Solid refrigeration device

Abstract

A solid refrigeration device (1) includes a plurality of first refrigerant housing portions (11) that house first solid refrigerant substances (12) and a plurality of second refrigerant housing portions (21) that house second solid refrigerant substances (22). The plurality of first refrigerant housing portions (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant housing portions (21) are connected in series. The solid refrigeration device (1) includes a heat medium merging portion (50) that merges a heat medium flowing out from one of the plurality of first refrigerant housing portions (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant housing portions (21) and distributes the merged heat medium to the other of the plurality of first refrigerant housing portions (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant housing portions (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a solid-state refrigeration device. Background Technology

[0002] In the magnetic refrigeration device of Patent Document 1, the achievable temperature difference is expanded by connecting AMR (Active Magnetic Refrigeration) modules with different operating temperature ranges of magnetic working fluids in series with each other.

[0003] In rotary magnetic refrigeration devices and the like, in order to vary the timing of energizing or demagnetizing the magnetic working fluid in the circumferential direction of the annular AMR module, the AMR module needs to be divided into multiple (e.g., 12) units.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-255642 Summary of the Invention

[0007] -The technical problem the invention aims to solve-

[0008] However, if AMR modules consisting of multiple units are connected in series, the number of pipes and valves increases, thus complicating the structure and control of the magnetic refrigeration unit, resulting in problems such as larger size and increased cost.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a solid-state refrigeration device that can easily connect multiple refrigerant containments in series with each other.

[0010] - Technical solutions used to solve technical problems -

[0011] A first aspect of this disclosure is a solid-state refrigeration device 1, comprising a plurality of first refrigerant housings 11 for housing a first solid refrigerant substance 12 and a plurality of second refrigerant housings 21 for housing a second solid refrigerant substance 22, the plurality of first refrigerant housings 11 and the plurality of second refrigerant housings 21 being connected in series. The solid-state refrigeration device 1 includes a heat medium confluence section 50, which confluences heat medium flowing from one of the plurality of first refrigerant housings 11 and the plurality of second refrigerant housings 21, and distributes the confluenced heat medium to the other of the plurality of first refrigerant housings 11 and the plurality of second refrigerant housings 21.

[0012] In the first aspect, since the flow path of the heat medium between the first refrigerant housing 11 and the second refrigerant housing 21 is merged by the heat medium confluence section 50, the refrigerant housing 11 and 21 can be easily connected in series with each other, for example, if a bypass mechanism is provided on the first refrigerant housing 11 or the second refrigerant housing 21 or each refrigerant housing 11 and 21 is provided in the same housing.

[0013] A second aspect of this disclosure is that, based on the first aspect, the heat medium confluence 50 includes at least one of a multi-way reversing valve 52, 53, a confluence pipe 51, and a distribution pipe 54.

[0014] In the second aspect, the heat medium junction 50 can be easily constructed.

[0015] A third aspect of this disclosure is, based on the first or second aspect, including a first bypass mechanism 110 or a second bypass mechanism 120, wherein the first bypass mechanism 110 switches between the action of the hot medium flowing through the plurality of first refrigerant containment sections 11 and the action of the hot medium bypassing the plurality of first refrigerant containment sections 11, and the second bypass mechanism 120 switches between the action of the hot medium flowing through the plurality of second refrigerant containment sections 21 and the action of the hot medium bypassing the plurality of second refrigerant containment sections 21, wherein the first bypass mechanism 110 and the second bypass mechanism 120 are connected to the flow path of the hot medium after it has converged at the hot medium confluence section 50.

[0016] In the third aspect, by providing bypass mechanisms 110 and 120, the solid refrigerant substances 12 and 22 outside the effective temperature range are rendered ineffective, allowing the remaining solid refrigerant substances 12 and 22 to function at their optimal temperature, thereby improving the overall performance of the solid refrigeration device 1. Furthermore, compared to a configuration without the heat medium junction 50, the piping configuration required for the bypass mechanisms 110 and 120 can be significantly simplified.

[0017] A fourth aspect of this disclosure is that, based on the first or second aspect, the operating temperature range of the first solid refrigerant substance 12 is different from the operating temperature range of the second solid refrigerant substance 22.

[0018] In the fourth aspect, by connecting the refrigerant housings 11 and 21 of solid refrigerant substances 12 and 22 with different operating temperature ranges in series, the achievable temperature difference can be expanded.

[0019] The fifth aspect of this disclosure is that, based on the first or second aspect, in the housing 10, 20 to which a force field with an induced thermal effect is applied, the plurality of first refrigerant housings 11 and the plurality of second refrigerant housings 21 are distributed in a plane perpendicular to the direction of application of the force field.

[0020] In the fifth aspect, for example, a rotary solid refrigeration device 1 can be configured such that the timing of energizing or demagnetizing the solid refrigerant substances 12 and 22 varies in the circumferential direction.

[0021] The sixth aspect of this disclosure is that, based on the fifth aspect, the plurality of first refrigerant containment sections 11 contain the first solid refrigerant substance 12 having a first operating temperature range, and the plurality of second refrigerant containment sections 21 contain the second solid refrigerant substance 22 having a second operating temperature range different from the first operating temperature range. The plurality of first refrigerant containment sections 11 and the plurality of second refrigerant containment sections 21 are arranged in the same housing 10, 20 and connected in series.

[0022] In the sixth aspect, since the flow path of the heat medium between the first refrigerant housing 11 and the second refrigerant housing 21 is merged by the heat medium confluence section 50, even if each refrigerant housing 11, 21 is arranged in the same housing 10, 20, the refrigerant housing 11, 21 can be easily connected in series with each other.

[0023] The seventh aspect of this disclosure is that, based on the sixth aspect, the storage housings 10 and 20 include a first storage housing 10 and a second storage housing 20, wherein in each of the first storage housing 10 and the second storage housing 20, a plurality of first refrigerant receiving portions 11 and a plurality of second refrigerant receiving portions 21 are arranged, the plurality of first refrigerant receiving portions 11 arranged in the first storage housing 10 and the plurality of first refrigerant receiving portions 11 arranged in the second storage housing 20 are connected in parallel, and the plurality of second refrigerant receiving portions 21 arranged in the first storage housing 10 and the plurality of second refrigerant receiving portions 21 arranged in the second storage housing 20 are connected in parallel.

[0024] In the seventh aspect, the configuration of the parallel connection of the first refrigerant storage units 11 and the parallel connection of the second refrigerant storage units 21 can be flexibly matched to the required capacity of the solid refrigeration device 1.

[0025] The eighth aspect of this disclosure is that, based on the sixth aspect, it further includes a plurality of third refrigerant containment sections 31 and a plurality of fourth refrigerant containment sections 41. The plurality of third refrigerant containment sections 31 contain a third solid refrigerant substance 32 having a third operating temperature range different from the first operating temperature range and the second operating temperature range. The plurality of fourth refrigerant containment sections 41 contain a fourth solid refrigerant substance 42 having a fourth operating temperature range different from the first operating temperature range, the second operating temperature range, and the third operating temperature range, and are connected in series with the plurality of third refrigerant containment sections 31. The housing 1... 0, 20 includes a first storage housing 10 and a second storage housing 20. The first storage housing 10 is provided with a plurality of first refrigerant receiving parts 11 and a plurality of second refrigerant receiving parts 21, and the second storage housing 20 is provided with a plurality of third refrigerant receiving parts 31 and a plurality of fourth refrigerant receiving parts 41. One of the plurality of first refrigerant receiving parts 11 and the plurality of second refrigerant receiving parts 21 in the first storage housing 10 is connected in series with one of the plurality of third refrigerant receiving parts 31 and the plurality of fourth refrigerant receiving parts 41 in the second storage housing 20.

[0026] In the eighth aspect, the configuration in which the refrigerant housings 11, 21, 31, and 41 are connected in series with each other can be flexibly matched according to the operating temperature range of the solid refrigerant substances 12, 22, 32, and 42 and the required capacity of the solid refrigeration device 1. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a simplified configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the relationship between the control unit and other elements in the magnetic refrigeration device according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a graph showing the characteristics of the magnetic working fluid used in the magnetic refrigeration device according to the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a top view of the magnetic field modulation unit and housing in the embodiment of the magnetic refrigeration device, viewed from the axial direction.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic field modulation section and housing in the magnetic refrigeration device of the embodiment, viewed from the radial outer periphery.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the refrigerant storage section in the magnetic refrigeration device according to an embodiment. Figure 6(a) in the image is a top view taken from the axial direction. Figure 6 (b) in the figure is an end face view observed from the radial outer periphery. Figure 6 (c) is the end view viewed from the circumferential direction.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a longitudinal sectional view of a rotary valve type multi-way directional valve, which is used as a multi-way directional valve in the magnetic refrigeration device of the embodiment.

[0034] Figure 8 It shows that Figure 1 The diagram shown is a simplified representation of a rotary magnetic refrigeration device.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing a simplified configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device for a comparative example.

[0036] Figure 10 It shows that Figure 9 The diagram shown is a simplified representation of a rotary magnetic refrigeration device.

[0037] Figure 11 It is shown in Figure 9 The diagram shows a simplified configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device with an added bypass mechanism.

[0038] Figure 12 It is shown in Figure 1 The diagram shows a simplified configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device with an added bypass mechanism.

[0039] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device in Modified Example 1. Figure 13 (a) is a top view of the magnetic field modulation unit and the housing, viewed from the axial direction. Figure 13 (b) is a simplified diagram showing the configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device of Modified Example 1 as a rotary magnetic refrigeration device.

[0040] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device in Modified Example 2. Figure 14 (a) and Figure 14 (b) shows the top view of the magnetic field modulation unit and the housing, viewed from the axial direction. Figure 14 (c) is a simplified diagram showing the configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device of Modified Example 2 as a rotary magnetic refrigeration device.

[0041] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing a simplified configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device in Modified Example 3.

[0042] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing a simplified configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device in Modified Example 4.

[0043] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device in Modified Example 4. Figure 17 (a) and Figure 17 (b) shows the top view of the magnetic field modulation unit and the housing, viewed from the axial direction. Figure 17 (c) is a simplified diagram showing the configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device of Modified Example 4 as a rotary magnetic refrigeration device.

[0044] Figure 18 It is shown in Figure 16 The diagram shows a simplified configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device with an added bypass mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The embodiments of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are merely preferred examples and are not intended to limit the invention, its application, or its scope of use. In the following embodiments, the application of the technology of this disclosure to a rotary magnetic refrigeration device is given as an example; however, the technology of this disclosure is not limited to rotary magnetic refrigeration devices and can also be applied to non-rotary magnetic refrigeration devices or other refrigeration devices utilizing solid refrigerants. It should be noted that in the drawings, the same symbols denote the same constituent elements; however, for clarity and simplification, dimensions such as length, width, thickness, and depth in the drawings may sometimes be appropriately modified based on actual dimensions, rather than corresponding to actual relative dimensions.

[0046] <Magnetic Refrigeration Device>

[0047] The magnetic refrigeration device 1 of this embodiment regulates the temperature of a heat medium using the magnetocaloric effect. The magnetic refrigeration device 1 is, for example, applied in an air conditioning system. The magnetic refrigeration device 1 is a solid-state refrigeration device that regulates the temperature of a heat medium using a thermal effect.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the magnetic refrigeration device 1 mainly includes multiple first refrigerant storage sections 11, multiple second refrigerant storage sections 21, a heat medium pump 2, a high-temperature side heat exchanger 3, and a low-temperature side heat exchanger 4. The refrigerant storage sections 11 and 21, the heat medium pump 2, the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3, and the low-temperature side heat exchanger 4 are interconnected via heat medium pipes to form a heat medium circuit C. The heat medium circuit C is filled with a heat medium such as water or brine. The filled heat medium is transported through the heat medium circuit C.

[0049] The plurality of first refrigerant containment sections 11 include at least two first refrigerant containment sections 11a and 11b, and are arranged, for example, within the first housing 10. The plurality of second refrigerant containment sections 21 include at least two second refrigerant containment sections 21a and 21b, and are arranged, for example, within the second housing 20. Each first refrigerant containment section 11 contains a first solid refrigerant substance, i.e., a first magnetic working material 12, and has a flow path for the flow of a heating medium. Each second refrigerant containment section 21 contains a second solid refrigerant substance, i.e., a second magnetic working material 22, and has a flow path for the flow of a heating medium. In this example, the refrigerant containment sections 11 and 21 have two flow paths with different directions of heat medium flow in order to transport the heat energy and cold energy generated in the AMR cycle through different flow paths. In this way, thermal mixing in the dead volume during the reciprocating flow of the heat medium can be eliminated in the refrigerant containment sections 11 and 21.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the magnetic refrigeration device 1 includes a control unit 9. The control unit 9 controls the magnetic field modulation unit 80 to generate a magnetocaloric effect by applying or removing a force field, i.e., a magnetic field, to the magnetic working fluids 12 and 22, thereby heating or cooling the hot medium flowing in the flow path. The control unit 9 is constructed using a microcomputer and a storage device (specifically, a semiconductor memory), which stores software for operating the microcomputer. Details regarding the magnetic field modulation unit 80 will be described later. The control unit 9 can also control the multi-way directional valves M1 and M2, and the three-way valves 111a, 111b, 121a, and 121b of the bypass mechanisms 110 and 120, which will be described later. When the multi-way directional valves M1 and M2 are mechanically switched by rotation, a portion of the control unit 9 can also be a mechanical control unit such as a rotation mechanism.

[0051] The operating temperature range of the first magnetic working material 12 housed in each first refrigerant housing 11 may differ from the operating temperature range of the second magnetic working material 22 housed in each second refrigerant housing 21. In this example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the operating temperature range of the first magnetic working material 12 is higher than that of the second magnetic working material 22.

