flow of the heat-conducting medium are formed within the shell. The magnetothermal working medium can be arranged in a multi-layer microchannel configuration or a particle-filled configuration. Preferably, the magnetic field assembly 111 includes a driving mechanism, a transmission mechanism, a fixed magnet, and a rotating magnet. Both the fixed magnet and the rotating magnet are annular, with the rotating magnet rotatably disposed radially inside the fixed magnet. The driving 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 driving mechanism is connected to the rotating magnet through the transmission mechanism to drive the rotating magnet to rotate. In one possible implementation, the fixed magnet and the rotating magnet are arranged in a nested Halbach magnet structure. When the driving mechanism drives the rotating magnet to rotate a certain angle, the generated magnetic field can excite the magnetocaloric working fluid in the regenerator 112, causing the temperature of the magnetocaloric working fluid to rise. When the driving mechanism drives the rotating magnet to continue rotating a certain angle, the generated magnetic field can demagnetize the magnetocaloric working fluid in the regenerator 112, causing the temperature of the magnetocaloric working fluid to drop.

[0049] Each regenerator 112 is filled with multiple magnetocaloric working fluids, and the Curie temperatures of these multiple working fluids increase or decrease sequentially from one end of the regenerator 112 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 112 increases sequentially along the flow direction of the heat transfer medium during excitation. Based on this, in the three-stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 of the same stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, the three regenerators 112 are all filled with magnetocaloric working fluids of different Curie temperatures. The Curie temperatures of these magnetocaloric 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 112 of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 extends from the first stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 to the last stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 (i.e.,...). Figure 1The temperature range increases sequentially from left to right. Furthermore, the overall Curie temperature range formed by different stages of the magnetic refrigeration unit 10 can also be different. For example, the temperature range corresponding to the third-stage regenerator 112 of the second-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10 is higher than that corresponding to the third-stage regenerator 112 of the first-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10. In this application, the sequential increase in the Curie temperature range 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 magnetothermal working fluids in the -35 to 20°C temperature range, LaFeSiH alloys can be used as magnetothermal working fluids in the 20 to 60°C temperature range, and LaCeFeCoSi, etc., can be used as magnetothermal working fluids in the temperature range above 60°C. Of course, when the magnetic refrigeration system is in refrigeration mode, the Curie temperature of the magnetothermal working fluid in a single regenerator 112 decreases sequentially along the flow direction of the heat transfer medium during the demagnetization process, and the temperature range corresponding to the regenerator 112 of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 decreases sequentially along the direction from the first-stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 to the last-stage magnetic refrigeration module 11.

[0050] In this application, each regenerator 112 has a first inlet 1121, a first outlet 1122, a second inlet 1123, and a second outlet 1124. The first inlet 1121 and the second outlet 1124 are located at one end of the length direction of the regenerator 112. Figure 1 The first outlet 1122 and the second inlet 1123 are located at the other end of the length direction of the regenerator 112 (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 1121 and the first outlet 1122, and another heat-conducting medium flow path is formed between the second inlet 1123 and the second outlet 1124. Further, in adjacent magnetic refrigeration modules 11 of the same magnetic refrigeration unit 10, the first outlet 1122 of the upper-level regenerator 112 is connected to the first inlet 1121 of the lower-level regenerator 112, and the second inlet 1123 of the upper-level regenerator 112 is connected to the second outlet 1124 of the lower-level regenerator 112. Specifically... Figure 1Taking the first-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10 as an example, the first outlet 1122 of the regenerator 112 in the first-stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 is connected to the first inlet 1121 of the regenerator 112 in the second-stage magnetic refrigeration module 11. The first outlet 1122 of the second-stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 is connected to the first inlet 1121 of the regenerator 112 in the third-stage magnetic refrigeration module 11. The second outlet 1124 of the third-stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 is connected to the second inlet 1123 of the second-stage magnetic refrigeration module 11. The second outlet 1124 of the second-stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 is connected to the second inlet 1123 of the first-stage magnetic refrigeration module 11. Thus, the first inlet 1121 and first outlet 1122 of the three regenerators 112 are interconnected to form a complete heat transfer medium channel, and the second inlet 1123 and second outlet 1124 of the three regenerators 112 are interconnected to form another complete heat transfer medium channel, and the flow directions of the two heat transfer medium channels are opposite.

