Temperature-control device for controlling the temperature of a fluid and a method for controlling the temperature of a fluid

Abstract

A temperature-control device for controlling the temperature of a fluid and a method for controlling the temperature of a fluid are provided, the temperature-control device (100) for controlling the temperature of a fluid having: a coil arrangement (110), having a first coil (111s) and a second coil (112s), which are aligned along a coaxial direction and are arranged at a distance from each other, and so a magnetic field can be generated by means of the first coil (111s) and the second coil (112s) within an area of extent (119) of the magnetic field between the first coil (111s) and the second coil (112s); a magnetocaloric component (120), which is mounted movably in relation to the coil arrangement (110) in such a way that the magnetocaloric component (120) and the coil arrangement (110) can be moved in relation to each other along a direction at an angle to the coaxial direction in the area of extent (119) of the magnetic field to produce the effect of magnetocaloric temperature control of the magnetocaloric component (120) on the basis of a change in the magnetic field during the movement of the coil arrangement (110) and the magnetocaloric component in relation to each other; a heat-transporting system (120), which thermally contacts the magnetocaloric component (120) to provide transport of heat to the magnetocaloric component and / or away from the magnetocaloric component.

Description

[0001] Tempering device for tempering a fluid and a method for tempering a fluid

[0002] Various embodiments relate to a tempering device for tempering a fluid, a use of a tempering device for tempering a fluid, and a method for tempering a fluid.

[0003] In general, gas can be used as an energy storage medium. To transport gas from one location with a high energy supply (e.g., from solar energy, etc.) to another with less energy, it can be advantageous to liquefy the gas using refrigeration systems. A conventional refrigeration system can generally only be based on compressing and expanding the gas, resulting in liquefaction. For example, compressing and expanding the gas can be very energy-intensive, especially if the goal is to liquefy a gas using a conventional refrigeration system. This can negatively impact the energy storage function of the gas.

[0004] For example, if hydrogen is to be liquefied using a conventional refrigeration system (i.e., in a so-called hydrogen liquefier), it may be necessary to use 40% or more of the energy stored in the hydrogen to liquefy the hydrogen. Thus, energy storage using hydrogen can be comparatively inefficient. Furthermore, such hydrogen liquefiers are generally large-scale systems that, due to their size, may not be suitable for decentralized and / or mobile use (e.g., within a shipping container).

[0005] Alternatively or additionally, a refrigeration system can also be based on magnetic cooling. Such a refrigeration system, which can also be referred to as a magnetic refrigeration system, can be used, for example, to liquefy a fluid (e.g., a liquid, a gas). In such a case, the magnetic refrigeration system can be referred to as a magnetic condenser. Compared to the conventional refrigeration system mentioned above, a magnetic condenser can operate at a comparatively lower pressure. Thus, a magnetic condenser can do without compressors, which can, for example, be inefficient and / or prone to failure.

[0006] For example, a magnetic cooling system can be a magnetic cooling system based on a linear drive. Here, a temperature change can be generated by moving a magnetocaloric component back and forth through a magnetic field. However, in order to achieve a cooling performance comparable to that of a conventional cooling system, the largest possible magnetic field strengths (and thus large permanent magnets) would have to be provided. However, handling strong permanent magnets is complicated and expensive. Furthermore, it may currently simply not be possible to provide sufficiently high magnetic field strengths (e.g. more than 2 T) in a sufficiently large volume (e.g. more than 1 1) using permanent magnets alone.

[0007] For example, coils can be used as a magnetic field source, through whose interior the magnetocaloric component is moved back and forth, resulting in magnetocaloric temperature control of the magnetocaloric component. However, this type of linear operation has the disadvantage that high operating frequencies (e.g. more than 1 Hz) cannot be achieved. In order to generate high cooling capacities, the magnet must be enlarged and / or a larger quantity of magnetocaloric materials must be installed in the magnetocaloric component. However, this is accompanied by an increase in the mass of the magnetocaloric component, which limits the maximum operating frequency due to the higher inertia of the magnetocaloric component.

[0008] For example, magnetic cooling systems based on a rotation principle are also known. In such a magnetic cooling system, a magnetocaloric ring can be rotated within a closed coil.

[0009] However, it has been recognized from various perspectives that such a rotating setup can be complicated to implement in practice. Since the magnetocaloric ring must be guided through the coil, special requirements arise for the movement device of the magnetocaloric ring, e.g., with regard to the ring's guidance, ring suspension, ring drive, seals, and special media connections on the ring.

[0010] According to various aspects, a device is disclosed which enables a simpler construction of a magnetic cooling device.

[0011] According to various aspects, a method and a device are provided by which effective and energy-efficient temperature control (e.g., cooling (e.g., liquefaction) and / or heating (e.g., evaporation)) of a fluid (e.g., a gas, a liquid) can be enabled. For example, temperature control of hydrogen and / or nitrogen and / or helium can thus be enabled.

[0012] According to various aspects, a device is provided which, compared to conventional devices, has a simpler structure and thus a more efficient (e.g., less expensive, less effort) to implement.