[0052] Each of the magnetic working materials 12 and 22 generates heat when a magnetic field is applied or when the applied magnetic field is strengthened, and absorbs heat when the magnetic field is removed or when the applied magnetic field is weakened. As the material for each of the magnetic working materials 12 and 22, for example, Gd5 (Ge) can be used depending on the operating temperature range. 0.5 Si 0.5 4. La (Fe 1-x Si x ) 13 ,La(Fe 1-x Co x Si y ) 13 ,La(Fe 1-x Six ) 13 H y Mn (As 0.9 Sb 0.1 Each magnetic working material 12 and 22 can be composed of a single material or multiple materials with different Curie temperatures (the temperature at which the magnetocaloric effect is highest).

[0053] The heat medium pump 2 is a component used to flow the heat medium between the refrigerant containment sections 11 and 21 and the heat exchangers 3 and 4. The heat medium pump 2 is provided, for example, on a heat medium pipeline located upstream of the heat medium inflow section of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3.

[0054] The high-temperature side heat exchanger 3 is a component used to exchange heat between the heat medium heated by the magnetic working fluids 12 and 22 and the secondary refrigerant flowing in a heat source unit (e.g., a cooling tower) (not shown). The high-temperature heat medium flowing out of the first refrigerant containment section 11 exchanges heat in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3 and then flows back into the first refrigerant containment section 11. Here, a first supply multi-way reversing valve 5 is provided between each first refrigerant containment section 11 and the heat medium outlet of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3 to selectively supply heat medium to the first refrigerant containment section 11. A first recovery multi-way reversing valve 6 is provided between each first refrigerant containment section 11 and the heat medium inlet of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3 (i.e., the heat medium pump 2) to selectively recover heat medium from the first refrigerant containment section 11. In this example, the first supply multi-way reversing valve 5 and the first recovery multi-way reversing valve 6 are integrated into a rotary valve type first multi-way reversing valve M1. Figure 2 As shown, the first multi-way directional valve M1 is controlled by the control unit 9. Details about the first multi-way directional valve M1 will be described later.

[0055] The low-temperature heat exchanger 4 is a component used to exchange heat between the heat medium cooled by the magnetic working fluids 12 and 22 and the secondary refrigerant flowing in a utilization unit (e.g., an air handling unit) (not shown in the diagram). The low-temperature heat medium flowing out of the second refrigerant storage section 21 exchanges heat in the low-temperature heat exchanger 4 and then flows back into the second refrigerant storage section 21. Here, a first manifold 7 is provided between each second refrigerant storage section 21 and the heat medium inflow section of the low-temperature heat exchanger 4 to collect the heat medium flowing out of each second refrigerant storage section 21. A check valve CV is arranged in the flow path between each second refrigerant storage section 21 and the first manifold 7 to prevent the heat medium from flowing into each second refrigerant storage section 21. Furthermore, a first distribution pipe 8 is provided between each second refrigerant storage section 21 and the heat medium outflow section of the low-temperature heat exchanger 4 to distribute the heat medium flowing out of the low-temperature heat exchanger 4. Check valves CV are arranged in the flow path between each second refrigerant containment section 21 and the first distribution pipe 8. These check valves CV prevent the hot medium from flowing out of each second refrigerant containment section 21.

[0056] <Heat medium junction>

[0057] exist Figure 1 In the magnetic refrigeration device 1 shown, a plurality of first refrigerant storage sections 11 and a plurality of second refrigerant storage sections 21 are connected in series, and a heat medium confluence section 50 is arranged between the plurality of first refrigerant storage sections 11 and the plurality of second refrigerant storage sections 21. The heat medium confluence section 50 confluences the heat medium flowing out from one of the plurality of first refrigerant storage sections 11 and the plurality of second refrigerant storage sections 21, and distributes the confluenced heat medium to the other of the plurality of first refrigerant storage sections 11 and the plurality of second refrigerant storage sections 21. The heat medium confluence section 50 is constructed, for example, using at least one of a multi-way reversing valve, a manifold, and a distribution pipe. In this example, the heat medium confluence section 50 has a second manifold 51, a second supply multi-way reversing valve 52, a second recovery multi-way reversing valve 53, and a second distribution pipe 54.

[0058] The hot media flowing from each of the first refrigerant containment sections 11 toward each of the second refrigerant containment sections 21 are converged by the second manifold 51. Check valves CV are arranged in the flow path between each of the first refrigerant containment sections 11 and the second manifold 51 to prevent the hot media from flowing into the first refrigerant containment section 11. The hot media converged in the second manifold 51 are selectively supplied to the second refrigerant containment section 21 by a second supply multi-way reversing valve 52. Conversely, the hot media flowing from each of the second refrigerant containment sections 21 toward each of the first refrigerant containment sections 11 are selectively recovered by a second recovery multi-way reversing valve 53 and then converged. The hot media converged by the second recovery multi-way reversing valve 53 are distributed to each of the first refrigerant containment sections 11 by a second distribution pipe 54. Check valves CV are arranged in the flow path between each of the first refrigerant containment sections 11 to prevent the hot media from flowing out of each of the first refrigerant containment sections 11. In this example, the second supply multi-way directional valve 52 and the second recovery multi-way directional valve 53 are integrated into a single unit, forming a rotary valve type second multi-way directional valve M2. Figure 2 As shown, the second multi-way directional valve M2 is controlled by the control unit 9. Details regarding the second multi-way directional valve M2 will be described later.

[0059] <Refrigerant containment section and magnetic field modulation section>

[0060] In this example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the plurality of first refrigerant receiving sections 11 and the plurality of second refrigerant receiving sections 21 are 12 first refrigerant receiving sections 11a to 11l and 12 second refrigerant receiving sections 21a to 21l, respectively. Each first refrigerant receiving section 11a to 11l has an annular fan-shaped shape and is arranged circumferentially along the annular first receiving housing 10. Each second refrigerant receiving section 21a to 21l has an annular fan-shaped shape and is arranged circumferentially along the annular second receiving housing 20. An opening is provided at the radial center of each receiving housing 10, 20.

[0061] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a force field modulation section, i.e. a magnetic field modulation section 80, is arranged in an axial direction perpendicular to the radial direction of each storage housing 10, 20, in a manner that clamps each storage housing 10, 20. In other words, in the storage housings 10, 20 to which a magnetic field is applied, the refrigerant storage sections 11, 21 are distributed in a plane perpendicular to the direction of application of the magnetic field.

[0062] The magnetic field modulation unit 80 consists of a magnetic field generating unit 81 and a rotating mechanism 82. The magnetic field generating unit 81 is arranged close to each of the housing shells 10 and 20, and the rotating mechanism 82 extends axially through the central opening of each housing shell 10 and 20. The magnetic field generating unit 81 has a pair of magnets 81a clamping each housing shell 10 and 20 and a magnetic yoke 81b for supporting each magnet 81a and forming a magnetic circuit. The magnetic field generating unit 81 rotates circumferentially around each housing shell 10 and 20 using the rotating mechanism 82. For example, the magnets 81a are arranged to overlap with the area equivalent to six refrigerant housings 11 and 21. As the magnetic field generating unit 81 rotates, the energized magnetic working fluids 12 and 22 continuously change. The magnetic field generating unit 81 repeatedly alternates between energizing and demagnetizing every half revolution. In this way, a magnet-rotating magnetic refrigeration device 1 can be constructed. It should be noted that... Figure 4 The diagram shows the six first refrigerant containment sections 11a, 11b, 11c, 11g, 11h, 11i and the second refrigerant containment sections 21a, 21b, 21c, 21g, 21h, 21i being energized and the six first refrigerant containment sections 11d, 11e, 11f, 11j, 11k, 11l and the second refrigerant containment sections 21d, 21e, 21f, 21j, 21k, 21l being demagnetized.

[0063] Figure 6 Showing the arrangement in Figure 4 An example of the configuration of the refrigerant receiving portions 11 and 21 in the annular housings 10 and 20 shown. For example... Figure 6 As shown, when viewed axially from the housing housings 10 and 20, each refrigerant housing 11 and 21 has an annular fan shape, and magnetic working fluids 12 and 22 are sealed inside each refrigerant housing 11 and 21. When viewed radially from the outer periphery of the housing housings 10 and 20, four valve ports 13-16 and 23-26 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of each refrigerant housing 11 and 21 for the inflow and outflow of high-temperature and low-temperature heat media, respectively. Each refrigerant housing 11 and 21 has a manifold structure, and these manifold structures can also be combined to form each housing housing 10 and 20.

[0064] <Multi-way directional valve>

[0065] In this example, the multi-way directional valves M1 and M2 are configured as follows: Figure 7 The rotary valve type multi-way directional valve shown is used. In multi-way directional valves M1 and M2, the supply multi-way directional valves 5 and 52 and the recovery multi-way directional valves 6 and 53 are integrally housed within the same valve housing 501. It should be noted that... Figure 7 In the diagram, arrows indicate the flow of the heat medium.

[0066] The multi-way directional valves M1 and M2 mainly include a valve housing 501, a rotating shaft 502, a high-pressure side inlet valve port 515, a low-pressure side outlet valve port 525, a high-pressure side valve plate 511, a high-pressure side valve body 512, a low-pressure side valve plate 521, and a low-pressure side valve body 522. The valve housing 501 is made of, for example, acrylic resin. The rotating shaft 502 is made of, for example, stainless steel. The high-pressure side valve plate 511 and the low-pressure side valve plate 521 are made of, for example, aluminum. The high-pressure side valve body 512 and the low-pressure side valve body 522 are made of, for example, fluoropolymers such as PTFE.

[0067] Rotating shaft 502 and Figure 4 and Figure 5 The rotating mechanism 82 of the magnetic field modulation unit 80 shown rotates coaxially. In the rotary magnetic cooling device 1, "axial" refers to the direction in which the rotating shaft 502 (axis J) extends, "radial" refers to the direction orthogonal to the rotating shaft 502, and "circumferential" refers to the circumferential direction of the circle centered on the rotating shaft 502.

[0068] At one end of the axial direction of valve box 501 ( Figure 7 The upper part (middle) is equipped with a high-pressure side valve plate 511. At the other end of the valve box 501 in the axial direction ( Figure 7 The lower end of the valve box 501 has a low-pressure side valve plate 521. Inside the high-pressure side valve plate 511 of the valve box 501, a high-pressure side valve body 512 is arranged. Inside the low-pressure side valve plate 521 of the valve box 501, a low-pressure side valve body 522 is arranged.

[0069] The rotating shaft 502 extends from the outside to the inside of the valve housing 501, passing through the center of the high-pressure side valve plate 511. The rotating shaft 502 rotates using a rotating mechanism 82 (not shown). A sealing component 503, such as a mechanical seal, is provided between the rotating shaft 502 and the high-pressure side valve plate 511. Inside the valve housing 501, a high-pressure side valve body 512 and a low-pressure side valve body 522 are mounted on the rotating shaft 502. The high-pressure side valve body 512 and the low-pressure side valve body 522 can rotate together with the rotating shaft 502.

[0070] The high-pressure side valve body 512 and the low-pressure side valve body 522 are driven to rotate by the same rotating shaft 502. Therefore, the high-pressure side valve body 512 and the low-pressure side valve body 522 rotate at the same speed and in the same direction. Furthermore, the relative positional relationship between the high-pressure side valve body 512 and the low-pressure side valve body 522 does not change due to rotation.

[0071] The high-pressure side inlet valve port 515 is located on the radial side of the valve box 501. This maintains high pressure inside the valve box 501 through communication with the high-pressure side inlet valve port 515. The low-pressure side outlet valve port 525 is located at the center of the low-pressure side valve plate 521.

[0072] Multiple high-pressure side outlet valve ports 513 are formed on the high-pressure side valve plate 511 in a manner surrounding the rotation shaft 502. A high-pressure side flow path 514 is formed on the high-pressure side valve body 512. The high-pressure side flow path 514 has an open structure relative to the interior of the valve box 501. Depending on the rotational position of the high-pressure side valve body 512, the high-pressure side flow path 514 is connected to at least one of the multiple high-pressure side outlet valve ports 513, allowing selective communication between this valve port and the high-pressure side inlet valve port 515. Depending on the rotational position, the high-pressure side valve body 512 blocks at least one of the multiple high-pressure side outlet valve ports 513 whose pressure is lower than the pressure inside the valve box 501. Under the pressure difference between this valve port and the interior of the valve box 501, the high-pressure side valve body 512 is drawn towards the high-pressure side valve plate 511 and tightly fitted, thus preventing fluid leakage.

[0073] The high-pressure side valve body 512 is fixed circumferentially to the rotating shaft 502, but not axially. For example, the rotating shaft 502, perpendicular to the axial direction, can have a D-shaped cross-section, and a similar D-shaped through-hole can be provided on the high-pressure side valve body 512, allowing the rotating shaft 502 to pass through. This fixes the high-pressure side valve body 512 circumferentially to the rotating shaft 502, while allowing it to move axially. This prevents the rotating shaft 502 from being attracted along with the high-pressure side valve body 512 when it is drawn towards the high-pressure side valve plate 511.

[0074] On the low-pressure side valve plate 521, a plurality of low-pressure side inlet valve ports 523 are formed in a manner surrounding the low-pressure side outlet valve port 525. On the low-pressure side valve body 522, a low-pressure side flow path 524 is formed. Depending on its rotational position, the low-pressure side valve body 522 blocks at least one of the plurality of low-pressure side inlet valve ports 523 that becomes high pressure. Depending on the rotational position of the low-pressure side valve body 522, the low-pressure side flow path 524 connects to at least one valve port whose pressure is lower than the pressure inside the valve housing 501, selectively connecting this valve port to the low-pressure side outlet valve port 525. The low-pressure side flow path 524 has a closed structure relative to the interior of the valve housing 501. In other words, the high pressure inside the valve housing 501 is separated from the low pressure inside the low-pressure side flow path 524 (the interior of the low-pressure side valve body 522). In this way, under the pressure difference between the inside of the low-pressure side valve body 522 and the inside of the valve box 501, the low-pressure side valve body 522 is drawn towards the low-pressure side valve plate 521 and fits tightly, thus preventing fluid leakage.