[0051] The pumping unit 14 includes a first circulation pump 141 and a second circulation pump 142. The discharge port of the first circulation pump 141 is simultaneously connected to the first inlet 1121 of the multi-stage regenerator 112 in this unit, and the inlet of the first circulation pump 141 is simultaneously connected to the second outlet 1124 of the multi-stage regenerator 112 in this unit. The discharge port of the second circulation pump 142 is connected to the second inlet 1123 of the last stage regenerator 112 in this unit, and the inlet of the second circulation pump 142 is connected to the first outlet 1122 of the last stage regenerator 112 in this unit. The discharge port of the first circulating pump 141 is directly connected to the first inlet 1121 of the first-stage regenerator 112. The discharge port of the first circulating pump 141 is connected to the first inlet 1121 of the second-stage regenerator 112 through a pipeline that connects to the first outlet 1122 of the first-stage regenerator 112 and the first inlet 1121 of the second-stage regenerator 112, and to the first outlet 1122 of the second-stage regenerator 112 and the first inlet 1121 of the third-stage regenerator 112. Similarly, the inlet of the first circulation pump 141 is directly connected to the second outlet 1124 of the first-stage regenerator 112. The inlet of the first circulation pump 141 is connected to the second outlet 1124 of the second-stage regenerator 112 through a pipeline that connects to the second inlet 1123 of the first-stage regenerator 112 and the second outlet 1124 of the second-stage regenerator 112, and to the second inlet 1123 of the second-stage regenerator 112 and the second outlet 1124 of the third-stage regenerator 112.

[0052] In this embodiment, both the first heat exchanger 20 and the second heat exchanger 40 are finned heat exchangers. The first heat exchanger 20 and the second heat exchanger 40 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 20 and the second heat exchanger 40. The first end of the first heat exchanger 20 (… Figure 1 The upper end shown is connected to the liquid inlet of the first circulating pump 141 in the first-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, thereby indirectly connected to the first inlet 1121 of the multi-stage regenerator 112 in the first-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10. The second end of the first heat exchanger 20 (shown at the upper end) is connected to the liquid inlet of the first circulating pump 141 in the first-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, thereby indirectly connected to the first inlet 1121 of the multi-stage regenerator 112 in the first-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10. Figure 1 The lower end shown is simultaneously connected to the second outlet 1124 of the multi-stage regenerator 112 in the first-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10. The first end of the second heat exchanger 40 ( Figure 1 The upper end shown is connected to the first outlet 1122 of the last stage regenerator 112 in the last stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, and the second end of the second heat exchanger 40 (shown at the upper end) is connected to the first outlet 1122 of the last stage regenerator 112 in the last stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10. Figure 1 The lower end (shown) is connected to the liquid inlet of the second circulation pump 142 in the last stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, thereby indirectly connected to the second inlet 1123 of the last stage regenerator 112 of the last stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10.

[0053] The intermediate heat exchanger 30 is a plate heat exchanger, one of which is provided in this application and located between the two magnetic refrigeration units 10. The intermediate heat exchanger 30 has a first heat exchange flow path and a second heat exchange flow path capable of exchanging heat with each other, the first end of the first heat exchange flow path ( Figure 1 The upper left end (shown) is connected to the first outlet 1122 of the last stage regenerator 112 in the first stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, and the second end of the first heat exchange flow path ( Figure 1 The lower left end (shown) is connected to the inlet of the second circulation pump 142 in the first-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, thereby indirectly connecting to the second inlet 1123 of the last stage regenerator 112 in the first-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10. The first end of the second heat exchange path ( Figure 1 The upper right end (shown) is connected to the liquid inlet of the first circulating pump 141 in the second-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, thereby indirectly connected to the first inlet 1121 of the multi-stage regenerator 112 in the second-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, and the second end of the second heat exchange path ( Figure 1 The lower right end (as shown) is simultaneously connected to the second outlet 1124 of the multi-stage regenerator 112 in the second-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10.