[0013] According to various aspects, a method and a device for controlling the temperature (e.g., cooling (e.g., liquefaction) and / or heating (e.g., evaporation)) of a fluid (e.g., a gas, a liquid) are provided, which are based on a magnetocaloric effect. According to various aspects, a device is provided that enables a more energy-efficient liquefaction of hydrogen.

[0014] According to various aspects, a device is provided that can be configured as a transportable device. For example, the transportable device can be suitable for being arranged (e.g., used) in a hydrogen tank.

[0015] According to various aspects, a device is provided that can be used as a large-scale liquefier capable of producing several tons of liquid hydrogen daily.

[0016] According to various aspects, a temperature control device (e.g. liquefaction device) for temperature control (e.g. cooling, e.g. liquefying) of a fluid (e.g. a gas) is provided, the temperature control device comprising: a coil arrangement comprising: a first coil and a second coil, which are aligned along a coaxial direction and arranged at a distance from one another, so that a magnetic field can be generated within a magnetic field extension range between the first coil and the second coil by means of the first coil and the second coil; a magnetocaloric component (which can have one or more magnetocaloric units), which is mounted movably relative to the coil arrangement such that the magnetocaloric component and the coil arrangement are movably mounted relative to one another along a direction at an angle to the coaxial direction (e.g.an angle different from 0°) in the magnetic field extension range to generate a magnetocaloric temperature control of the magnetocaloric component based on a magnetic field change (e.g., within the magnetocaloric component) during the movement of the coil arrangement and the magnetocaloric component relative to one another; a heat transport system which thermally contacts the magnetocaloric component to provide heat transport to the magnetocaloric component and / or away from the magnetocaloric component.

[0017] Thus, a temperature control device is provided which, based on the so-called magnetocaloric effect, enables a medium, such as a fluid, to be temperature-controlled (e.g., cooled and / or heated). By temperature-controlling the medium, an aggregate state of the medium can be changed. For example, the medium can be liquefied and / or evaporated. According to various aspects, the device comprises a magnetocaloric component which comprises one or more magnetic materials which are magnetocalorically active in a respective temperature range. According to various aspects, a magnetic field coil or a plurality of magnetic field coils, which are referred to as coil / coils for short, can be used to provide a magnetic field (e.g., as a magnetic field source). For heat exchange, the medium can be brought into thermal contact (e.g., direct and / or indirect (e.g.,Physical contact can be made with the magnetocaloric component (using a thermal bridge). For example, a temperature control device is thus provided in which a magnetocaloric component is guided past one end face of the coil(s).

[0018] The magnetic materials can be formed in the magnetocaloric component, for example, in the form of sphere beds, one or more plates, or even microstructures formed by means of a 3D printer (basically of any shape with the largest possible surface area).

[0019] The magnetocaloric component can be made of various substances or materials, for example rare earths such as lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), samarium (Sm), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), dysprosium (Dy), holmium (Ho), erbium (Er), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), lutetium (Lu), alloys of rare earths with elements such as chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, aluminum, silicon, gallium, germanium, indium, tin or antimony, metal alloys of lanthanum, iron and silicon as well as manganese, iron, phosphorus and silicon, holmium boride (HoB2), erbium-cobalt (ErCo2), dysprosium-aluminum (DyA12) , Erbium-Aluminum (ErA12) , Neodymium-Aluminum (NdA12) , Praseodymium-Aluminum (PrA12) , Polycrystalline NdxPrl-xA12 (for example with x = 1, 0.75, 0.5, 0.25) , PrxCel-xA12 (for example with x = 1, 0.75, 0.5) or the like.

[0020] In various aspects, it has been recognized that, unlike conventional cooling systems, a temperature control device based on the magnetocaloric effect can operate at lower pressures. This allows, for example, the elimination of compressors, which can be inefficient and / or prone to failure, thus entailing additional limitations and / or costs.

[0021] According to various aspects, it has also been recognized that thermal energy (e.g., for heating, for cooling) generated by the magnetocaloric component can be dissipated from the magnetocaloric component by using a heat transport system, which may, for example, comprise a heat transport medium (e.g., a heat exchange medium). For example, with magnetic cooling, energy consumption during liquefaction, such as that of hydrogen, can be reduced compared to compression-based liquefaction. As a result, liquid hydrogen, for example, can become competitive as an energy carrier.

[0022] Furthermore, it has been recognized in various aspects that a number of technical problems can be solved due to the arrangement of the coils relative to one another and the associated magnetic field generation. For example, it is thus possible to significantly increase the operating frequency of the temperature control device according to various aspects and, as a result, to increase the efficiency of the temperature control device. For example, with a plurality of coils arranged in this way, it is possible to modularly vary the cooling capacity between directly adjacent coils, e.g., by adjusting the magnetic field between the directly adjacent coils.

[0023] According to various aspects, a method for tempering a fluid is provided, the method comprising: providing a magnetic field in a freely accessible region between a first coil and a second coil; repeatedly (e.g., periodically) moving a magnetocaloric component relative to the freely accessible region such that the magnetocaloric component is moved through the freely accessible region in order to temper the magnetocaloric component (e.g., cool it down); and changing a temperature of a fluid using the tempered magnetocaloric component.