[0075] The low-pressure side valve body 522 is fixed circumferentially to the rotating shaft 502, but not axially. For example, the rotating shaft 502, perpendicular to the axial direction, can have a D-shaped cross-section, and a similar D-shaped through-hole can be provided on the low-pressure side valve body 522, allowing the rotating shaft 502 to pass through. This fixes the low-pressure side valve body 522 circumferentially to the rotating shaft 502 while allowing it to move axially. This prevents the rotating shaft 502 from being attracted along with the low-pressure side valve body 522 when it is drawn towards the low-pressure side valve plate 521.

[0076] As explained above, the high-pressure side valve body 512 and the low-pressure side valve body 522 are independent components and can move independently along the axial direction (sliding relative to the rotation axis 502). Therefore, the suction forces acting on the high-pressure side valve body 512 and the low-pressure side valve body 522 respectively do not cancel each other out. Furthermore, since each valve body 512 and 522 can move along the axial direction, when the spring 504 is provided between each valve body 512 and 522, the elastic force of the spring 504 can be used to make each valve body 512 and 522 fit tightly against each valve plate 511 and 521.

[0077] The low-pressure side valve body 522 may also include a mechanism for insulating the interior of the valve housing 501 from the low-pressure side flow path 524. As an example, at least a portion of the low-pressure side valve body 522 may be made of an insulating material. As the insulating material, a resin with low friction and excellent sliding properties, such as PTFE or POM, may also be used.

[0078] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated heat medium circuit C, the high-pressure side outlet valve 513 of the first supply multi-way reversing valve 5 in the first multi-way reversing valve M1 is connected to the heat medium inflow port of each first refrigerant containment section 11. Furthermore, the low-pressure side inlet valve 523 of the first recovery multi-way reversing valve 6 in the first multi-way reversing valve M1 is connected to the heat medium outflow port of each first refrigerant containment section 11. Here, the high-pressure side outlet valve 513 and the low-pressure side inlet valve 523 connected to the same first refrigerant containment section 11 will not simultaneously become "open". Specifically, for the high-pressure side outlet valve 513 and the low-pressure side inlet valve 523 connected to the same first refrigerant containment section 11, when one valve is "open", the other valve is "closed", and when one valve is "closed", the other valve is either "open" or "closed".

[0079] exist Figure 1In the illustrated heat medium circuit C, the high-pressure side outlet valve 513 of the second supply multi-way reversing valve 52 in the second multi-way reversing valve M2 is connected to the heat medium inflow port of each second refrigerant containment section 21. Furthermore, the low-pressure side inlet valve 523 of the second recovery multi-way reversing valve 53 in the second multi-way reversing valve M2 is connected to the heat medium outflow port of each second refrigerant containment section 21. Here, the high-pressure side outlet valve 513 and the low-pressure side inlet valve 523 connected to the same second refrigerant containment section 21 will not simultaneously become "open". Specifically, for the high-pressure side outlet valve 513 and the low-pressure side inlet valve 523 connected to the same second refrigerant containment section 21, when one valve is "open", the other valve is "closed", and when one valve is "closed", the other valve is either "open" or "closed".

[0080] <Composition of Rotary Magnetic Refrigeration Unit and Flow Control of Heat Medium>

[0081] Figure 8 Showing Figure 4 and Figure 5 The magnet rotating magnetic field modulation section 80 shown and Figure 7 The rotary valve type multi-way directional valves M1 and M2 shown will... Figure 1 The magnetic refrigeration device 1 shown is a simplified configuration when it is a rotary magnetic refrigeration device. It should be noted that... Figure 8 In the diagram, arrows indicate the flow of the heat medium. Furthermore, in... Figure 8 In Chinese, omission and Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 A diagram of a portion of the repeated symbols.

[0082] like Figure 8 As shown, the first magnetic field modulation unit 80A is arranged to axially sandwich an annular first housing housing 10 having a plurality of first refrigerant housings 11, and the second magnetic field modulation unit 80B is arranged to axially sandwich an annular second housing housing 20 having a plurality of second refrigerant housings 21. Each magnetic field modulation unit 80A, 80B has a... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The magnetic field modulation unit 80 shown has the same configuration. The first magnetic field modulation unit 80A and the second magnetic field modulation unit 80B are arranged coaxially in a double-layer structure with the first magnetic field modulation unit 80A on top and the second magnetic field modulation unit 80B on the bottom in the axial direction. The first multi-way reversing valve M1 and the second multi-way reversing valve M2 are also arranged coaxially in a double-layer structure with the first multi-way reversing valve M1 on top and the second multi-way reversing valve M2 on the bottom in the axial direction. The first multi-way reversing valve M1 is connected to each of the first refrigerant receiving units 11 via pipes, and the second multi-way reversing valve M2 is connected to each of the second refrigerant receiving units 21 via pipes.

[0083] exist Figure 8In the magnetic refrigeration device 1 shown, multi-way reversing valves M1 and M2 are controlled, and correspondingly, magnetic field modulation units 80A and 80B are controlled to control the flow of the heat medium, thereby heating or cooling the heat medium. (Refer to below...) Figure 1 and Figure 8 The flow control of the heat medium is explained.

[0084] First, the hot medium flowing out from the low-temperature side heat exchanger 4, controlled by the second recovery multi-way reversing valve 53 in the second multi-way reversing valve M2, flows selectively through the first distribution pipe 8 into the second refrigerant storage section 21, which is energized by the second magnetic working fluid 22 and the second magnetic field modulation unit 80B. This hot medium is heated by heat exchange with the heated second magnetic working fluid 22 and, after flowing out of the second refrigerant storage section 21, is recovered by the second recovery multi-way reversing valve 53. The hot medium flowing out from the second recovery multi-way reversing valve 53, controlled by the first recovery multi-way reversing valve 6 in the first multi-way reversing valve M1, flows selectively through the second distribution pipe 54 into the first refrigerant storage section 11, which is energized by the first magnetic working fluid 12 and the first magnetic field modulation unit 80A. This hot medium is heated by heat exchange with the heated first magnetic working fluid 12 and, after flowing out of the first refrigerant storage section 11, is recovered by the first recovery multi-way reversing valve 6. The hot medium flowing out from the first recovery multi-way reversing valve 6 passes through the hot medium pump 2 and flows into the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3. This hot medium exchanges heat with, for example, the secondary refrigerant flowing in a heat source unit (not shown) such as a cooling tower, and flows out from the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3.

[0085] Next, the hot medium flowing out of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3, controlled by the first supply multi-way reversing valve 5 in the first multi-way reversing valve M1, selectively flows into the first refrigerant storage section 11, where the first magnetic working fluid 12 is demagnetized by the first magnetic field modulation section 80A. This hot medium, cooled by heat exchange with the first magnetic working fluid 12 which is in an endothermic state, flows out of the first refrigerant storage section 11, passes through the second manifold 51, and, controlled by the second supply multi-way reversing valve 52 in the second multi-way reversing valve M2, selectively flows into the second refrigerant storage section 21, where the second magnetic working fluid 22 is demagnetized by the second magnetic field modulation section 80B. This hot medium, cooled by heat exchange with the second magnetic working fluid 22 which is in an endothermic state, flows out of the second refrigerant storage section 21, passes through the first manifold 7, and flows into the low-temperature side heat exchanger 4. This hot medium, for example, exchanges heat with secondary refrigerant flowing in a utilization unit (not shown) such as an air handling unit, and then flows out of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 4.

[0086] In this example, the flow control of the heat medium described above is repeatedly performed while selectively changing the refrigerant containment sections 11 and 21 that are energized or demagnetized by the magnetic field modulation sections 80A and 80B.

[0087] <Comparative Example>

[0088] Figure 9 The magnetic refrigeration device 1 shown in the comparative example and Figure 1 The difference between the magnetic refrigeration device 1 of the illustrated embodiment and the one shown is that it does not have a heat medium collection section 50. Figure 9 In the magnetic refrigeration device 1 of the comparative example shown, a plurality of first refrigerant storage sections 11 that respectively house the first magnetic working material 12 with the same operating temperature range and a plurality of second refrigerant storage sections 21 that respectively house the second magnetic working material 22 with a different operating temperature range than the first magnetic working material 12 and are the same number as the first refrigerant storage sections 11 are connected in series in such a way that each of the first refrigerant storage sections 11a, 11b, ... and each of the second refrigerant storage sections 21a, 21b, ... corresponds to one another.

[0089] Figure 10 Showing the use Figure 4 and Figure 5 The magnet rotating magnetic field modulation section 80 shown and Figure 7 The rotary valve type multi-way directional valve M1 shown will... Figure 9 The comparative example shown is a simplified configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device 1 when it is a rotary magnetic refrigeration device. It should be noted that... Figure 10 In the diagram, arrows indicate the flow of the heat medium. Furthermore, in... Figure 10 In Chinese, omission and Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 A diagram of a portion of the repeated symbols.

[0090] like Figure 10 As shown, in the comparative example magnetic refrigeration device 1, the first magnetic field modulation unit 80A is arranged to axially sandwich an annular first housing 10 having a plurality of first refrigerant housings 11, and the second magnetic field modulation unit 80B is arranged to axially sandwich an annular second housing 20 having a plurality of second refrigerant housings 21. Each magnetic field modulation unit 80A, 80B has a... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The magnetic field modulation section 80 shown has the same configuration. The first magnetic field modulation section 80A and the second magnetic field modulation section 80B are arranged coaxially in a double-layer structure with the first magnetic field modulation section 80A as the upper layer and the second magnetic field modulation section 80B as the lower layer in the axial direction. The first multi-way reversing valve M1 is connected to each of the first refrigerant storage sections 11 through pipes, and the first refrigerant storage sections 11 and the second refrigerant storage sections 21, which exist in the same position in the circumferential direction, are connected in series through pipe P.

[0091] exist Figure 10In the comparative example magnetic refrigeration device 1 shown, the first multi-way reversing valve M1 is controlled, and the magnetic field modulation units 80A and 80B are controlled correspondingly to control the flow of the heat medium, thereby heating or cooling the heat medium. (Refer to below...) Figure 9 and Figure 10 The flow control of the heat medium is explained.

[0092] First, the heat medium flowing out of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 4, controlled by the first recovery multi-way reversing valve 6 in the first multi-way reversing valve M1, flows through the first distribution pipe 8 and sequentially selectively into the second refrigerant storage section 21, which is energized by the second magnetic working fluid 22 and the first refrigerant storage section 11, which is energized by the first magnetic field modulation section 80A, and the second refrigerant storage section 21, which is energized by the first magnetic field modulation section 80A. This heat medium is heated by heat exchange with the magnetic working fluids 12 and 22, which are in a heated state, and after flowing out of the refrigerant storage sections 11 and 21, it is recovered by the first recovery multi-way reversing valve 6. The heat medium flowing out of the first recovery multi-way reversing valve 6 flows through the heat medium pump 2 into the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3. This heat medium exchanges heat with, for example, the secondary refrigerant flowing in a heat source unit (not shown) such as a cooling tower, and flows out of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3.

[0093] Next, the heat medium flowing out from the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3, controlled by the first supply multi-way reversing valve 5 in the first multi-way reversing valve M1, selectively flows sequentially into the first refrigerant storage section 11 (where the first magnetic working fluid 12 is demagnetized by the first magnetic field modulation section 80A) and the second refrigerant storage section 21 (where the second magnetic working fluid 22 is demagnetized by the second magnetic field modulation section 80B). This heat medium is cooled by heat exchange with the magnetic working fluids 12 and 22, which are in an endothermic state, and after flowing out from the refrigerant storage sections 11 and 21, it flows through the first manifold 7 and into the low-temperature side heat exchanger 4. This heat medium, for example, exchanges heat with secondary refrigerant flowing in a utilization unit (not shown) such as an air handling unit, and then flows out from the low-temperature side heat exchanger 4.

[0094] In the comparative example magnetic refrigeration device 1, the flow control of the heat medium described above is repeatedly performed while selectively changing the refrigerant containment sections 11 and 21 that are energized or demagnetized by the magnetic field modulation sections 80A and 80B.

[0095] However, in the comparative example magnetic refrigeration device 1, for example, multiple first refrigerant housings 11 and multiple second refrigerant housings 21 are arranged in the same annular housing, and by... Figure 4 and Figure 5When the magnet-rotating magnetic field modulation unit 80 shown is used for excitation and demagnetization, each of the first refrigerant containment units 11 and each of the second refrigerant containment units 21 needs to be connected in series with pipes around the outer periphery of the annular housing. Therefore, as the number of refrigerant containment units 11 and 21 increases, the piping configuration becomes more complex, resulting in problems such as limited design freedom and increased cost. Furthermore, depending on the positional relationship between the first refrigerant containment units 11 and the second refrigerant containment units 21 connected in series within the same annular housing, the pipe connections around the outer periphery of the annular housing can sometimes become difficult.

[0096] <Addition of a bypass mechanism>

[0097] In a magnetic refrigeration device where refrigerant storage sections are connected in series, by providing a flow path (bypass mechanism) that bypasses the refrigerant storage section, the magnetic working fluid outside the effective temperature range can be rendered ineffective, thereby enabling the magnetic refrigeration device to operate at the optimal temperature and improving overall performance.

[0098] Figure 11 It is shown in Figure 9 The diagram shows a simplified configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device 1 in the comparative example when a bypass mechanism is added. In the comparative example, each refrigerant housing 11, 21 has two flow paths with different flow directions of the heat medium, so two bypass mechanisms are required for each refrigerant housing 11, 21.

[0099] Specifically, when the plurality of first refrigerant containment sections 11 include two first refrigerant containment sections 11a and 11b, two bypass mechanisms 210a and 210b are provided on the first refrigerant containment section 11a, and two bypass mechanisms 210c and 210d are provided on the first refrigerant containment section 11b. The bypass mechanisms 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d respectively have three-way valves 211a, 211b, 211c, and 211d and bypass flow paths 212a, 212b, 212c, and 212d.