[0054] The first liquid storage component 161 and the second liquid storage component 162 are preferably water tanks. For the first-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, the first liquid storage component 161 is disposed between the first end of the first heat exchanger 20 and the liquid inlet of the first circulating pump 141, and the second liquid storage component 162 is disposed between the second end of the first heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger 30 and the liquid inlet of the second circulating pump 142. For the second magnetic refrigeration unit 10, the first liquid storage component 161 is disposed between the first end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger 30 and the liquid inlet of the first circulating pump 141, and the second liquid storage component 162 is disposed between the second end of the second heat exchanger 40 and the liquid inlet of the second circulating pump 142.

[0055] Each valve group in the magnetic refrigeration unit 10 includes three first on / off valves 151 corresponding to the number of regenerators 112, and three second on / off valves 152 corresponding to the number of regenerators 112. A first on / off valve 151 is provided on the pipeline connecting the discharge port of the first circulating pump 141 to the first inlet 1121 of each corresponding regenerator 112. A second on / off valve 152 is provided on the pipeline connecting the second end of the second heat exchange flow path of the first heat exchanger 20 or the second outlet 1124 of each corresponding regenerator 112. A first on / off valve 151 is installed on the pipeline connecting the discharge port of the first circulation pump 141 to the first inlet 1121 of the first stage regenerator 112 in the magnetic refrigeration unit 10. A first on / off valve 151 is also installed on the branch pipe connecting the discharge port of the first circulation pump 141 to the branch pipe between the first outlet 1122 and the first inlet 1121 of the first stage regenerator 112 in the magnetic refrigeration unit 10, and on the branch pipe connecting the discharge port of the first circulation pump 141 to the branch pipe between the first outlet 1122 and the first inlet 1121 of the second stage regenerator 112 in the magnetic refrigeration unit 10. A second on / off valve 152 is installed on the pipe connecting the second end of the first heat exchanger 20 or the second end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger 30 to the second outlet 1124 of the first-stage regenerator 112 in the corresponding magnetic refrigeration unit 10. A second on / off valve 152 is also installed on the branch pipe connecting the second end of the first heat exchanger 20 or the second end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger 30 to the branch pipe between the second inlet 1123 and the second outlet 1124 of the first-stage regenerator 112 in the corresponding magnetic refrigeration unit 10, and on the branch pipe connecting the second end of the first heat exchanger 20 to the branch pipe between the second inlet 1123 and the second outlet 1124 of the second-stage regenerator 112 in the first-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10. Preferably, both the first on / off valve 151 and the second on / off valve 152 are solenoid valves.

[0056] The working principle of the magnetic heat pump system of this application is explained below.

[0057] Taking the heating operation of a magnetic heat pump system as an example, in one possible implementation, when the heating demand is high, the magnetic field components 111 of the six magnetic refrigeration modules 11 in the two-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10 are activated, causing all rotating magnets to rotate at a specific angle. At this time, the magnetic field components 111 generate a magnetic field that excites the magnetic thermal working fluid in their respective regenerators 112. Then, all first circulation pumps 141 are activated, the first on / off valve 151 and the second on / off valve 152 connected to the first-stage regenerator 112 in each magnetic refrigeration unit 10 are activated, the other first on / off valves 151 and second on / off valves 152 are closed, and all second circulation pumps 142 are shut down. At this time, in the first-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, driven by the first circulating pump 141, the heat transfer medium sequentially enters the regenerators 112 of the three magnetic refrigeration modules 11 to absorb heat and increase its temperature. After heat exchange, the heat transfer medium enters the first heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger 30, exchanges heat with the heat transfer medium in the second heat exchange flow path, and then flows to the second liquid storage device 162 of this stage. In the second-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, driven by the first circulating pump 141, the heat transfer medium sequentially enters the regenerators 112 of the three magnetic refrigeration modules 11 to continue absorbing heat and increasing its temperature. Finally, the heat transfer medium enters the second heat exchanger 40, and after exchanging heat with the air in the target space under the action of the second fan, it flows to the second liquid storage device 162.