[0024] Embodiments are shown in the figures and are explained in more detail below.

[0025] Figures 1 to 3 schematically show a temperature control device according to various aspects. Figures 4A and 4B schematically show a coil arrangement and a corresponding magnetic field profile.

[0026] Figures 5 and 6 schematically show different arrangements of coils and magnetocaloric components according to different aspects.

[0027] Figure 7 shows schematically a method for tempering a fluid.

[0028] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which, for the purpose of illustration, specific

[0029] Embodiments are shown in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "fore", "rear", etc. is used with reference to the orientation of the described figure(s). Since components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with one another unless specifically stated otherwise.The following description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0030] According to various aspects, a component may be referred to herein as a magnetocaloric component. A magnetocaloric component comprises one or more magnetocaloric substances. A magnetocaloric substance is understood herein to be a magnetic substance that changes its temperature when it is moved into a magnetic field and / or out of (e.g., the) magnetic field. For example, the magnetocaloric component may heat up (i.e., its temperature may increase) when it is moved into a magnetic field. For example, the magnetocaloric component may cool down (i.e., its temperature may decrease) when it is moved out of a magnetic field. Alternatively, the magnetocaloric component may, for example, cool down (i.e., its temperature may decrease) when it is moved into a magnetic field, and the magnetocaloric component may heat up (i.e.,Its temperature may increase when it is moved away from a magnetic field. Magnetocaloric materials can, for example, comprise one or more of the following materials: holmium, aluminum, dysprosium. A magnetocaloric material can, for example, comprise HOA12, Dyo, 5Hoo, 5Al2, and / or DyAl2.

[0031] A temperature change (e.g. a height of

[0032] A temperature change (a temperature difference) of the magnetocaloric component can depend on the strength of the magnetic field (e.g., a magnetic field strength). Alternatively or additionally, the temperature change of the magnetocaloric component can depend on the respective speed at which the magnetocaloric component is moved into and / or out of the magnetic field. Alternatively or additionally, the temperature change of the magnetocaloric component can depend on the one or more magnetocaloric substances contained in the magnetocaloric component.

[0033] According to various aspects, components herein can be configured to conduct a fluid. Fluids are referred to herein as substances or mixtures of substances that continuously deform under the influence of shear forces, i.e., they flow. According to various aspects, gases and / or liquids (e.g., a liquid-gas mixture) are referred to herein as fluids.

[0034] According to various aspects, coils (e.g., magnetic coils) may be aligned coaxially with one another. Coaxial here means that the coils are arranged on a common axis through their respective centers.

[0035] For example, each coil can be understood as a number of turns arranged along the lateral surface of a cylindrical body. It is understood that the cylindrical body can have any base area (e.g., an ellipse, a polygon). The base area of ​​the cylindrical body has a center point, such as a geometric center and / or a center of gravity. A straight line passing through the center of the base area and parallel to the lateral surface of the cylinder is referred to herein as the axis of the cylinder.

[0036] It is understood that the base area of ​​the respective cylinder is a base area and / or a cross-sectional area of ​​the coil corresponding to the respective cylindrical body. It is further understood that the axis of the cylindrical body is also the axis of the coil corresponding to the cylindrical body and can be referred to herein as the coil axis. Thus, two coils that are aligned coaxially with each other are clearly aligned on the same coil axis.

[0037] According to various aspects, two (or more) components herein can be in thermal contact with one another. Two components that are in thermal contact with one another can also be referred to as thermally coupled (to one another). Thermal contact between the two components is understood here as direct and / or indirect physical contact, by means of which thermal energy can be exchanged between the two components. Direct physical contact can be understood, for example, as physical contact by which two components directly touch one another. This can enable a transfer of thermal energy between the two components. Indirect physical contact can be understood, for example, as indirect physical contact in which the two components are not in direct contact with one another, but both components are coupled to one another via a (common) thermal bridge.The thermal bridge can be configured to exchange thermal energy between two or more components. A thermal bridge can be implemented, for example, using a heat pipe, a heat pipe, and / or a thermally conductive medium, such as a thermal paste.

[0038] According to various aspects, a component (e.g. a component section) and / or a material therein can be tempered. Tempering the component and / or material can be understood here as meaning that the component and / or the material is brought to a predetermined temperature, e.g. by cooling and / or by heating the component and / or the material. It is understood that a transfer of heat (e.g. thermal energy) from A to B requires a temperature gradient, clearly a temperature difference between A and B, where A and B are different components, component sections and / or materials that are in thermal contact with one another. Furthermore, it is understood that a component and / or a material that has a higher temperature releases thermal energy to a component and / or a material that has a lower temperature.

[0039] According to various aspects, a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of a fluid is provided. For example, the temperature control device for controlling the temperature of a fluid can be configured to heat a fluid (e.g., a liquid or a gas) and / or to cool the fluid. For example, the temperature control device can be configured to temperature-control the fluid such that it changes its state of aggregation, e.g., from gaseous to liquid (due to cooling) or from liquid to gaseous (due to heating).