[0100] The bypass flow path 212a is a flow path that bypasses the interior of the first refrigerant containment section 11a and flows towards the high-temperature side. In this example, the three-way valve 211a is arranged at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 212a. By controlling the three-way valve 211a by the control unit 9, the bypass mechanism 210a switches between the action of the hot medium flowing towards the high-temperature side inside the first refrigerant containment section 11a and the action of the hot medium flowing towards the high-temperature side in the bypass flow path 212a.

[0101] The bypass flow path 212b is a flow path that bypasses the interior of the first refrigerant containment section 11a and flows to the low-temperature side. In this example, the three-way valve 211b is arranged at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 212b. By controlling the three-way valve 211b by the control unit 9, the bypass mechanism 210b switches between the action of the hot medium flowing to the low-temperature side inside the first refrigerant containment section 11a and the action of the hot medium flowing to the low-temperature side in the bypass flow path 212b.

[0102] The bypass flow path 212c is a flow path that bypasses the interior of the first refrigerant containment section 11b and flows towards the high-temperature side. In this example, the three-way valve 211c is arranged at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 212c. By controlling the three-way valve 211c by the control unit 9, the bypass mechanism 210c switches between the action of the hot medium flowing towards the high-temperature side inside the first refrigerant containment section 11b and the action of the hot medium flowing towards the high-temperature side in the bypass flow path 212c.

[0103] The bypass flow path 212d is a flow path that bypasses the interior of the first refrigerant containment section 11b to flow towards the low-temperature side. In this example, the three-way valve 211d is arranged at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 212d. By controlling the three-way valve 211d by the control unit 9, the bypass mechanism 210d switches between the action of the hot medium flowing towards the low-temperature side inside the first refrigerant containment section 11b and the action of the hot medium flowing towards the low-temperature side in the bypass flow path 212d.

[0104] When the plurality of second refrigerant housings 21 include two second refrigerant housings 21a and 21b, two bypass mechanisms 220a and 220b are provided on the second refrigerant housing 21a, and two bypass mechanisms 220c and 220d are provided on the second refrigerant housing 21b. The bypass mechanisms 220a, 220b, 220c, and 220d respectively have three-way valves 221a, 221b, 221c, and 221d and bypass flow paths 222a, 222b, 222c, and 222d.

[0105] The bypass flow path 222a is a flow path that bypasses the interior of the second refrigerant containment section 21a to allow the hot medium to flow to the high-temperature side. In this example, a three-way valve 221a is arranged at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 222a. By controlling the three-way valve 221a by the control unit 9, the bypass mechanism 220a switches between the operation of the hot medium flowing to the high-temperature side inside the second refrigerant containment section 21a and the operation of the hot medium flowing to the high-temperature side in the bypass flow path 222a.

[0106] The bypass flow path 222b is a flow path that bypasses the interior of the second refrigerant containment section 21a to flow towards the low-temperature side. In this example, the three-way valve 221b is arranged at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 222b. By controlling the three-way valve 221b by the control unit 9, the bypass mechanism 220b switches between the action of the hot medium flowing towards the low-temperature side inside the second refrigerant containment section 21a and the action of the hot medium flowing towards the low-temperature side in the bypass flow path 222b.

[0107] The bypass flow path 222c is a flow path that bypasses the interior of the second refrigerant containment section 21b to allow the hot medium to flow towards the high-temperature side. In this example, the three-way valve 221c is arranged at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 222c. By controlling the three-way valve 221c by the control unit 9, the bypass mechanism 220c switches between the action of the hot medium flowing towards the high-temperature side inside the second refrigerant containment section 21b and the action of the hot medium flowing towards the high-temperature side in the bypass flow path 222c.

[0108] The bypass flow path 222d is a flow path that bypasses the interior of the second refrigerant containment section 21b to flow towards the low-temperature side. In this example, the three-way valve 221d is arranged at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 222d. By controlling the three-way valve 221d by the control unit 9, the bypass mechanism 220d switches between the action of the hot medium flowing towards the low-temperature side inside the second refrigerant containment section 21b and the action of the hot medium flowing towards the low-temperature side in the bypass flow path 222d.

[0109] As mentioned above, in Figure 11 In the magnetic refrigeration device 1 of the comparative example shown, since two bypass mechanisms are required for each refrigerant housing 11, 21, the number of pipes and valves increases with the number of refrigerant housings 11, 21. As a result, the structure and control of the device become more complex, leading to problems such as larger size and increased cost.

[0110] In particular, if we want to Figure 11 The bypass mechanism shown is added to Figure 10 In the rotary magnetic refrigeration device 1 shown, each set of first refrigerant housing 11 and second refrigerant housing 21, which are located at the same position in the circumferential direction and arranged vertically, requires four pipes (bypass flow paths) and four three-way valves. Therefore, when there are 12 sets of first refrigerant housing 11 and second refrigerant housing 21 connected in series, 48 ​​pipes and 48 three-way valves are required. However, in practice, it is very difficult to set up the above-mentioned pipes and three-way valves and perform automatic control, which inevitably leads to problems such as increased complexity, larger size, and increased cost of the device.

[0111] In contrast, Figure 1When a bypass mechanism is added to the magnetic cooling device 1 of the illustrated embodiment, such as Figure 12 As shown, in the flow path after the heat medium merges at the heat medium confluence section 50, only four bypass flow paths 112a, 112b, 122a, 122b and four three-way valves 111a, 111b, 121a, 121b are required. Figure 12 In the magnetic refrigeration device 1 of the illustrated embodiment, even if the number of refrigerant storage sections 11 and 21 arranged in parallel increases, the number of bypass flow paths 112a, 112b, 122a, 122b (four) and the number of three-way valves 111a, 111b, 121a, 121b (four) required to add the bypass mechanism remain unchanged. Therefore, with Figure 11 Compared to the comparative example shown, the structure and control of the device can be greatly simplified.

[0112] Specifically, in Figure 12 In the magnetic refrigeration device 1 shown, in Figure 1 The configuration shown includes an additional first bypass mechanism 110 and a second bypass mechanism 120. The first bypass mechanism 110 switches between the action of the hot medium flowing through multiple first refrigerant containment sections 11 and the action of the hot medium bypassing multiple first refrigerant containment sections 11. The second bypass mechanism 120 switches between the action of the hot medium flowing through multiple second refrigerant containment sections 21 and the action of the hot medium bypassing multiple second refrigerant containment sections 21.

[0113] The first bypass mechanism 110 consists of two bypass mechanisms 110a and 110b. The bypass mechanisms 110a and 110b each have three-way valves 111a and 111b and bypass flow paths 112a and 112b, respectively.

[0114] The bypass flow path 112a is a flow path that bypasses the hot medium and flows towards the high-temperature side inside the plurality of first refrigerant containment sections 11. The upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 112a is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the second recovery multi-way reversing valve 53 and the second distribution pipe 54. The downstream branch point of the bypass flow path 112a is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the first recovery multi-way reversing valve 6 and the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3. In this example, the three-way valve 111a is arranged at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 112a. By controlling the three-way valve 111a by the control unit 9, the bypass mechanism 110a switches between the operation of the hot medium flowing towards the high-temperature side inside the first refrigerant containment section 11 and the operation of the hot medium flowing towards the high-temperature side in the bypass flow path 112a.

[0115] The bypass flow path 112b is a flow path that bypasses the hot medium and flows towards the low-temperature side inside the plurality of first refrigerant containment sections 11. The upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 112b is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the high-temperature heat exchanger 3 and the first supply multi-way reversing valve 5. The downstream branch point of the bypass flow path 112b is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the second manifold 51 and the second supply multi-way reversing valve 52. In this example, the three-way valve 111b is arranged at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 112b. By controlling the three-way valve 111b by the control unit 9, the bypass mechanism 110b switches between the action of the hot medium flowing towards the low-temperature side inside the first refrigerant containment section 11 and the action of the hot medium flowing towards the low-temperature side in the bypass flow path 112b.

[0116] The second bypass mechanism 120 consists of two bypass mechanisms 120a and 120b. The bypass mechanisms 120a and 120b each have three-way valves 121a and 121b and bypass flow paths 122a and 122b, respectively.

[0117] The bypass flow path 122a is a flow path that bypasses the hot medium and flows towards the high-temperature side inside the plurality of second refrigerant containment sections 21. The upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 122a is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the low-temperature heat exchanger 4 and the first distribution pipe 8. The downstream branch point of the bypass flow path 122a is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the second recovery multi-way reversing valve 53 and the second distribution pipe 54. In this example, a three-way valve 121a is arranged at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 122a. By controlling the three-way valve 121a by the control unit 9, the bypass mechanism 120a switches between the action of the hot medium flowing towards the high-temperature side inside the second refrigerant containment section 21 and the action of the hot medium flowing towards the high-temperature side in the bypass flow path 122a.

[0118] The bypass flow path 122b is a flow path that bypasses the hot medium and flows towards the low-temperature side inside the plurality of second refrigerant containment sections 21. The upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 122b is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the second manifold 51 and the second supply multi-way reversing valve 52. The downstream branch point of the bypass flow path 122b is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the first manifold 7 and the low-temperature side heat exchanger 4. In this example, a three-way valve 121b is arranged at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 122b. By controlling the three-way valve 121b by the control unit 9, the bypass mechanism 120b switches between the action of the hot medium flowing towards the low-temperature side inside the second refrigerant containment section 21 and the action of the hot medium flowing towards the low-temperature side in the bypass flow path 122b.

[0119] It should be noted that, in Figure 12In the magnetic cooling device 1 of the illustrated embodiment, either the first bypass mechanism 110 or the second bypass mechanism 120 may not be provided.

[0120] <Features of the Implementation Method>

[0121] As described above, the magnetic refrigeration device 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of first refrigerant storage sections 11 that house a first magnetic working medium 12 and a plurality of second refrigerant storage sections 21 that house a second magnetic working medium 22. The plurality of first refrigerant storage sections 11 and the plurality of second refrigerant storage sections 21 are connected in series. The magnetic refrigeration device 1 includes a heat medium confluence section 50, which confluences heat medium flowing out from one of the plurality of first refrigerant storage sections 11 and the plurality of second refrigerant storage sections 21, and distributes the confluenced heat medium to the other of the plurality of first refrigerant storage sections 11 and the plurality of second refrigerant storage sections 21.

[0122] In the magnetic refrigeration device 1 of this embodiment, since the flow path of the heat medium between the first refrigerant storage section 11 and the second refrigerant storage section 21 is merged by the heat medium confluence section 50, the refrigerant storage sections 11 and 21 can be easily connected in series, for example, by providing a bypass mechanism on the first refrigerant storage section 11 or the second refrigerant storage section 21 or by placing each refrigerant storage section 11 and 21 in the same housing. Therefore, the series connection and parallel connection of the refrigerant storage sections 11 and 21 can be flexibly realized according to the required capacity of the device and the operating temperature range of the magnetic working medium, and a bypass mechanism can be added with a simple pipe structure, thereby simplifying the structure and control of the device to achieve miniaturization and cost reduction.

[0123] In the magnetic refrigeration device 1 of this embodiment, if the heat medium junction 50 includes at least one of the multi-way reversing valves 52 and 53, the junction pipe 51 and the distribution pipe 54, the heat medium junction 50 can be easily constructed.

[0124] In the magnetic refrigeration device 1 of this embodiment, a first bypass mechanism 110 or a second bypass mechanism 120 may also be included. The first bypass mechanism 110 switches between the action of the hot medium flowing through multiple first refrigerant containment sections 11 and the action of the hot medium bypassing multiple first refrigerant containment sections 11. The second bypass mechanism 120 switches between the action of the hot medium flowing through multiple second refrigerant containment sections 21 and the action of the hot medium bypassing multiple second refrigerant containment sections 21. In this way, the magnetic working materials 12 and 22 outside the effective temperature range are rendered ineffective, and the remaining magnetic working materials 12 and 22 operate at the optimal temperature, thereby improving the overall performance of the magnetic refrigeration device 1. In this case, if the first bypass mechanism 110 and the second bypass mechanism 120 are connected to the flow path after the hot medium merges through the hot medium confluence section 50, the piping structure required for the bypass mechanisms 110 and 120 can be greatly simplified compared to the configuration without the hot medium confluence section 50.

[0125] In the magnetic refrigeration device 1 of this embodiment, if the operating temperature range of the first magnetic working medium 12 is different from that of the second magnetic working medium 22, the refrigerant containment portions 11 and 21 of the magnetic working mediums 12 and 22 with different operating temperature ranges can be connected in series to increase the achievable temperature difference.

[0126] In the magnetic refrigeration device 1 of this embodiment, the plurality of first refrigerant housings 11 and the plurality of second refrigerant housings 21 may be distributed in a plane perpendicular to the direction of application of the magnetic field within the housing 10, 20 to which a magnetic field inducing a magnetocaloric effect is applied. In this way, for example, a rotary magnetic refrigeration device 1 can be constructed in which the timing of energizing or demagnetizing the magnetic working fluids 12, 22 varies circumferentially.

[0127] <Variation Example 1>

[0128] In the described embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, a plurality of first refrigerant receiving sections 11 are arranged in the first housing 10, and a plurality of second refrigerant receiving sections 21 are arranged in the second housing 20. In contrast, in this modified example 1, as... Figure 13 As shown in (a), multiple (e.g., six) first refrigerant receiving sections 11 and multiple (e.g., six) second refrigerant receiving sections 21 are arranged together in the same housing 10. Each first refrigerant receiving section 11 has an annular fan-shaped shape and is arranged along the circumference of the annular housing 10, occupying half of the circumference. Each second refrigerant receiving section 21 has an annular fan-shaped shape and is arranged along the circumference of the annular housing 10, occupying the remaining half of the circumference. As in the embodiment described above, multiple first refrigerant receiving sections 11 and multiple second refrigerant receiving sections 21 arranged in the same housing 10 are connected in series via a heat medium junction 50 (see reference ). Figure 1 ).