[0058] Next, the magnetic field components 111 of the six magnetic refrigeration modules 11 are controlled to continue operating, causing all rotating magnets to continue rotating at a specific angle. At this time, the magnetic field components 111 generate a magnetic field to demagnetize the magnetothermal working fluid in their respective regenerators 112. Then, all second circulation pumps 142 are controlled to start, all first on / off valves 151 and second on / off valves 152 remain in their current state, and all first circulation pumps 141 are controlled to shut down. At this time, in the second-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, under the pumping of the second circulation pumps 142, the heat transfer medium sequentially enters the three magnetic refrigeration modules 11 in reverse order to absorb cold energy and cool down. The cooled heat transfer medium enters the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger 30, exchanges heat with the heat transfer medium in the first heat exchange flow path, transfers the cold energy to the heat transfer medium in the first heat exchange flow path, and then flows to the first liquid storage unit 161 of this stage. In the first-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, the heat transfer medium, driven by the second circulation pump 142, enters the regenerator 112 of the three magnetic refrigeration modules 11 in reverse direction to absorb cold energy and continue to cool down. The cooled heat transfer medium enters the first heat exchanger 20 and, under the action of the first fan, exchanges heat with the air before finally flowing into the first liquid storage unit 161 of this stage. This cycle repeats continuously.

[0059] When the heating demand or temperature range demand is small, one or two sets of the three magnetic refrigeration modules 11 in each stage can be opened according to the specific heating demand. At this time, it is only necessary to open the first on-off valve 151 and the second on-off valve corresponding to the corresponding magnetic refrigeration module 11, close the remaining first on-off valve 151 and the second on-off valve 152, and then execute the above control action. For example, when each of the two-stage magnetic refrigeration units 10 requires one set of magnetic refrigeration modules 11 to operate, the first on-off valve 151 and the second on-off valve 152 corresponding to the third-stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 in the two-stage magnetic refrigeration units 10 can be opened, and the remaining first on-off valve 151 and the second on-off valve 152 can be closed. At this time, the heat transfer medium only flows through the third-stage regenerator 112 of the first-stage heat exchange unit and the third-stage regenerator 112 of the second-stage heat exchange unit for heat exchange.

[0060] The above configuration, by employing a multi-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10-phase combination, can achieve temperature regulation over a wider temperature range and more temperature combinations of the regenerator 112, meeting the cooling and heating needs of different application environments, and achieving precise temperature control and a higher energy efficiency ratio.

[0061] The following is combined Figure 2 The second embodiment of this application will be described below.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, under the premise that other settings remain unchanged, in the second embodiment, all the first liquid storage components 161 and second liquid storage components 162 are eliminated, and the pumping unit 14 in the magnetic refrigeration unit 10 is adjusted to a bidirectional piston pump 143. The bidirectional piston pump 143 has two independent liquid storage chambers. One liquid storage chamber is provided with a first liquid inlet 1431 and a first liquid outlet, and the other liquid storage chamber is provided with a second liquid inlet 1433 and a second liquid outlet. The first liquid inlet 1431 is simultaneously connected to the second outlet 1124 of the multi-stage regenerator 112 in the magnetic refrigeration unit 10, and the first liquid outlet is simultaneously connected to the first inlet 1121 of the multi-stage regenerator 112 in the magnetic refrigeration unit 10. More specifically, the first liquid outlet is connected to the second end of the first heat exchanger 20 or the second end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger 30, thereby indirectly connecting to the first inlet 1121 of the multi-stage regenerator 112 in the magnetic refrigeration unit 10. The second liquid inlet 1433 is connected to the first outlet 1122 of the last stage regenerator 112 in the magnetic refrigeration unit 10. Furthermore, the second liquid inlet 1433 is connected to the second end of the first heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger 30 or the second end of the second heat exchanger 40, thereby indirectly connecting to the first outlet 1122 of the last stage regenerator 112 in the magnetic refrigeration unit 10. The second liquid outlet is connected to the second inlet 1123 of the last stage regenerator 112 in the magnetic refrigeration unit 10.