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a temperature control device 100 for controlling the temperature of a fluid according to various aspects. The temperature control device 100 may include a coil assembly 110, a magnetocaloric component 120, and a heat transport system 130 for conveying a heat transport medium.

[0041] For example, the coil arrangement 110 can have a first coil 112s and a second coil 112s. The first coil 112s and the second coil 112s can be magnetic field coils or electrical coils. The coils can be aligned with one another such that their respective coil cross-sections, clearly their base surfaces, are aligned substantially parallel to one another. For example, the coil base surfaces of the first coil 112s and the second coil 112s can be intersected by means of a common plane, to which the coil base surfaces each have an intersection angle of less than 30°, e.g. less than 10°, 10° or less than 5°. Alternatively or additionally, the first coil 112s and the second coil 112s can be aligned along a common axis, e.g. coaxial with one another. This is shown by way of example in Fig. 1 by means of the dot-dash line 112s-212s.It is understood that when the coils are aligned coaxially with each other, the coil bases of the coils can be aligned at an angle (greater than 0°) to the common axis. For example, the coil bases can be aligned parallel to each other. For example, a coil radius can be larger than 25 cm (e.g., larger than 50 cm, e.g., larger than 75 cm, e.g., larger than 100 cm, e.g., larger than 150 cm, e.g., larger than 200 cm). For example, a coil height can be smaller than its diameter.

[0042] According to various aspects, the coil assembly 110 may include a first coil housing 111 and a second coil housing 112. The first coil 111s may be disposed within the first coil housing 111, and the second coil 112s may be disposed within the second coil housing 112.

[0043] According to various aspects, the first coil 111s and the second coil 112s may each be superconducting coils. For example, the first coil housing 111 and the second coil housing 112 may include a suitable cooling system for cooling the superconducting coils. For example, the suitable cooling system for cooling the superconducting coils may include a cooling medium (e.g., nitrogen (e.g., liquid), helium, hydrogen). Thus, the coil may be cooled.

[0044] According to various aspects, the coils IIIs, 112s can be non-superconducting coils. This allows, for example, application in the non-low-temperature range.

[0045] According to various aspects, the coil arrangement 110 further comprises a magnetic field extension region 119, by which the first coil housing 111 and the second coil housing 112 are at least partially separated from one another. Due to the arrangement of the first coil 111s and the second coil 112s, a magnetic field is generated between these two coils, which extends within the magnetic field extension region 119.

[0046] According to various aspects, the temperature control device 100 has a magnetocaloric component 120. The magnetocaloric component 120 has one or more magnetocaloric substances. The magnetocaloric component 120 is mounted relative to the coil arrangement 110 such that the magnetocaloric component 120 and the coil arrangement 110 can be moved relative to one another, so that the magnetocaloric component 120 can be moved into the magnetic field extension region 119 and / or out of the magnetic field extension region 119. Thus, a magnetocaloric temperature control of the magnetocaloric component 120 can be generated.

[0047] According to various aspects, the magnetocaloric component 120 and / or the coil system 110 can be moved to create a relative movement between the magnetocaloric component 120 and the coil system 110. It should be understood that when both the magnetocaloric component 120 and the coil system 110 are moved, they must be moved differently from each other (e.g., along different paths, at different speeds, in different directions, etc.) so that a relative movement between the two is realized.

[0048] According to various aspects, the magnetocaloric component 120 may comprise one or more magnetocaloric units spaced apart from one another so that they can be moved sequentially through the magnetic field. Thus, for example, the efficiency of the temperature control device 100 may be increased.

[0049] According to various aspects, the temperature control device 100 can also have a plurality of (e.g., one or more additional) magnetocaloric components 120. For example, each of the plurality of magnetocaloric components 120 can be configured according to various aspects described herein. For example, a plurality of magnetocaloric components 120 can be arranged one after the other to generate a temperature gradient, as described later. For example, a respective proportion of the selected magnetocaloric substances (e.g., from the one or more of the above-mentioned magnetocaloric substances) of each of the plurality of magnetocaloric components 120 can be individually tailored to a respective temperature range in which this respective magnetocaloric component is used.

[0050] Additionally, the heat transport system 130 can be thermally coupled to a reservoir containing a fluid to be tempered. The heat transport medium can be guided to the reservoir containing the fluid to be tempered by means of the heat transport system 130, where it can absorb thermal energy from the fluid to be tempered or release thermal energy to the fluid to be tempered.

[0051] According to various aspects, the temperature control device 100 has a heat transport system 130 for transporting (e.g., dissipating or supplying) heat (e.g., thermal energy) from or to a fluid to be temperature-controlled (e.g., cooled or heated). The heat transport system 130 can, for example, have (e.g., be) a heat exchanger. The heat transport system 130 can be in thermal contact with the magnetocaloric component 120. For example, the heat transport system 130 can penetrate the magnetocaloric component 120 at least in sections. Illustratively, a section of the heat transport system 130 can extend through a section of the magnetocaloric component 120. Thus, for example, a heat transfer (e.g., a transfer of thermal energy) between the magnetocaloric component 120 and the heat transport system 130 can be enabled (e.g., ensured).As a result of the heat transfer, the heat transport medium can be tempered (e.g. cooled, heated) within the heat transport system 130.