[0129] In this modified example 1, similarly, each first refrigerant housing 11 houses the first magnetic working medium 12, and each second refrigerant housing 21 houses the second magnetic working medium 22. The operating temperature range of the first magnetic working medium 12 is higher than that of the second magnetic working medium 22.

[0130] When using the magnetic field modulation section 80 with bipolar magnets (refer to...) Figure 5 When the magnetic working materials 12 and 22 of the refrigerant housings 11 and 21 are energized and demagnetized, the first refrigerant housing 11 and the second refrigerant housing 21, which are energized and demagnetized at the same time, are located 180° apart in the circumferential direction of the housing 10. By using the second multi-way reversing valve M2 to allow the heat medium to flow into the first refrigerant housing 11 and the second refrigerant housing 21 at the same time, the first refrigerant housing 11 and the second refrigerant housing 21 can be connected in series.

[0131] Figure 13 (b) shows a simplified configuration when the magnetic refrigeration device 1 of this modified example 1 is configured as a rotary magnetic refrigeration device. It should be noted that in... Figure 13 In (b) of the diagram, the flow of the heat medium is indicated by arrows. Furthermore, in... Figure 13 In (b) of the text, the omission of... Figure 5 , Figure 7 A diagram of a portion of the repeated symbols.

[0132] like Figure 13 As shown in (b), the magnetic field modulation unit 80 is arranged to axially sandwich an annular housing 10 having a plurality of first refrigerant housings 11 and a plurality of second refrigerant housings 21. The magnetic field modulation unit 80 has a... Figure 5 The magnetic field modulation unit 80 shown has the same configuration. The first multi-way reversing valve M1 and the second multi-way reversing valve M2 are arranged coaxially in a double-layer configuration with the first multi-way reversing valve M1 on top and the second multi-way reversing valve M2 on the bottom in the axial direction. The first multi-way reversing valve M1 is connected to each of the first refrigerant receiving units 11 through a pipe, and the second multi-way reversing valve M2 is connected to each of the second refrigerant receiving units 21 through a pipe.

[0133] exist Figure 13 In the magnetic refrigeration device 1 shown in (b), the multi-way reversing valves M1 and M2 are controlled, and the magnetic field modulation unit 80 is controlled in accordance with the control action, thereby controlling the flow of the heat medium and heating or cooling the heat medium. See below for reference. Figure 1 and Figure 13 Section (b) describes the flow control of the heat medium.

[0134] First, the hot medium flowing out from the low-temperature side heat exchanger 4, controlled by the second recovery multi-way reversing valve 53 in the second multi-way reversing valve M2, flows selectively into the second refrigerant storage section 21, energized by the magnetic field modulation section 80, via the first distribution pipe 8. This hot medium is heated by heat exchange with the heated second magnetic working fluid 22 and, after flowing out of the second refrigerant storage section 21, is recovered by the second recovery multi-way reversing valve 53. The hot medium flowing out from the second recovery multi-way reversing valve 53, controlled by the first recovery multi-way reversing valve 6 in the first multi-way reversing valve M1, flows selectively into the first refrigerant storage section 11, energized by the magnetic field modulation section 80, via the second distribution pipe 54. This hot medium is heated by heat exchange with the heated first magnetic working fluid 12 and, after flowing out of the first refrigerant storage section 11, is recovered by the first recovery multi-way reversing valve 6. The hot medium flowing out from the first recovery multi-way reversing valve 6 passes through the hot medium pump 2 and flows into the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3. This hot medium exchanges heat with, for example, the secondary refrigerant flowing in a heat source unit (not shown) such as a cooling tower, and flows out from the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3.

[0135] Next, the hot medium flowing out of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3 is selectively directed into the first refrigerant storage section 11, which is demagnetized by the magnetic field modulation section 80, under the control of the first supply multi-way reversing valve 5 in the first multi-way reversing valve M1. This hot medium is cooled by heat exchange with the first magnetic working medium 12, which is in an endothermic state. After flowing out of the first refrigerant storage section 11, it passes through the second manifold 51 and is selectively directed into the second refrigerant storage section 21, which is demagnetized by the magnetic field modulation section 80, under the control of the second supply multi-way reversing valve 52 in the second multi-way reversing valve M2. This hot medium is cooled by heat exchange with the second magnetic working medium 22, which is in an endothermic state. After flowing out of the second refrigerant storage section 21, it passes through the first manifold 7 and flows into the low-temperature side heat exchanger 4. This hot medium, for example, exchanges heat with secondary refrigerant flowing in a utilization unit (not shown) such as an air handling unit, and then flows out of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 4.

[0136] In this modified example 1, the flow control of the heat medium described above is repeatedly performed while selectively changing the refrigerant containment sections 11 and 21 that are energized or demagnetized by the magnetic field modulation section 80.

[0137] According to this modified example 1, since the flow path of the heat medium between the first refrigerant housing 11 and the second refrigerant housing 21 is merged by the heat medium confluence section 50, even if each refrigerant housing 11 and 21 is arranged in the same housing 10, the refrigerant housing 11 and 21 can be easily connected in series with each other through an axial pipe.

[0138] In contrast, Figure 9 In the comparative example shown, multiple first refrigerant housings 11 and multiple second refrigerant housings 21 are arranged in the same annular housing, and utilizing... Figure 5 When the magnet-rotating magnetic field modulation unit 80 shown is used for excitation and demagnetization, it is necessary to connect each of the first refrigerant containment units 11 and each of the second refrigerant containment units 21 in series with pipes on the outer periphery of the annular housing. Therefore, as the number of refrigerant containment units 11 and 21 increases, the pipe configuration becomes more complex, resulting in problems such as limited freedom of device structural design and increased cost. In particular, it is difficult to connect the first refrigerant containment units 11 and the second refrigerant containment units 21, which are located 180° apart circumferentially on the annular housing, in series using pipes provided on the outer periphery of the annular housing.

[0139] In addition, with Figure 12 Similar to the embodiment shown, in the case of adding a bypass mechanism in this modified example 1, a first bypass mechanism 110 and a second bypass mechanism 120 can also be added. That is, in the flow path after the heat medium merges at the heat medium confluence section 50, only four bypass flow paths 112a, 112b, 122a, 122b and four three-way valves 111a, 111b, 121a, 121b are provided to add a bypass mechanism, thus greatly simplifying the structure and control of the device.

[0140] It should be noted that in this modified example 1, the following case is taken as an example: assuming that the magnetic field modulation unit 80 with a bipolar magnet excites and demagnetizes the magnetic working materials 12 and 22 of the refrigerant housings 11 and 21, the first refrigerant housing 11 and the second refrigerant housing 21 arranged in the same housing 10 are connected in series (two-stage series connection). However, it is not limited to this. For example, when using a magnetic field modulation unit with a quadrupole magnet, four refrigerant housings arranged in the same housing and each housing four different magnetic working materials with different operating temperature ranges can be connected in series (four-stage series connection).

[0141] <Variation Example 2>

[0142] In the described embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, a plurality of first refrigerant receiving sections 11 are arranged in the first housing 10, and a plurality of second refrigerant receiving sections 21 are arranged in the second housing 20. In contrast, in this modified example 2, as... Figure 14 As shown in (a), a plurality of (e.g., six) first refrigerant containment sections 11 and a plurality of (e.g., six) second refrigerant containment sections 21 are arranged together in the first housing 10, and as shown in (a). Figure 14As shown in (b), a plurality of (e.g., six) first refrigerant receiving sections 11 and a plurality of (e.g., six) second refrigerant receiving sections 21 are arranged together in a second housing 20. Each first refrigerant receiving section 11 has an annular fan-shaped shape and is arranged along the circumference of the annular housing 10, 20 and occupies half of the circumference. Each second refrigerant receiving section 21 has an annular fan-shaped shape and is arranged along the circumference of the annular housing 10, 20 and occupies the remaining half of the circumference.

[0143] like Figure 14 As shown in (c), the first refrigerant receiving section 11 of the first housing 10 and the first refrigerant receiving section 11 of the second housing 20, which are located at the same position in the circumferential direction, are connected in parallel via pipe P1. Furthermore, the second refrigerant receiving section 21 of the first housing 10 and the second refrigerant receiving section 21 of the second housing 20, which are located at the same position in the circumferential direction, are connected in parallel via pipe P2. Similar to the embodiment described above, the plurality of first refrigerant receiving sections 11 connected in parallel and the plurality of second refrigerant receiving sections 21 connected in parallel are connected in series via a heat medium junction 50 (see reference ). Figure 1 ).

[0144] In this modified example 2, similarly, each first refrigerant housing 11 houses the first magnetic working medium 12, and each second refrigerant housing 21 houses the second magnetic working medium 22. The operating temperature range of the first magnetic working medium 12 is higher than that of the second magnetic working medium 22.

[0145] When using the magnetic field modulation section 80 with bipolar magnets (refer to...) Figure 5 When the magnetic working materials 12 and 22 of the refrigerant housings 11 and 21 are energized and demagnetized, the first refrigerant housing 11 and the second refrigerant housing 21, which are energized and demagnetized at the same time, are located 180° apart circumferentially in each housing housing 10 and 20. The second multi-way reversing valve M2 is used to allow the heat medium to flow into the first refrigerant housing 11 and the second refrigerant housing 21 at the same time, thereby achieving a series connection between the first refrigerant housing 11 and the second refrigerant housing 21.

[0146] Figure 14 (c) shows a simplified configuration when the magnetic refrigeration device 1 of this modified example 2 is configured as a rotary magnetic refrigeration device. It should be noted that in... Figure 14 In (c) of the diagram, arrows indicate the flow of the heat medium. Furthermore, in... Figure 14 In (c) of the text, the omission of... Figure 5 , Figure 7 A diagram of a portion of the repeated symbols.

[0147] like Figure 14As shown in (c), the first magnetic field modulation unit 80A is arranged to axially sandwich an annular first housing housing 10 having a plurality of first refrigerant housings 11 and a plurality of second refrigerant housings 21. Furthermore, the second magnetic field modulation unit 80B is arranged to axially sandwich an annular second housing housing 20 having a plurality of first refrigerant housings 11 and a plurality of second refrigerant housings 21. Each magnetic field modulation unit 80A, 80B has a... Figure 5 The magnetic field modulation unit 80 shown has the same configuration. The first magnetic field modulation unit 80A and the second magnetic field modulation unit 80B are arranged coaxially in a double-layer structure with the first magnetic field modulation unit 80A on top and the second magnetic field modulation unit 80B on the bottom in the axial direction. The first multi-way reversing valve M1 and the second multi-way reversing valve M2 are also arranged coaxially in a double-layer structure with the first multi-way reversing valve M1 on top and the second multi-way reversing valve M2 on the bottom in the axial direction. The first multi-way reversing valve M1 is connected to each of the first refrigerant receiving units 11 via pipes, and the second multi-way reversing valve M2 is connected to each of the second refrigerant receiving units 21 via pipes.

[0148] exist Figure 14 In the magnetic refrigeration device 1 shown in (c), the multi-way reversing valves M1 and M2 are controlled, and the magnetic field modulation units 80A and 80B are controlled accordingly, thereby controlling the flow of the heat medium and heating or cooling the heat medium. See below for reference. Figure 1 and Figure 14 Section (c) describes the flow control of the heat medium.

[0149] First, the hot medium flowing out from the low-temperature heat exchanger 4, controlled by the second recovery multi-way reversing valve 53 in the second multi-way reversing valve M2, flows selectively through the first distribution pipe 8 into the second refrigerant storage section 21 of each housing housing 10, 20 where the second magnetic working fluid 22 is energized by the second magnetic field modulation unit 80B. This hot medium is heated by heat exchange with the heated second magnetic working fluid 22, and after flowing out from the second refrigerant storage section 21 of each housing housing 10, 20, it is recovered by the second recovery multi-way reversing valve 53. The hot medium flowing out from the second recovery multi-way reversing valve 53, controlled by the first recovery multi-way reversing valve 6 in the first multi-way reversing valve M1, flows selectively through the second distribution pipe 54 into the first refrigerant storage section 11 of each housing housing 10, 20 where the first magnetic working fluid 12 is energized by the first magnetic field modulation unit 80A. The heat medium, heated by heat exchange with the first magnetic working fluid 12 in a heated state, flows out of the first refrigerant containment section 11 of each containment housing 10, 20 and is recovered by the first recovery multi-way reversing valve 6. The heat medium flowing out of the first recovery multi-way reversing valve 6 passes through the heat medium pump 2 and flows into the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3. This heat medium, for example, exchanges heat with secondary refrigerant flowing in a heat source unit (not shown) such as a cooling tower, and flows out from the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3.

[0150] Next, the hot medium flowing out from the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3, controlled by the first supply multi-way reversing valve 5 in the first multi-way reversing valve M1, selectively flows into the first refrigerant storage section 11 of each housing shell 10, 20 where the first magnetic working fluid 12 has been demagnetized by the first magnetic field modulation section 80A. This hot medium is cooled by heat exchange with the first magnetic working fluid 12, which is in a heat-absorbing state. After flowing out from the first refrigerant storage section 11 of each housing shell 10, 20, it passes through the second manifold 51 and, controlled by the second supply multi-way reversing valve 52 in the second multi-way reversing valve M2, selectively flows into the second refrigerant storage section 21 of each housing shell 10, 20 where the second magnetic working fluid 22 has been demagnetized by the second magnetic field modulation section 80B. This hot medium is cooled by heat exchange with the second magnetic working fluid 22, which is in a heat-absorbing state. After flowing out from the second refrigerant storage section 21 of each housing shell 10, 20, it passes through the first manifold 7 and flows into the low-temperature side heat exchanger 4. The heat medium, after exchanging heat with, for example, a secondary refrigerant flowing in a utilization unit such as an air handling unit (not shown), flows out from the low-temperature side heat exchanger 4.