[0063] Taking the heating operation of a magnetic heat pump system as an example, in one possible implementation, when the heating demand is high, the magnetic field components 111 of the six magnetic refrigeration modules 11 in the two-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10 are activated, causing all rotating magnets to rotate at a specific angle. At this time, the magnetic field components 111 generate a magnetic field that excites the magnetic thermal working fluid in their respective regenerators 112. Then, the two bidirectional piston pumps 143 are activated, and the first on / off valve 151 and the second on / off valve 152 connected to the first-stage regenerator 112 in each magnetic refrigeration unit 10 are opened, while the other first on / off valves 151 and second on / off valves 152 are closed. At this time, in the first-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, driven by the bidirectional piston pumps 143, the heat transfer medium flows from a storage chamber (… Figure 2 The liquid flows out from the first outlet 1432 of the left cavity shown and flows sequentially through the regenerators 112 of the three magnetic refrigeration modules 11 to absorb heat and increase temperature. After heat exchange, the heat-conducting medium enters the first heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger 30, exchanges heat with the heat-conducting medium in the second heat exchange flow path, transfers heat to the heat-conducting medium in the second heat exchange flow path, and then flows to the other liquid storage chamber of the bidirectional piston pump 143 of this stage. Figure 2 In the right cavity shown. In the second-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, the heat transfer medium is driven by the bidirectional piston pump 143 from a liquid storage chamber (shown in the right cavity). Figure 2 The liquid flows out of the first outlet 1432 of the left cavity shown and sequentially enters the regenerator 112 of the three magnetic refrigeration modules 11 to continue absorbing heat and increasing temperature. Finally, the heat transfer medium enters the second heat exchanger 40 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 to another liquid storage cavity of the bidirectional piston pump 143. Figure 2 (Right cavity shown).

[0064] Next, the magnetic field components 111 of the six magnetic refrigeration modules 11 continue to operate, causing all rotating magnets to continue rotating at a specific angle. At this time, the magnetic field components 111 generate magnetic fields to demagnetize the magnetothermal working fluid in their respective regenerators 112. Then, the bidirectional piston pump 143 is controlled to operate in reverse, and all first on / off valves 151 and second on / off valves 152 remain in their current state. At this time, in the second-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, under the action of the bidirectional piston pump 143, the heat transfer medium flows from one liquid storage chamber (… Figure 2 The liquid flows out from the second outlet 1434 of the right cavity shown and flows sequentially through the regenerators 112 of the three magnetic refrigeration modules 11 of this stage for heat exchange and cooling. After heat exchange, the heat transfer medium flows through another storage chamber of the bidirectional piston pump 143 ( Figure 2 After entering the left cavity shown, the heat transfer medium enters the second heat exchange path of the intermediate heat exchanger 30, where it exchanges heat with the heat transfer medium in the first heat exchange path, transferring cooling energy to the heat transfer medium in the first heat exchange path. In the first-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10, the heat transfer medium, driven by the bidirectional piston pump 143, flows from a storage cavity (… Figure 2The liquid flows out from the second outlet 1434 of the right cavity shown and flows sequentially through the regenerators 112 of the three magnetic refrigeration modules 11 of this stage for heat exchange and cooling. After heat exchange, the heat transfer medium flows through another storage chamber of the bidirectional piston pump 143 ( Figure 2 After entering the left cavity (as shown), the air enters the first heat exchanger 20 and exchanges heat with the air under the action of the first fan. This cycle repeats continuously.