[0052] For example, if the heat transfer medium has been heated, it can transfer absorbed thermal energy to the fluid being tempered, thus heating it up. For example, if the heat transfer medium has been cooled, it can absorb thermal energy from the fluid being tempered, thus cooling it down.

[0053] For example, the energy can be transferred through a contact surface between the magnetocaloric component 120 and the heat transport system 130. For example, an area of ​​the contact surface can be proportional to an amount of energy transferred between the magnetocaloric component 120 and the heat transport system 130.

[0054] In other words, the larger the surface area of ​​the contact surface, the more energy can be transferred between the magnetocaloric component 120 and the heat transport system 130.

[0055] According to various aspects, the temperature control device 100 may include one or more fluid reservoirs. The heat transport system 130 may include a heat transport medium.

[0056] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate, by way of example, a temperature control process using a temperature control device 100 having a first fluid reservoir 141 and a second fluid reservoir 142.

[0057] According to various aspects, the first fluid reservoir 141 may be thermally coupled to the heat transport system 130 and the second fluid reservoir 142 may be thermally coupled to the heat system 130.

[0058] For example, the heat transport system 130 may include a first coupling unit 133 that is thermally coupled to the first fluid reservoir 141. The first coupling unit 133 may, for example, be configured such that thermal energy is exchanged between the heat transport system 130 and the first fluid reservoir 141.

[0059] For example, the heat transport medium can be guided within the first coupling unit 133 such that thermal energy is exchanged between the first fluid reservoir 141, e.g. between a fluid within the first fluid reservoir 141, and the heat transport medium.

[0060] For example, the heat transport system 130 may include a second coupling unit 134 that is thermally coupled to the second fluid reservoir 142. The second coupling unit 134 may, for example, be configured such that thermal energy is exchanged between the heat transport system 130 and the second fluid reservoir 142.

[0061] For example, the heat transport medium can be guided within the second coupling unit 134 such that thermal energy is exchanged between the second fluid reservoir 142, e.g. between a fluid within the second fluid reservoir 142, and the heat transport medium.

[0062] The first fluid reservoir 141 may have a first fluid reservoir temperature TI, and the second fluid reservoir 142 may have a second fluid reservoir temperature T2. The second fluid reservoir temperature T2 may be different from the first fluid reservoir temperature TI.

[0063] According to various aspects, the heat transport system 130 can be thermally coupled to the magnetocaloric component 120. For example, the heat transport system 130 can have a heat return line 131 and a heat supply line 132, each of which is (at least partially) thermally coupled to the magnetocaloric component 120.

[0064] By way of example, a temperature control device 100 is described in which the second fluid reservoir 142 contains the fluid to be temperature controlled and the temperature control device 100 is configured to reduce the second fluid reservoir temperature T2.

[0065] In this case, the first fluid reservoir 141 can be configured to provide a substantially constant temperature, ie, a temperature that does not change or changes only slightly (e.g., by less than 10 K per hour) due to the heat transport system 130. The first fluid reservoir 141 can thus be understood as a heat bath.

[0066] According to various aspects, the heat transport system 130 may include a heat transport medium. The heat transport medium may, for example, include (e.g., be) a coolant or a refrigerant. For example, the heat transport medium may include (e.g., be) nitrogen, and / or helium, and / or hydrogen, e.g., in temperature ranges below 80 K. For example, the heat transport medium may be pressurized (e.g., more than 2 bar, e.g., more than 5 bar, e.g., more than 10 bar) to improve its thermally conductive properties.

[0067] The heat flow line 132 can be configured to transport thermal energy from the second fluid reservoir 142 to the first fluid reservoir 141 (shown by the horizontal arrow in FIG. 2A). For example, the energy transport can be carried out using the heat transport medium. The heat flow line 132 can be coupled to the second coupling unit 134 (e.g., thermally coupled, e.g., coupled). For example, coupled in such a way that a heat transport medium can flow from the second coupling unit 134 into the heat flow line 132 (and / or vice versa). The heat flow line 132 can be coupled (at least in sections) to the magnetocaloric component 120 in such a way that the magnetocaloric component 120 and the heat transport medium are thermally coupled to one another (e.g., in sections). The heat flow line 132 can be coupled to the first coupling unit 133 (e.g., thermally coupled, e.g., coupled).For example, it is coupled in such a way that a heat transport medium can flow from the heat flow line 132 into the first coupling unit 133 (or vice versa). This makes it possible, for example, for a heat transport medium to transport thermal energy from the second fluid reservoir 142 through the magnetocaloric component 120 (where it can optionally absorb or pick up energy) and to the first fluid reservoir 141 (or vice versa). This process is illustrated by way of example in Fig. 2A by means of the horizontal arrow.