[0151] In this modified example 2, the flow control of the heat medium described above is repeatedly performed while selectively changing the refrigerant containment sections 11 and 21 that are energized or demagnetized by the magnetic field modulation sections 80A and 80B.

[0152] According to this Modification 2, while achieving the same effect as Modification 1, the configuration of the parallel connection between the first refrigerant housing 11 and the parallel connection between the second refrigerant housing 21 can be flexibly matched to the required capacity of the magnetic refrigeration device 1. In other words, because the number of refrigerant housings 11 and 21 connected in parallel can be changed with a simple piping configuration, the capacity of the magnetic refrigeration device 1 can be easily increased or decreased.

[0153] In addition, with Figure 12 Similar to the embodiment shown, in this modified example 2, when a bypass mechanism is added, a first bypass mechanism 110 and a second bypass mechanism 120 can also be added. That is, in the flow path after the heat medium merges at the heat medium confluence section 50, only four bypass flow paths 112a, 112b, 122a, 122b and four three-way valves 111a, 111b, 121a, 121b are provided to add a bypass mechanism, thus greatly simplifying the structure and control of the device.

[0154] It should be noted that in this modified example 2, the number of refrigerant housings 11 and 21 connected in parallel along the axial direction is two. However, the number of refrigerant housings 11 and 21 connected in parallel along the axial direction can also be three or more by providing three or more housings and magnetic field modulation units.

[0155] Furthermore, in this modified example 2, the following case is taken as an example: assuming that the magnetic field modulation unit 80 with a bipolar magnet excites and demagnetizes the magnetic working materials 12 and 22 of the refrigerant housings 11 and 21, the first refrigerant housing 11 and the second refrigerant housing 21 arranged in the same housing 10 and 20 are connected in series (two-stage series connection). However, it is not limited to this. For example, when using a magnetic field modulation unit with a quadrupole magnet, four refrigerant housings arranged in the same housing and each housing four different magnetic working materials with different operating temperature ranges can be connected in series (four-stage series connection).

[0156] <Variation Example 3>

[0157] In the described embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the heat medium junction 50 is constructed using a second junction pipe 51, a second supply multi-way directional valve 52, a second recovery multi-way directional valve 53, and a second distribution pipe 54. However, it is not limited to this, and the heat medium junction 50 may be constructed using at least one of the multi-way directional valve, the junction pipe, and the distribution pipe.

[0158] In this variation 3, the second manifold 51 of the previous embodiment is replaced by a recovery multi-way reversing valve 55, and the second distribution pipe 54 of the previous embodiment is replaced by a supply multi-way reversing valve 56. Along with this, the check valve CV of the previous embodiment is removed from the flow paths between each first refrigerant containment section 11 and the recovery multi-way reversing valve 55, and from the flow paths between each first refrigerant containment section 11 and the supply multi-way reversing valve 56. That is, the heat medium manifold 50 of this variation 3 is constructed without using the manifold and distribution pipes.

[0159] In this variation 3, the first manifold 7 of the embodiment is replaced by a recovery multi-way reversing valve 7A, and the first distribution pipe 8 of the embodiment is replaced by a supply multi-way reversing valve 8A. Along with this, the check valve CV of the embodiment is removed from the flow path between each second refrigerant containment section 21 and the recovery multi-way reversing valve 7A, and from the flow path between each second refrigerant containment section 21 and the supply multi-way reversing valve 8A.

[0160] It should be noted that in this modified example 3, the supply multi-way directional valve 5 and the recovery multi-way directional valve 6 are integrated to form a rotary multi-way directional valve M11; the recovery multi-way directional valve 55 and the supply multi-way directional valve 56 are integrated to form a rotary multi-way directional valve M12; the supply multi-way directional valve 52 and the recovery multi-way directional valve 53 are integrated to form a rotary multi-way directional valve M21; and the recovery multi-way directional valve 7A and the supply multi-way directional valve 8A are integrated to form a rotary multi-way directional valve M22. Multi-way directional valves M11, M12, M21, and M22 can also be configured as... Figure 7 The rotary valve type multi-way directional valve shown is shown.

[0161] exist Figure 15 In the magnetic refrigeration device 1 of this modified example 3 shown, it is also possible to control the multi-way reversing valves M11, M12, M21, and M22 to achieve [further interaction]. Figure 1 The flow control of the same heat medium is used in the magnetic refrigeration device 1 of the embodiment shown.

[0162] Specifically, firstly, the heat medium flowing out from the low-temperature side heat exchanger 4 is selectively fed into the second refrigerant containment section 21, where the second magnetic working fluid 22 is energized, under the control of the supply multi-way reversing valve 8A in the multi-way reversing valve M22. This heat medium is heated by heat exchange with the heated second magnetic working fluid 22 and, after flowing out of the second refrigerant containment section 21, is recovered by the recovery multi-way reversing valve 53 in the multi-way reversing valve M21. The heat medium flowing out from the recovery multi-way reversing valve 53 is selectively fed into the first refrigerant containment section 11, where the first magnetic working fluid 12 is energized, under the control of the supply multi-way reversing valve 56 in the multi-way reversing valve M12. This heat medium is heated by heat exchange with the heated first magnetic working fluid 12 and, after flowing out of the first refrigerant containment section 11, is recovered by the recovery multi-way reversing valve 6 in the multi-way reversing valve M11. The heat medium flowing out from the recovery multi-way reversing valve 6 flows into the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3 via the heat medium pump 2. The heat medium, for example, exchanges heat with a secondary refrigerant flowing in a heat source unit such as a cooling tower (not shown), and flows out from the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3.

[0163] Next, the hot medium flowing out of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3 is selectively drawn into the first refrigerant storage section 11 where the magnetic working fluid 12 is demagnetized, controlled by the supply multi-way reversing valve 5 in the multi-way reversing valve M11. This hot medium is cooled by heat exchange with the first magnetic working fluid 12, which is in an endothermic state, and after flowing out of the first refrigerant storage section 11, it is recovered by the recovery multi-way reversing valve 55 in the multi-way reversing valve M12. The hot medium flowing out of the recovery multi-way reversing valve 55 is selectively drawn into the second refrigerant storage section 21 where the second magnetic working fluid 22 is demagnetized, controlled by the supply multi-way reversing valve 52 in the multi-way reversing valve M21. This hot medium is cooled by heat exchange with the second magnetic working fluid 22, which is in an endothermic state, and after flowing out of the second refrigerant storage section 21, it is recovered by the recovery multi-way reversing valve 7A in the multi-way reversing valve M22. The hot medium flowing out of the recovery multi-way reversing valve 7A flows into the low-temperature side heat exchanger 4. The heat medium, after exchanging heat with, for example, a secondary refrigerant flowing in a utilization unit such as an air handling unit (not shown), flows out from the low-temperature side heat exchanger 4.

[0164] In this modified example 3, the flow control of the heat medium described above is repeatedly performed while selectively changing the excitation or demagnetization of the refrigerant containment sections 11 and 21.

[0165] <Variation Example 4>

[0166] In the described embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, a two-stage series magnetic refrigeration device 1 is formed by connecting multiple first refrigerant housings 11 and multiple second refrigerant housings 21 in series. However, it is not limited to this, and a three-stage or more series magnetic refrigeration device 1 can also be formed by connecting three or more refrigerant housings in series.

[0167] like Figure 16 As shown, in this modified example 4, a four-stage series magnetic refrigeration device 1 is formed by connecting multiple first refrigerant housings 11, multiple second refrigerant housings 21, multiple third refrigerant housings 31, and multiple fourth refrigerant housings 41 in series. It should be noted that... Figure 16 In Chinese, the same symbol is used to represent and Figure 1 The embodiments shown have the same constituent elements.

[0168] A plurality of first refrigerant containment sections 11 include at least two first refrigerant containment sections 11a and 11b, and are arranged within a first housing 10. A plurality of second refrigerant containment sections 21 include at least two second refrigerant containment sections 21a and 21b, and are arranged within the same first housing 10 as the first refrigerant containment sections 11. A plurality of third refrigerant containment sections 31 include at least two third refrigerant containment sections 31a and 31b, and are arranged within a second housing 20. A plurality of fourth refrigerant containment sections 41 include at least two fourth refrigerant containment sections 41a and 41b, and are arranged within the same second housing 20 as the third refrigerant containment sections 31.

[0169] Each first refrigerant containment unit 11 contains a first solid refrigerant substance, i.e., a first magnetic working substance 12, and has a flow path for the flow of a heating medium. Each second refrigerant containment unit 21 contains a second solid refrigerant substance, i.e., a second magnetic working substance 22, and has a flow path for the flow of a heating medium. Each third refrigerant containment unit 31 contains a third solid refrigerant substance, i.e., a third magnetic working substance 32, and has a flow path for the flow of a heating medium. Each fourth refrigerant containment unit 41 contains a fourth solid refrigerant substance, i.e., a fourth magnetic working substance 42, and has a flow path for the flow of a heating medium. In this example, the refrigerant containment units 11, 21, 31, and 41 have two flow paths with different directions of heat medium flow in order to transport the heat energy and cold energy generated in the AMR cycle through different flow paths. In this way, thermal mixing in the dead volume during the reciprocating flow of the heat medium can be eliminated in the refrigerant containment units 11, 21, 31, and 41.

[0170] The operating temperature ranges of the first magnetic working medium 12 contained in each of the first refrigerant containment sections 11, the second magnetic working medium 22 contained in each of the second refrigerant containment sections 21, the third magnetic working medium 32 contained in each of the third refrigerant containment sections 31, and the fourth magnetic working medium 42 contained in each of the fourth refrigerant containment sections 41 may be different.

[0171] In this modified example 4, the operating temperature range of the first magnetic working medium 12 is higher than that of the second magnetic working medium 22, the operating temperature range of the second magnetic working medium 22 is higher than that of the third magnetic working medium 32, and the operating temperature range of the third magnetic working medium 32 is higher than that of the fourth magnetic working medium 42.

[0172] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the second refrigerant containment section 21 is connected to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 4 via the first manifold 7 and the first distribution pipe 8. However, in this variation 4, as... Figure 16 As shown, the fourth refrigerant containment section 41 is connected to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 4 through the first manifold 7 and the first distribution pipe 8.

[0173] exist Figure 16 In the magnetic refrigeration device 1 of the present modified example 4, a first heat medium confluence section 50 is arranged between a plurality of first refrigerant containment sections 11 and a plurality of second refrigerant containment sections 21, a second heat medium confluence section 60 is arranged between a plurality of second refrigerant containment sections 21 and a plurality of third refrigerant containment sections 31, and a third heat medium confluence section 70 is arranged between a plurality of third refrigerant containment sections 31 and a plurality of fourth refrigerant containment sections 41.

[0174] Similar to the heat medium confluence unit 50 in the described embodiment, the first heat medium confluence unit 50 confluences heat medium flowing out from one of the plurality of first refrigerant containment units 11 and the plurality of second refrigerant containment units 21, and distributes the confluenced heat medium to the other of the plurality of first refrigerant containment units 11 and the plurality of second refrigerant containment units 21. The second heat medium confluence unit 60 confluences heat medium flowing out from one of the plurality of second refrigerant containment units 21 and the plurality of third refrigerant containment units 31, and distributes the confluenced heat medium to the other of the plurality of second refrigerant containment units 21 and the plurality of third refrigerant containment units 31. The third heat medium confluence unit 70 confluences heat medium flowing out from one of the plurality of third refrigerant containment units 31 and the plurality of fourth refrigerant containment units 41, and distributes the confluenced heat medium to the other of the plurality of third refrigerant containment units 31 and the plurality of fourth refrigerant containment units 41. The heat medium confluence units 50, 60, and 70 are constructed, for example, using at least one of a multi-way reversing valve, a confluence pipe, and a distribution pipe.

[0175] In this modified example 4, the first heat medium confluence section 50 includes a second confluence pipe 51, a second supply multi-way directional valve 52, a second recovery multi-way directional valve 53, and a second distribution pipe 54. The second heat medium confluence section 60 includes a third confluence pipe 61, a third supply multi-way directional valve 62, a third recovery multi-way directional valve 63, and a third distribution pipe 64. The third heat medium confluence section 70 includes a fourth confluence pipe 71, a fourth supply multi-way directional valve 72, a fourth recovery multi-way directional valve 73, and a fourth distribution pipe 74.

[0176] The hot media flowing from each of the first refrigerant containment sections 11 toward each of the second refrigerant containment sections 21 are converged by the second manifold 51. Check valves CV are arranged in the flow path between each of the first refrigerant containment sections 11 and the second manifold 51 to prevent the hot media from flowing into the first refrigerant containment section 11. The hot media converged in the second manifold 51 are selectively supplied to the second refrigerant containment section 21 by a second supply multi-way reversing valve 52. Conversely, the hot media flowing from each of the second refrigerant containment sections 21 toward each of the first refrigerant containment sections 11 are selectively recovered by a second recovery multi-way reversing valve 53 and then converged. The hot media converged by the second recovery multi-way reversing valve 53 are distributed to each of the first refrigerant containment sections 11 by a second distribution pipe 54. Check valves CV are arranged in the flow path between each of the first refrigerant containment sections 11 to prevent the hot media from flowing out of each of the first refrigerant containment sections 11. The second supply multi-way directional valve 52 and the second recovery multi-way directional valve 53 are integrated to form a rotary valve type second multi-way directional valve M2.

[0177] The hot media flowing from each of the second refrigerant containment sections 21 toward each of the third refrigerant containment sections 31 are converged by the third manifold 61. Check valves CV are arranged in the flow path between each of the second refrigerant containment sections 21 and the third manifold 61 to prevent the hot media from flowing into the second refrigerant containment section 21. The hot media converged in the third manifold 61 are selectively supplied to the third refrigerant containment section 31 by the third supply multi-way reversing valve 62. On the other hand, the hot media flowing from each of the third refrigerant containment sections 31 toward each of the second refrigerant containment sections 21 are selectively recovered and converged by the third recovery multi-way reversing valve 63. The hot media converged by the third recovery multi-way reversing valve 63 are distributed and supplied to each of the second refrigerant containment sections 21 by the third distribution pipe 64. Check valves CV are arranged in the flow path between each of the second refrigerant containment sections 21 and the third distribution pipe 64 to prevent the hot media from flowing out of each of the second refrigerant containment sections 21. The third supply multi-way directional valve 62 and the third recovery multi-way directional valve 63 are integrated into a rotary valve type third multi-way directional valve M3.