[0065] When the heating demand or temperature range demand is small, select one or two sets of the three magnetic refrigeration modules 11 in each stage of the magnetic refrigeration unit 10 to be turned on according to the specific heating demand. At this time, only the first on-off valve 151 and the second on-off valve 152 corresponding to the corresponding magnetic refrigeration module 11 need to be turned on, and the remaining first on-off valves 151 and the second on-off valves 152 need to be turned off, and then the above control action can be performed. For example, when only one set of magnetic refrigeration modules 11 is needed to operate in each stage of the magnetic refrigeration unit 10, the first on-off valve 151 and the second on-off valve 152 corresponding to the third stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 in the two-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10 can be turned on, and the remaining two sets of first on-off valves 151 and the second on-off valves 152 need to be turned off. At this time, the heat transfer medium only flows through the third stage regenerator 112 of the two-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10 for heat exchange.

[0066] The use of a bidirectional piston pump 143 as the pumping unit 14 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.

[0067] 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 20 and the second heat exchanger 40 have opposite functions, so it is sufficient to place the first heat exchanger 20 in the target space and the second heat exchanger 40 outdoors; or the operating sequence of the pumping unit 14 during excitation and demagnetization can be changed, for example, controlling the second circulation pump 142 to operate during excitation and controlling the first circulation pump 141 to operate during demagnetization, etc., which will not be elaborated further in this application.

[0068] 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.

[0069] For example, in an alternative embodiment, although the first heat exchanger 20 and the second heat exchanger 40 are both described in conjunction with finned heat exchangers in the above embodiments, 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.

[0070] For example, in another alternative embodiment, the intermediate heat exchanger 30 can be a shell-and-tube heat exchanger or a tube-and-tube heat exchanger, in addition to a plate heat exchanger.

[0071] For example, in another alternative embodiment, although the above embodiment is described in conjunction with two-stage magnetic refrigeration units 10 and each stage of magnetic refrigeration unit 10 is provided with three-stage magnetic refrigeration modules 11, this is merely exemplary and is 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 refrigeration units 10 and magnetic refrigeration modules 11. For example, the magnetic refrigeration unit 10 may also be three-stage or more-stage, and the number of magnetic refrigeration modules 11 in each stage of magnetic refrigeration unit 10 may also be two, four or more, etc.

[0072] For example, the above embodiment is illustrated by the example of a single regenerator 112 filled with a magnetocaloric working fluid whose Curie temperature increases or decreases sequentially, and the temperature ranges corresponding to the regenerators 112 and different stages of the magnetic refrigeration units 10 of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module 11 increasing or decreasing 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 112 may be filled with only one type of magnetocaloric working fluid, but the Curie temperatures of multiple regenerators 112 may increase or decrease sequentially, and the temperature ranges of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration units 10 may also increase or decrease sequentially; or each regenerator 112 may be filled with different types of magnetocaloric working fluid, but the Curie temperatures of multiple regenerators 112 may be the same; or the magnetocaloric working fluid filled in the regenerators 112 of multiple magnetic refrigeration modules 11, as well as the Curie temperatures or temperature ranges of the regenerators 112, may all be the same. The specifications mentioned in this application mainly refer to the heating / cooling capacity of the magnetic refrigeration module 11.

[0073] For example, in another alternative embodiment, the specific positions of the first liquid storage element 161 and the second liquid storage element 162 can be adjusted by those skilled in the art, as long as the conditions are met that the first liquid storage element 161 is connected to the inlet of the first circulating pump 141, and the second liquid storage element 162 is connected to the inlet of the second circulating pump 142. For example, the second heat exchange flow path of the first heat exchanger 20 or the intermediate heat exchanger 30 can also be set between the inlet of the first circulating pump 141 and the first liquid storage element 161, and the first heat exchange flow path of the second heat exchanger 40 or the intermediate heat exchanger 30 can be set between the second circulating pump 142 and the second liquid storage element 162.