[0068] The heat return line 131 can be configured to transport thermal energy from the first fluid reservoir 141 to the second fluid reservoir 142 (shown by the horizontal arrow in FIG. 2B). For example, the energy transport can be carried out using the heat transport medium. The heat return line 131 can be coupled to the first coupling unit 133 (e.g., thermally coupled, e.g., coupled). For example, coupled in such a way that a heat transport medium can flow from the first coupling unit 133 into the heat return line 131 (and / or vice versa). The heat return line 131 can be coupled (at least in sections) to the magnetocaloric component 120 in such a way that the magnetocaloric component 120 and the heat transport medium are thermally coupled to one another (e.g., in sections). The heat return line 131 may be coupled (e.g., thermally coupled, e.g., coupled) to the second coupling unit 134.For example, it is coupled in such a way that a heat transport medium can flow from the heat return line 131 into the second coupling unit 134 (or vice versa). This makes it possible, for example, for a heat transport medium to transport thermal energy from the first fluid reservoir 141 through the magnetocaloric component 120 (where it can optionally absorb or pick up energy) and to the second fluid reservoir 142 (or vice versa). This process is illustrated by way of example in Fig. 2B by means of the horizontal arrow.

[0069] For example, the process described above can be designed as a circuit. For example, in this circuit, the heat supply line 132, the first coupling unit 131, and the heat return line 131 can be coupled to one another in such a way that the heat transport medium can be guided from the heat return line 131 through the first coupling unit 141 into the heat supply line 132, or vice versa. Within the first coupling unit 133, the heat transport medium can exchange thermal energy with the first fluid reservoir 141. The heat return line 131, the second coupling unit 142, and the heat supply line 132 can be coupled to one another in such a way that the heat transport medium can be guided from the heat supply line 132 through the second coupling unit 142 into the heat return line 131, or vice versa.Within the second coupling unit 134, the heat transport medium can exchange thermal energy with the second fluid reservoir 142.

[0070] The heat return line 131 and the heat supply line 132 thus clearly represent a system in which the heat transfer medium can circulate. It is understood that if the heat transfer medium is a solid, it can be connected (e.g., thermally and / or physically) through the respective sections instead of being guided.

[0071] In the following, magnetocaloric temperature control will be briefly explained using the example of the circulation process with reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. The example used here is a magnetocaloric component which heats up when it moves into the magnetic field and cools down when it is moved out of the magnetic field. It is understood that temperature control can also be carried out analogously with a magnetocaloric component which cools down when it moves into the magnetic field and heats up when it is moved out of the magnetic field. In this case, in the following process only the relative movement of the magnetocaloric component and the magnetic field must be adjusted to one another (e.g. instead of entering it, the magnetocaloric component must leave the magnetic field and vice versa).

[0072] In the first coupling unit 133, the heat transfer medium and the first fluid reservoir 141 are in thermal contact with each other. As a result, the heat transfer medium in the first coupling unit 133 is heated to the first fluid reservoir temperature TI. The heat transfer medium is then fed to the heat return line 131.

[0073] The magnetocaloric component 120 can be cooled due to the magnetocaloric effect when it is moved out of the magnetic field extension region 119, in which a magnetic field generated by the first coil 11s and the second coil 112s is located (indicated by the downward arrow in Fig. 2A). The magnetocaloric component 120 is configured to cool to a temperature below the first fluid reservoir temperature TI.

[0074] Due to the at least partial thermal coupling of the heat return line 131, the heat transport medium is brought into thermal contact with the cooled magnetocaloric component 120, i.e., with the magnetocaloric component 120, at least in a section of the heat return line 131, after it has been moved out of the magnetic field extension region 119 (and thereby cooled). Consequently, the heat transport medium is also cooled to a temperature below the first fluid reservoir temperature TI. The heat transport medium is then passed on to the second coupling unit 134.

[0075] In the second coupling unit 134, the heat transport medium and the second fluid reservoir 142 are in thermal contact with each other. As a result, the heat transport medium within the second coupling unit 134 can absorb thermal energy from the second fluid reservoir 142 and thus cool a fluid within the second fluid reservoir 142. As a result, the second fluid reservoir temperature T2 can decrease. The heat transport medium is then supplied to the heat flow line 132.

[0076] The magnetocaloric component 120 may heat up due to the magnetocaloric effect when it is moved into the magnetic field extension region 119 (indicated by the upward arrow in FIG. 2B). As a result, the magnetocaloric component 120 may be heated to a temperature above the first fluid reservoir temperature TI.

[0077] Due to the at least partially thermal coupling of the heat flow line 132, the heat transport medium is brought into thermal contact with the heated magnetocaloric component 120 at least in a section of the heat flow line 132, i.e. with the magnetocaloric component 120, after it has entered the magnetic field extension area

[0078] 119. As a result, the heat transfer medium is also heated to a temperature above the first fluid reservoir temperature TI. The heat transfer medium is then passed on to the first coupling unit 133, and thus the cycle can begin again.