[0178] The hot media flowing from each of the third refrigerant storage sections 31 toward each of the fourth refrigerant storage sections 41 are converged by the fourth manifold 71. Check valves CV are arranged in the flow path between each of the third refrigerant storage sections 31 and the fourth manifold 71 to prevent the hot media from flowing into the third refrigerant storage section 31. The hot media converged in the fourth manifold 71 are selectively supplied to the fourth refrigerant storage section 41 by the fourth supply multi-way reversing valve 72. On the other hand, the hot media flowing from each of the fourth refrigerant storage sections 41 toward each of the third refrigerant storage sections 31 are selectively recovered and converged by the fourth recovery multi-way reversing valve 73. The hot media converged by the fourth recovery multi-way reversing valve 73 is distributed and supplied to each of the third refrigerant storage sections 31 by the fourth distribution pipe 74. Check valves CV are arranged in the flow path between each of the third refrigerant storage sections 31 and the fourth distribution pipe 74 to prevent the hot media from flowing out of each of the third refrigerant storage sections 31. The fourth supply multi-way directional valve 72 and the fourth recovery multi-way directional valve 73 are integrated to form a rotary valve type fourth multi-way directional valve M4.

[0179] In this modified example 4, the multi-way directional valves M1, M2, M3, and M4 are configured as follows: Figure 7 The rotary valve type multi-way directional valve shown is shown.

[0180] Furthermore, in this variation 4, such as Figure 17 As shown in (a), a plurality of (e.g., six) first refrigerant receiving sections 11 and a plurality of (e.g., six) second refrigerant receiving sections 21 are arranged together in a first receiving housing 10. Each first refrigerant receiving section 11 has an annular fan-shaped shape and is arranged along the circumference of the annular first receiving housing 10 and occupies half of the circumference. Each second refrigerant receiving section 21 has an annular fan-shaped shape and is arranged along the circumference of the annular first receiving housing 10 and occupies the remaining half of the circumference.

[0181] Furthermore, in this variation 4, such as Figure 17 As shown in (b), a plurality of (e.g., six) third refrigerant receiving sections 31 and a plurality of (e.g., six) fourth refrigerant receiving sections 41 are arranged together in the second receiving housing 20. Each third refrigerant receiving section 31 has an annular fan-shaped shape and is arranged along the circumference of the annular second receiving housing 20, occupying half of the circumference. Each fourth refrigerant receiving section 41 has an annular fan-shaped shape and is arranged along the circumference of the annular second receiving housing 20, occupying the remaining half of the circumference.

[0182] When the magnetic working materials 12 and 22 of the refrigerant storage sections 11 and 21 arranged in the first housing 10 are energized and demagnetized using the first magnetic field modulation unit 80A with bipolar magnets, the first refrigerant storage section 11 and the second refrigerant storage section 21, which are energized and demagnetized at the same time, are located 180° apart in the circumferential direction of the first housing 10. The second multi-way reversing valve M2 allows the heat medium to flow into the first refrigerant storage section 11 and the second refrigerant storage section 21 at the same time, thereby achieving a series connection between the first refrigerant storage section 11 and the second refrigerant storage section 21.

[0183] When the magnetic working materials 32 and 42 of the refrigerant storage sections 31 and 41 arranged in the second housing 20 are energized and demagnetized using the second magnetic field modulation unit 80B with bipolar magnets, the third refrigerant storage section 31 and the fourth refrigerant storage section 41, which are energized and demagnetized at the same time, are located 180° apart circumferentially in the second housing 20. The fourth multi-way reversing valve M4 is used to allow the heat medium to flow into the third refrigerant storage section 31 and the fourth refrigerant storage section 41 at the same time, thereby achieving a series connection between the third refrigerant storage section 31 and the fourth refrigerant storage section 41.

[0184] It should be noted that in this variation example 4, as Figure 16 As shown, the second refrigerant housing 21 arranged in the first housing 10 and the third refrigerant housing 31 arranged in the second housing 20 are connected in series via a second heat medium junction 60 having a third multi-way reversing valve M3.

[0185] Figure 17 (c) in the middle shows that Figure 16 The magnetic refrigeration device 1 shown in this modified example 4 is a simplified configuration when it is a rotary magnetic refrigeration device. It should be noted that... Figure 17 In (c) of the diagram, arrows indicate the flow of the heat medium. Furthermore, in... Figure 17 In (c) of the text, the omission of... Figure 5 , Figure 7 A diagram of a portion of the repeated symbols.

[0186] like Figure 17 As shown in (c), the first magnetic field modulation unit 80A is arranged to axially sandwich an annular first housing housing 10 having a plurality of first refrigerant housings 11 and a plurality of second refrigerant housings 21. Furthermore, the second magnetic field modulation unit 80B is arranged to axially sandwich an annular second housing housing 20 having a plurality of third refrigerant housings 31 and a plurality of fourth refrigerant housings 41. Each magnetic field modulation unit 80A, 80B has a... Figure 5The magnetic field modulation unit 80 shown has the same configuration. The first magnetic field modulation unit 80A and the second magnetic field modulation unit 80B are arranged coaxially in a double-layer structure with the first magnetic field modulation unit 80A as the lower layer and the second magnetic field modulation unit 80B as the upper layer in the axial direction. The first multi-way reversing valve M1, the second multi-way reversing valve M2, the third multi-way reversing valve M3, and the fourth multi-way reversing valve M4 are arranged in this order, forming a four-layer structure with the first multi-way reversing valve M1 as the lowest layer and the fourth multi-way reversing valve M4 as the highest layer in the axial direction. The first multi-way reversing valve M1 is connected to each of the first refrigerant receiving units 11 via pipes; the second multi-way reversing valve M2 is connected to each of the second refrigerant receiving units 21 via pipes; the third multi-way reversing valve M3 is connected to each of the third refrigerant receiving units 31 via pipes; and the fourth multi-way reversing valve M4 is connected to each of the fourth refrigerant receiving units 41 via pipes.

[0187] exist Figure 17 In the magnetic refrigeration device 1 shown in (c), the control unit 9 controls the multi-way reversing valves M1, M2, M3, and M4, and correspondingly controls the magnetic field modulation units 80A and 80B, thereby controlling the flow of the heat medium and heating or cooling the heat medium. (See below for further details.) Figure 1 and Figure 17 Section (c) describes the flow control of the heat medium.

[0188] First, the hot medium flowing out from the low-temperature heat exchanger 4, controlled by the fourth recovery multi-way reversing valve 73 in the fourth multi-way reversing valve M4, flows selectively through the first distribution pipe 8 into the fourth refrigerant storage section 41 of the second receiving housing 20, where the fourth magnetic working fluid 42 is energized by the second magnetic field modulation unit 80B. This hot medium, heated by heat exchange with the fourth magnetic working fluid 42 in a heated state, flows out from the fourth refrigerant storage section 41 of the second receiving housing 20 and is recovered by the fourth recovery multi-way reversing valve 73. The hot medium flowing out from the fourth recovery multi-way reversing valve 73, controlled by the third recovery multi-way reversing valve 63 in the third multi-way reversing valve M3, flows selectively through the fourth distribution pipe 74 into the third refrigerant storage section 31 of the second receiving housing 20, where the third magnetic working fluid 32 is energized by the second magnetic field modulation unit 80B. The heat medium is heated by exchanging heat with the third magnetic working medium 32, which is in a heated state. After flowing out of the third refrigerant containment section 31 of the second housing 20, it is recovered by the third recovery multi-way reversing valve 63.

[0189] The hot medium flowing out from the third recovery multi-way reversing valve 63, controlled by the second recovery multi-way reversing valve 53 in the second multi-way reversing valve M2, flows selectively into the second refrigerant storage section 21 of the first receiving housing 10, which is energized by the first magnetic field modulation unit 80A, via the third distribution pipe 64. This hot medium, heated by heat exchange with the heated second magnetic medium 22, flows out from the second refrigerant storage section 21 of the first receiving housing 10 and is recovered by the second recovery multi-way reversing valve 53. The hot medium flowing out from the second recovery multi-way reversing valve 53, controlled by the first recovery multi-way reversing valve 6 in the first multi-way reversing valve M1, flows selectively into the first refrigerant storage section 11 of the first receiving housing 10, which is energized by the first magnetic field modulation unit 80A, via the second distribution pipe 54. The heat medium, heated by heat exchange with the first magnetic working fluid 12 in a heated state, flows out of the first refrigerant containment section 11 of the first housing 10 and is recovered by the first recovery multi-way reversing valve 6. The heat medium flowing out of the first recovery multi-way reversing valve 6 passes through the heat medium pump 2 and flows into the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3. This heat medium, for example, exchanges heat with secondary refrigerant flowing in a heat source unit (not shown) such as a cooling tower, and flows out of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3.

[0190] Next, the hot medium flowing out from the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3, under the control of the first supply multi-way reversing valve 5 in the first multi-way reversing valve M1, selectively flows into the first refrigerant storage section 11 of the first receiving housing 10, where the first magnetic working fluid 12 is demagnetized by the first magnetic field modulation section 80A. This hot medium, cooled by heat exchange with the first magnetic working fluid 12 which is in an endothermic state, flows out from the first refrigerant storage section 11 of the first receiving housing 10, passes through the second manifold 51, and under the control of the second supply multi-way reversing valve 52 in the second multi-way reversing valve M2, selectively flows into the second refrigerant storage section 21 of the first receiving housing 10, where the second magnetic working fluid 22 is demagnetized by the first magnetic field modulation section 80A. The heat medium, cooled by heat exchange with the second magnetic working substance 22 in an endothermic state, flows out of the second refrigerant storage section 21 of the first housing 10, passes through the third manifold 61, and is selectively flowed into the third refrigerant storage section 31 of the second housing 20, where the third magnetic working substance 32 has been demagnetized by the second magnetic field modulation section 80B, under the control of the third supply multi-way reversing valve 62 in the third multi-way reversing valve M3. The heat medium, cooled by heat exchange with the third magnetic working substance 32 in an endothermic state, flows out of the third refrigerant storage section 31 of the second housing 20, passes through the fourth manifold 71, and is selectively flowed into the fourth refrigerant storage section 41 of the second housing 20, where the fourth magnetic working substance 42 has been demagnetized by the second magnetic field modulation section 80B, under the control of the fourth supply multi-way reversing valve 72 in the fourth multi-way reversing valve M4. The heat medium is cooled by exchanging heat with the fourth magnetic working substance 42, which is in an endothermic state. After flowing out of the fourth refrigerant containment section 41 of the second housing 20, it flows through the first manifold 7 and into the low-temperature side heat exchanger 4. The heat medium, for example, exchanges heat with the secondary refrigerant flowing in a utilization unit (not shown) such as an air handling unit, and then flows out of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 4.

[0191] In this modified example 4, the flow control of the heat medium is repeatedly performed while selectively changing the refrigerant containment sections 11, 21, 31, and 41 that are energized or demagnetized by the magnetic field modulation sections 80A and 80B.

[0192] According to this Modification 4, based on the same effect as Modification 1, the configuration of the series connection between the refrigerant housings 11, 21, 31, and 41 can be flexibly matched according to the operating temperature range of the magnetic working fluids 12, 22, 32, and 42 and the required capacity of the magnetic refrigeration device 1. In other words, because the number of refrigerant housings 11, 21, 31, and 41 connected in series can be changed with a simple piping configuration, the capacity of the magnetic refrigeration device 1 can be easily increased or decreased.

[0193] exist Figure 16 In the case of adding a bypass mechanism to the magnetic cooling device 1 shown in this modified example 4, such as Figure 18 As shown, in the flow path after the heat medium merges at the three heat medium confluence sections 50, 60, and 70, only eight bypass flow paths 112a, 112b, 122a, 122b, 132a, 132b, 142a, and 142b, and eight three-way valves 111a, 111b, 121a, 121b, 131a, 131b, 141a, and 141b are needed. Figure 18 In the magnetic refrigeration device 1 shown, even if the number of refrigerant storage sections 11, 21, 31, and 41 arranged in parallel increases, the number of bypass flow paths 112a, 112b, 122a, 122b, 132a, 132b, 142a, and 142b (eight) and the number of three-way valves 111a, 111b, 121a, 121b, 131a, 131b, 141a, and 141b (eight) required to add a bypass mechanism remain unchanged. Therefore, the structure and control of the device can be greatly simplified.

[0194] Specifically, in Figure 18 In the magnetic refrigeration device 1 shown, in Figure 16 The configuration shown includes the addition of a first bypass mechanism 110, a second bypass mechanism 120, a third bypass mechanism 130, and a fourth bypass mechanism 140. The first bypass mechanism 110 switches between the flow of the hot medium through multiple first refrigerant containment sections 11 and the flow of the hot medium around the multiple first refrigerant containment sections 11. The second bypass mechanism 120 switches between the flow of the hot medium through multiple second refrigerant containment sections 21 and the flow of the hot medium around the multiple second refrigerant containment sections 21. The third bypass mechanism 130 switches between the flow of the hot medium through multiple third refrigerant containment sections 31 and the flow of the hot medium around the multiple third refrigerant containment sections 31. The fourth bypass mechanism 140 switches between the flow of the hot medium through multiple fourth refrigerant containment sections 41 and the flow of the hot medium around the multiple fourth refrigerant containment sections 41.

[0195] The first bypass mechanism 110 consists of two bypass mechanisms 110a and 110b. The bypass mechanisms 110a and 110b each have three-way valves 111a and 111b and bypass flow paths 112a and 112b, respectively.