[0074] For example, in another alternative embodiment, although the above embodiment is described with the example of the first liquid inlet 1431 being connected to the second outlet 1124 of the multi-stage regenerator 112 of the magnetic refrigeration unit 10, and the first liquid outlet being connected to the second end of the first heat exchanger 20 or the second end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger 30, the arrangement of the first liquid inlet 1431 and the first liquid outlet is not unique. In other embodiments, the first liquid inlet 1431 can also be connected to the first end of the first heat exchanger 20 or the first end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger 30, and the first liquid outlet 1432 can be connected to the first inlet 1121 of the multi-stage regenerator 112 of the magnetic refrigeration unit 10. Similarly, although the above embodiment is described with the example of the second liquid inlet 1433 being connected to the second end of the second heat exchanger 40 or the second end of the first heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger 30, and the second liquid outlet being connected to the second inlet 1123 of the last stage regenerator 112 of the magnetic refrigeration unit 10, the arrangement of the second liquid inlet 1433 and the second liquid outlet is not unique. In other embodiments, the second liquid inlet 1433 may also be connected to the first outlet 1122 of the last stage regenerator 112 of the magnetic refrigeration unit 10, the second liquid outlet may be connected to the first end of the first heat exchange flow path of the second heat exchanger 40 or the intermediate heat exchanger 30, and the second end of the first heat exchange flow path of the second heat exchanger 40 or the intermediate heat exchanger 30 may be connected to the second inlet 1123 of the last stage regenerator 112 of the magnetic refrigeration unit 10.

[0075] For example, in another alternative embodiment, the use of a first on / off valve 151 and a second on / off valve 152 in the valve group is not limiting; those skilled in the art can adjust them. For instance, the valve group includes multiple first flow regulating valves corresponding one-to-one with the number of regenerators 112, and multiple second flow regulating valves corresponding one-to-one with the number of regenerators 112. A first flow regulating valve is installed on the pipeline connecting the first end of the first end of the first heat exchanger 20 or the first end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger 30 to the first inlet 1121 of the regenerator 112 of the corresponding magnetic refrigeration module 11. A second flow regulating valve is installed on the pipeline connecting the second end of the second end of the first heat exchanger 20 or the second end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger 30 to the second outlet 1124 of the regenerator 112 of the corresponding magnetic refrigeration module 11. By setting the first and second flow regulating valves, the flow rate of each magnetic refrigeration module 11 can be individually adjusted, improving the system's adjustment accuracy.

[0076] For example, in another alternative embodiment, the use of solenoid valves for the first on / off valve 151 and the second on / off valve 152 is merely exemplary. Those skilled in the art can adjust the specific form of the first on / off valve 151 and the second on / off valve 152. For example, at least one of them can be adjusted to an electrically controlled butterfly valve, an electrically controlled hydraulic valve, etc.

[0077] For example, in another alternative embodiment, although the above embodiment is described with the example that both the first end of the first heat exchanger 20 and the first end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger 30 are connected to the first inlet 1121 of the multi-stage regenerator 112 of the magnetic refrigeration unit 10, this is not a limitation. To increase control accuracy and selectivity, those skilled in the art can make adjustments based on this. For example, the first end of the first heat exchanger 20 can also be connected to the first end of the first heat exchange flow path of the next intermediate heat exchanger 30 (i.e., the intermediate heat exchanger 30 between the magnetic refrigeration unit 10 where the first heat exchanger 20 is located and the next magnetic refrigeration unit 10), so as to achieve the effect of bypassing all of the first-stage magnetic refrigeration units 10. Furthermore, the first end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger 30 can also be connected to the first end of the first heat exchange flow path of the next intermediate heat exchanger 30 or the first end of the second heat exchanger 40, so as to achieve the effect of bypassing the next-stage magnetic refrigeration unit 10.

[0078] Similarly, the second end of the second heat exchanger 40 can also be connected to the second end of the second heat exchange flow path of the previous intermediate heat exchanger; the second end of the first heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger 30 can also be connected to the second end of the second heat exchange flow path of the previous intermediate heat exchanger 30 or the second end of the first heat exchanger 20, all of which can achieve the effect of bypassing the magnetic refrigeration unit 10.