[0079] This described process can be repeated, with the magnetocaloric component being repeatedly moved out of and back into the magnetic field extension region 119 (represented by the double arrow). Thus, through a suitable arrangement, the temperature of a fluid within the second fluid reservoir can be lowered to a temperature that is minimally achievable due to the magnetocaloric component 120 used and the corresponding magnetocaloric effect.

[0080] According to various aspects, the possible final temperature can be improved by arranging several magnetocaloric components 120 one after the other (e.g., connecting them in series). In such a case, the heat transport medium can be used as a cooling medium for the several magnetocaloric components

[0081] 120 and thus generate a lower temperature target range. Illustratively, the plurality of magnetocaloric components 120 form a temperature gradient, with the temperature decreasing in the direction of the second fluid reservoir. Alternatively or additionally, one (or more) thick magnetocaloric component 120 (e.g. thicker than 5 cm) can be used. In this case, a temperature gradient can then form within the large magnetocaloric component. With a thinner magnetocaloric component 120 (e.g. thinner than 4 cm), a temperature gradient within the magnetocaloric component 120 may not be relevant, for example, for the temperature control of the heat transport medium.

[0082] Furthermore, it has been recognized from various aspects that the extent of the magnetocaloric effect can be dependent on a material and a particular temperature range. Illustratively, this means that a magnetocaloric material has more pronounced magnetocaloric properties in a first temperature range (e.g., is more magnetocalorically active) than in a second temperature range, whereas another magnetocaloric material has more pronounced magnetocaloric properties in the second temperature range (e.g., is more magnetocalorically active) than in the first temperature range. It has thus been recognized that a magnetocaloric component can be made more efficient through a suitable selection and / or composition of one or more magnetocaloric materials.

[0083] For example, one or more substance concentration gradients can be present within the magnetocaloric component in order to achieve the best possible adaptation to a desired target temperature.

[0084] According to various aspects, in order to increase the temperature gradient between the first fluid reservoir 141 and the second fluid reservoir 142, a plurality of magnetocaloric components 120 can be used. An exemplary temperature control device 100 is shown in FIG. 3. The mode of operation of the temperature control device 100 is analogous to that previously described, wherein a temperature of the heat transport medium within the second section of the heat return line 131 can be cooled from the first fluid reservoir temperature TI to a first intermediate temperature t1 by means of a first of the plurality of magnetocaloric components 120. Subsequently, the heat transport medium can be cooled from the first intermediate temperature t1 to a second intermediate temperature t2 by means of a second of the plurality of magnetocaloric components 120 and to a third intermediate temperature t3 by means of a third of the plurality of magnetocaloric components 120.

[0085] In the second coupling unit 134, the heat transport medium can absorb thermal energy from the fluid to be tempered within the second fluid reservoir, and thus cool it. This means that the second fluid reservoir temperature T2 is reduced and that the heat transport medium is heated from the third intermediate temperature to the reduced second fluid reservoir temperature T2. The heat transport medium is then guided to the second section of the heat feed line 132, in which it is successively brought into thermal contact with the plurality of magnetocaloric components 120 that were heated due to the magnetocaloric effect. Due to each thermal contact, the respective heated magnetocaloric component of the plurality of magnetocaloric components 120 is cooled and the heat transport medium is heated due to each thermal contact.As a result, for example, the magnetocaloric components of the plurality of magnetocaloric components 120 that are closer to the second fluid reservoir 142, based on the flow direction of the heat transport medium in the heat return line 131, can be colder than the magnetocaloric components of the plurality of magnetocaloric components 120 that are closer to the first fluid reservoir 141. Illustratively, for example, the third magnetocaloric component of the plurality of magnetocaloric components 120 can be colder than the first magnetocaloric component of the plurality of magnetocaloric components 120.

[0086] For example, the temperature control device 100 can be used (e.g. by means of the described method) to temperature control (e.g. to heat, cool, e.g. to liquefy, to evaporate) a fluid within a lower cryogenic temperature range (e.g. below 100 K, e.g. below 50 K, e.g. below 30 K). For example, the method and the device for temperature control of a fluid can be used to liquefy helium. For example, the method and the device for temperature control of a fluid can be used to temperature control (e.g. to heat, cool, e.g. to liquefy, to evaporate) a fluid in a higher room temperature range (e.g. between 173 K and 373 K, e.g. between 193 K and 353 K). For example, such a device can be used as a large-scale cooling system (e.g. for tempering (e.g. cooling) a data center and / or a cold storage facility).

[0087] With reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a temperature control device 100 was first described according to various aspects, which serves to reduce the second fluid reservoir temperature T2 in order to cool a fluid in the second fluid reservoir 142.

[0088] Alternatively, the temperature control device 100 may be used according to various aspects to increase the first fluid reservoir temperature TI and thus heat a fluid within the first fluid reservoir 141.

[0089] In this case, the second fluid reservoir 142 (instead of the first fluid reservoir 141) can be configured to provide a substantially constant temperature, i.e., a temperature that does not change or changes only slightly (e.g., by less than 10 K per hour) due to the heat transport system 130. In this case, the second fluid reservoir 142 can thus be understood as a heat bath. The described temperature control process can be carried out analogously to the process described above, except that the fluid in the first fluid reservoir 141 heats up as a result of the changed heat bath.