[0196] The bypass flow path 112a is a flow path that bypasses the hot medium and flows towards the high-temperature side inside the plurality of first refrigerant containment sections 11. The upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 112a is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the second recovery multi-way reversing valve 53 and the second distribution pipe 54. The downstream branch point of the bypass flow path 112a is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the first recovery multi-way reversing valve 6 and the high-temperature side heat exchanger 3. In this example, the three-way valve 111a is arranged at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 112a. By controlling the three-way valve 111a by the control unit 9, the bypass mechanism 110a switches between the operation of the hot medium flowing towards the high-temperature side inside the first refrigerant containment section 11 and the operation of the hot medium flowing towards the high-temperature side in the bypass flow path 112a.

[0197] The bypass flow path 112b is a flow path that bypasses the hot medium and flows towards the low-temperature side inside the plurality of first refrigerant containment sections 11. The upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 112b is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the high-temperature heat exchanger 3 and the first supply multi-way reversing valve 5. The downstream branch point of the bypass flow path 112b is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the second manifold 51 and the second supply multi-way reversing valve 52. In this example, the three-way valve 111b is arranged at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 112b. By controlling the three-way valve 111b by the control unit 9, the bypass mechanism 110b switches between the action of the hot medium flowing towards the low-temperature side inside the first refrigerant containment section 11 and the action of the hot medium flowing towards the low-temperature side in the bypass flow path 112b.

[0198] The second bypass mechanism 120 consists of two bypass mechanisms 120a and 120b. The bypass mechanisms 120a and 120b each have three-way valves 121a and 121b and bypass flow paths 122a and 122b, respectively.

[0199] The bypass flow path 122a is a flow path that bypasses the hot medium and flows towards the high-temperature side inside the plurality of second refrigerant containment sections 21. The upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 122a is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the third recovery multi-way reversing valve 63 and the third distribution pipe 64. The downstream branch point of the bypass flow path 122a is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the second recovery multi-way reversing valve 53 and the second distribution pipe 54. In this example, the three-way valve 121a is arranged at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 122a. By controlling the three-way valve 121a by the control unit 9, the bypass mechanism 120a switches between the operation of the hot medium flowing towards the high-temperature side inside the second refrigerant containment section 21 and the operation of the hot medium flowing towards the high-temperature side in the bypass flow path 122a.

[0200] The bypass flow path 122b is a flow path that bypasses the hot medium and flows towards the low-temperature side inside the plurality of second refrigerant containment sections 21. The upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 122b is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the second manifold 51 and the second supply multi-way reversing valve 52. The downstream branch point of the bypass flow path 122b is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the third manifold 61 and the third supply multi-way reversing valve 62. In this example, the three-way valve 121b is arranged at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 122b. By controlling the three-way valve 121b by the control unit 9, the bypass mechanism 120b switches between the operation of the hot medium flowing towards the low-temperature side inside the second refrigerant containment section 21 and the operation of the hot medium flowing towards the low-temperature side in the bypass flow path 122b.

[0201] The third bypass mechanism 130 consists of two bypass mechanisms 130a and 130b. The bypass mechanisms 130a and 130b each have three-way valves 131a and 131b and bypass flow paths 132a and 132b, respectively.

[0202] The bypass flow path 132a is a flow path that bypasses the hot medium and flows towards the high-temperature side inside the plurality of third refrigerant containment sections 31. The upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 132a is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the fourth recovery multi-way reversing valve 73 and the fourth distribution pipe 74. The downstream branch point of the bypass flow path 132a is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the third recovery multi-way reversing valve 63 and the third distribution pipe 64. In this example, the three-way valve 131a is arranged at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 132a. By controlling the three-way valve 131a by the control unit 9, the bypass mechanism 130a switches between the operation of the hot medium flowing towards the high-temperature side inside the third refrigerant containment section 31 and the operation of the hot medium flowing towards the high-temperature side in the bypass flow path 132a.

[0203] The bypass flow path 132b is a flow path that bypasses the hot medium and flows towards the low-temperature side inside the plurality of third refrigerant containment sections 31. The upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 132b is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the third manifold 61 and the third supply multi-way reversing valve 62. The downstream branch point of the bypass flow path 132b is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the fourth manifold 71 and the fourth supply multi-way reversing valve 72. In this example, the three-way valve 131b is arranged at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 132b. By controlling the three-way valve 131b by the control unit 9, the bypass mechanism 130b switches between the operation of the hot medium flowing towards the low-temperature side inside the third refrigerant containment section 31 and the operation of the hot medium flowing towards the low-temperature side in the bypass flow path 132b.

[0204] The fourth bypass mechanism 140 consists of two bypass mechanisms 140a and 140b. The bypass mechanisms 140a and 140b each have three-way valves 141a and 141b and bypass flow paths 142a and 142b, respectively.

[0205] The bypass flow path 142a is a flow path that bypasses the hot medium and flows towards the high-temperature side inside the plurality of fourth refrigerant containment sections 41. The upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 142a is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the low-temperature heat exchanger 4 and the first distribution pipe 8. The downstream branch point of the bypass flow path 142a is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the fourth recovery multi-way reversing valve 73 and the fourth distribution pipe 74. In this example, the three-way valve 141a is arranged at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 142a. By controlling the three-way valve 141a by the control unit 9, the bypass mechanism 140a switches between the operation of the hot medium flowing towards the high-temperature side inside the fourth refrigerant containment section 41 and the operation of the hot medium flowing towards the high-temperature side in the bypass flow path 142a.

[0206] The bypass flow path 142b is a flow path that bypasses the hot medium and flows towards the low-temperature side inside the plurality of fourth refrigerant containment sections 41. The upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 142b is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the fourth manifold 71 and the fourth supply multi-way reversing valve 72. The downstream branch point of the bypass flow path 142b is located on the flow path after the hot medium merges between the first manifold 7 and the low-temperature heat exchanger 4. In this example, a three-way valve 141b is arranged at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path 142b. By controlling the three-way valve 141b by the control unit 9, the bypass mechanism 140b switches between the operation of the hot medium flowing towards the low-temperature side inside the fourth refrigerant containment section 41 and the operation of the hot medium flowing towards the low-temperature side in the bypass flow path 142b.

[0207] It should be noted that, in Figure 18 The magnetic cooling device 1 shown includes a first bypass mechanism 110, a second bypass mechanism 120, a third bypass mechanism 130, and a fourth bypass mechanism 140. However, it is not limited to this and may also be configured to include at least one of the first bypass mechanism 110, the second bypass mechanism 120, the third bypass mechanism 130, and the fourth bypass mechanism 140.

[0208] (Other implementation methods)

[0209] In the described embodiment (including variations, hereinafter the same), the magnetic refrigeration device is configured as a magnet-rotating magnetic refrigeration device; however, alternatively, a configuration in which the refrigerant housing (reservoir) rotates may also be used. Furthermore, a magnetic field is applied axially to the annular reservoir formed by circumferentially arranging the refrigerant housing portions; alternatively, a magnetic field may be applied from other directions, such as radially from the annular reservoir. The shape of the reservoir is not particularly limited, as long as the refrigerant housing portions can be dispersed in a plane perpendicular to the direction of application of the magnetic field.

[0210] In the described embodiment, the magnetic refrigeration device is configured as a rotary magnetic refrigeration device, but it is not limited to this and can also be configured as a non-rotational magnetic refrigeration device. Furthermore, while the magnetic refrigeration device is cited as an example of a solid refrigeration device utilizing a solid refrigerant material, solid refrigeration devices can also employ methods other than magnetic refrigeration that induces a magnetocaloric effect. It should be noted that, in this disclosure, the solid refrigerant material also includes substances with intermediate properties between liquid and solid, such as soft crystals.

[0211] Other solid-state refrigeration devices include, for example, devices that employ the following methods: 1) inducing an electrothermal effect in a solid refrigerant substance; 2) inducing a pressure-thermal effect in a solid refrigerant substance; and 3) inducing an elasto-thermal effect in a solid refrigerant substance.

[0212] In the solid-state refrigeration device employing the method described in 1), a force field generating unit (hereinafter also referred to as an induction unit) applies a change in electric field to the solid refrigerant substance. This causes the solid refrigerant substance to undergo a phase transition from ferroelectric to paraelectric, thereby generating or absorbing heat.

[0213] In a solid-state refrigeration device employing the method described in 2), the induction unit applies a pressure change to the solid refrigerant substance, thereby causing the solid refrigerant substance to undergo a phase change and generate or absorb heat.

[0214] In a solid-state refrigeration device employing the method described in 3), the induction unit applies a stress change to the solid refrigerant substance, thereby causing the solid refrigerant substance to undergo a phase change and generate or absorb heat.

[0215] The embodiments have been described above, but the embodiments can be appropriately combined or replaced, and various changes can be made to their form and details. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in the specification and claims are only used to distinguish statements containing these terms and do not limit the number or order of the statements.

[0216] -Industry Applicability-

[0217] In summary, this disclosure is very useful for solid-state refrigeration devices.

[0218] - Symbol Explanation -

[0219] 1. Solid-state refrigeration device (magnetic refrigeration device)

[0220] 10. Storage casing (first storage casing)

[0221] 11 First Refrigerant Containment Section

[0222] 12. First solid refrigerant material (first magnetic working material)

[0223] 20 Storage Case (Second Storage Case)

[0224] 21 Second Refrigerant Containment Section

[0225] 22. Second solid refrigerant material (second magnetic working material)

[0226] 31 Third Refrigerant Containment Section

[0227] 32. Third solid refrigerant (third magnetic working substance)

[0228] 41 Fourth Refrigerant Containment Section

[0229] 42. The fourth solid refrigerant (the fourth magnetic working substance)

[0230] 50 Heat medium junction

[0231] 51. Manifold (Second Manifold)

[0232] 52. Multi-way directional valve (secondary recovery multi-way directional valve)

[0233] 53. Multi-way directional valve (second supply multi-way directional valve)

[0234] 54. Distribution pipe (second distribution pipe)

[0235] 110 First Bypass Mechanism

[0236] 120 Second Bypass Mechanism

Claims

1. A solid-state refrigeration device (1), comprising a plurality of first refrigerant receiving sections (11) for receiving a first solid refrigerant substance (12) and a plurality of second refrigerant receiving sections (21) for receiving a second solid refrigerant substance (22), wherein the plurality of first refrigerant receiving sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant receiving sections (21) are connected in series, characterized in that: The solid-state refrigeration device (1) includes a heat medium confluence section (50) that confluences heat medium flowing out from one of the plurality of first refrigerant containment sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant containment sections (21), and distributes the confluenced heat medium to the other of the plurality of first refrigerant containment sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant containment sections (21).

2. The solid-state refrigeration device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat medium junction (50) includes at least one of a multi-way reversing valve (52, 53), a junction pipe (51), and a distribution pipe (54).

3. The solid-state refrigeration device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The solid-state refrigeration device includes a first bypass mechanism (110) or a second bypass mechanism (120). The first bypass mechanism (110) switches between the action of the hot medium flowing through the plurality of first refrigerant containment sections (11) and the action of the hot medium bypassing the plurality of first refrigerant containment sections (11). The second bypass mechanism (120) switches between the action of the hot medium flowing through the plurality of second refrigerant containment sections (21) and the action of the hot medium bypassing the plurality of second refrigerant containment sections (21). The first bypass mechanism (110) and the second bypass mechanism (120) are connected to the flow path of the heat medium after it is merged through the heat medium confluence section (50).

4. The solid-state refrigeration device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The operating temperature range of the first solid refrigerant substance (12) is different from that of the second solid refrigerant substance (22).

5. The solid-state refrigeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: In the housing (10, 20) with the force field applied to induce thermal effect, the plurality of first refrigerant housings (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant housings (21) are distributed in a plane perpendicular to the direction of application of the force field.

6. The solid-state refrigeration device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The plurality of first refrigerant containment sections (11) contain the first solid refrigerant substance (12) having a first operating temperature range, and the plurality of second refrigerant containment sections (21) contain the second solid refrigerant substance (22) having a second operating temperature range different from the first operating temperature range. The plurality of first refrigerant containment sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant containment sections (21) are arranged in the same housing (10, 20) and connected in series.

7. The solid-state refrigeration device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The storage housing (10, 20) includes a first storage housing (10) and a second storage housing (20). In each of the first housing (10) and the second housing (20), the plurality of first refrigerant housings (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant housings (21) are arranged. The plurality of first refrigerant receiving parts (11) arranged in the first receiving housing (10) and the plurality of first refrigerant receiving parts (11) arranged in the second receiving housing (20) are connected in parallel. The plurality of second refrigerant containment sections (21) arranged in the first housing (10) and the plurality of second refrigerant containment sections (21) arranged in the second housing (20) are connected in parallel.

8. The solid-state refrigeration device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The solid-state refrigeration device further includes a plurality of third refrigerant containment sections (31) and a plurality of fourth refrigerant containment sections (41). The plurality of third refrigerant containment sections (31) contain a third solid refrigerant substance (32) having a third operating temperature range different from the first operating temperature range and the second operating temperature range. The plurality of fourth refrigerant containment sections (41) contain a fourth solid refrigerant substance (42) having a fourth operating temperature range different from the first operating temperature range, the second operating temperature range, and the third operating temperature range, and are connected in series with the plurality of third refrigerant containment sections (31). The storage housing (10, 20) includes a first storage housing (10) and a second storage housing (20). The plurality of first refrigerant receiving sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant receiving sections (21) are arranged in the first receiving housing (10), and the plurality of third refrigerant receiving sections (31) and the plurality of fourth refrigerant receiving sections (41) are arranged in the second receiving housing (20). One of the plurality of first refrigerant containment sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant containment sections (21) arranged in the first housing (10) is connected in series with one of the plurality of third refrigerant containment sections (31) and the plurality of fourth refrigerant containment sections (41) arranged in the second housing (20).

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