[0079] Of course, the above-mentioned alternative implementation methods, 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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 multi-stage magnetic refrigeration unit, each stage of which includes a magnetic refrigeration module, a pumping unit, and a valve group. The magnetic refrigeration modules are 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 of the same magnetic refrigeration unit, 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 in the first stage magnetic refrigeration unit, and a second end that is simultaneously connected to the second outlet of the regenerator of the multi-stage magnetic refrigeration module in the first stage magnetic refrigeration unit. An intermediate heat exchanger is provided between every two adjacent magnetic refrigeration units. The intermediate heat exchanger has a first heat exchange flow path and a second heat exchange flow path capable of exchanging heat with each other. The first end of the first heat exchange flow path is connected to the first outlet of the regenerator of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module in the upper-level magnetic refrigeration unit, and the second end of the first heat exchange flow path is connected to the second inlet of the regenerator of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module in the upper-level magnetic refrigeration unit. The first end of the second heat exchange flow path is simultaneously connected to the first inlet of the regenerator of multiple stages of magnetic refrigeration modules in the lower-level magnetic refrigeration unit, and the second end of the second heat exchange flow path is simultaneously connected to the second outlet of the regenerator of multiple stages of magnetic refrigeration modules in the lower-level magnetic refrigeration unit. The second heat exchanger has its first end connected to the first outlet of the regenerator of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module in the last stage magnetic refrigeration unit, and its second end connected to the second inlet of the regenerator of the last stage magnetic refrigeration module in the last stage magnetic refrigeration unit. The pumping unit is used to transport the heat transfer medium in a reciprocating flow. The valve group is used to control the opening and closing of the first inlet of the regenerator of each stage of the magnetic refrigeration module, and the opening and closing of 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. Each stage of the magnetic refrigeration unit also includes a first liquid storage device and a second liquid storage device. 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 last stage magnetic refrigeration module. The first liquid storage device is connected to the inlet of the first circulation pump, and the second liquid storage device 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 or between the first end of the second heat exchange flow path and the liquid inlet of the first circulating pump. The second liquid storage device is further disposed between the second end of the first heat exchange flow path and the liquid inlet of the second circulating pump or 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 the first end of the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchange flow path, or the first liquid outlet is further connected to the second end of the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchange flow path; and The second liquid inlet is further connected to the second end of the first heat exchange flow path or the second heat exchanger, or the second liquid outlet is further connected to the first end of the second heat exchanger or the first heat exchange flow path.

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 multiple first on / off valves corresponding to the number of regenerators, and multiple second on / off valves corresponding to the number of regenerators. A first on / off valve is installed on the pipeline connecting the first end of the first heat exchanger or the first end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger to the first inlet of the regenerator of each corresponding stage of the magnetic refrigeration module. A second on / off valve is installed on the pipeline connecting the second end of the first heat exchanger or the second end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger to the second outlet of the regenerator of each corresponding stage of the magnetic refrigeration module; or 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. A first flow regulating valve is provided on the pipeline connecting the first end of the first heat exchanger or the first end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger to the first inlet of the regenerator of the corresponding stage of the magnetic refrigeration module. A second flow regulating valve is provided on the pipeline connecting the second end of the first heat exchanger or the second end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger to the second outlet of the regenerator of the corresponding stage of the magnetic refrigeration module.

8. The magnetic heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end of the first heat exchanger is also connected to the first end of the first heat exchange flow path of the next intermediate heat exchanger; and / or The first end of the second heat exchange path of the intermediate heat exchanger is also connected to the first end of the first heat exchange path of the next intermediate heat exchanger or the first end of the second heat exchanger; and / or The second end of the second heat exchanger is also connected to the second end of the second heat exchange flow path of the previous intermediate heat exchange; and / or The second end of the first heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger is also connected to the second end of the second heat exchange flow path of the previous intermediate heat exchanger or the second end of the first heat exchanger.

9. The magnetic heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic heat pump system includes a two-stage magnetic refrigeration unit; and / or Each stage of the magnetic refrigeration unit includes three magnetic refrigeration modules.

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