[0090] According to various aspects, the temperature control device 100 can have one or more pumps. The one or more pumps can be used, for example, to place the heat transport system 130 under a predetermined pressure (e.g., a working pressure). Thus, for example, heat transport properties of the heat transport system 130 can be improved. For example, heat-conducting properties of the heat transport medium can change due to an applied pressure. For example, due to the applied pressure, a change in the state of the heat transport medium can be generated in one or more sections of the heat transport system 130, by which heat transport can be improved.

[0091] Alternatively or additionally, the one or more pumps can be used to place the first fluid reservoir 141 and / or the second fluid reservoir 142 under a predetermined pressure. Thus, for example, an aggregate state change temperature can be changed. For example, a pressure on a gas to be liquefied can be increased, thereby increasing a condensation temperature. Thus, for example, due to an applied pressure (e.g., 10 bar), hydrogen can be liquefied at a temperature above 20 K (e.g., 25 K) instead of at 20 K.

[0092] According to various aspects, the temperature control device 100 can have one or more additional coils within corresponding coil housings. For example, one or some of the additional coil(s) can be arranged within the corresponding coil housings between mutually adjacent magnetocaloric components of the plurality of magnetocaloric components 120. This can result in additional magnetic field extension regions 119, each of which is analogous to the one magnetic field extension region 119. This can ensure, for example, that a sufficiently strong magnetic field is provided within the respective magnetic field extension region 119. This is shown by way of example in Figures 4A and 4B. The use of at least three coils is advantageous in order to partially compensate for forces acting on the arrangement in such a configuration.The reason for this is that although strong magnetic forces act on the two outer coils (coils carrying current in the same direction of current flow attract each other), the coils located between these two outer coils are attracted by their immediately adjacent coils in such a way that these (visually "internal") respective forces compensate each other. This reduces the demands on the mechanical suspensions for the coils located between the two outer coils.

[0093] FIG. 4A schematically shows a side sectional view of a coil arrangement 110 and corresponding magnetic field lines from a corresponding magnetic field simulation. The coil arrangement 110 can comprise: a first coil IIIs within a first coil housing 111, a second coil 112s within a second coil housing 112, and a third coil 113s within a third coil housing 113. The first coil IIIs, the second coil 112s, and the third coil 113s can, for example, be aligned coaxially with one another, e.g., along a common coil axis IIIs-IIIs.

[0094] For example, the first coil 111s, the second coil 112s, and the third coil 113s can each have a base area that runs perpendicular (e.g., an inclination angle of 90°) to a common coil axis 111s-113s. For example, the base areas can each have an inclination angle to the coil axis within a range of (60°, 120°), e.g., (70°, 110°), e.g., (80°, 100°), e.g., (85°, 95°), e.g., (89°, 91°), whereby a smaller range can lead to a more homogeneous magnetic field within a corresponding magnetic field extension range 119.

[0095] FIG. 4B schematically shows a magnetic field profile, i.e. a spatially resolved magnetic field strength (vertical axis 401), of the coil arrangement from FIG. 4A along the common coil axis IIIs-IIIs, which is represented by the vertical axis 402. Within the coils (represented by the arrows IIIs, IIIs, IIIs), the magnetic field strength can be maximum and within the magnetic field extension regions 119, the magnetic field strength can decrease. Thus, according to various aspects, the coils cannot be moved apart from one another by any desired distance, since this could result in a magnetic field strength becoming too low. For example, two adjacent coils can be less than 50 cm apart (e.g., less than 40 cm, e.g., less than 30 cm, e.g., less than 20 cm, e.g., less than 10 cm, e.g., less than 5 cm).

[0096] In various aspects, it is also possible to use only a single coil, past which the magnetocaloric component is moved. Illustratively, the second coil would be omitted, for example. This could save space and / or costs.

[0097] According to various aspects, the magnetocaloric component 120 can be circular. This allows, for example, the magnetocaloric component 120 to be rotated (e.g., with a uniform force distribution). Alternatively or additionally, the magnetocaloric component 120 can have a plurality of segments that are spaced apart from one another, i.e., do not directly physically touch one another. Thus, each of the plurality of segments clearly represents a separate magnetocaloric component 120, which can increase the efficiency of the temperature control device 100.

[0098] A temperature control device 100 according to various aspects is schematically illustrated in FIG. 5. For clarity, only a first coil 112s, a second coil 112s, and the magnetocaloric component 120 are shown. The magnetocaloric component 120 can have a ring shape.

[0099] For example, one ring plane of the magnetocaloric component 120 can be perpendicular (e.g., an inclination angle of 90°) to a (common) coil axis or can have an inclination angle to the coil axis within a range of (60°, 120°), e.g., (70°, 110°), e.g., (80°, 100°), e.g., (85°, 95°), e.g., (89°, 91°). For example, a ring plane can be parallel to a base surface of a coil.

[0100] The magnetocaloric component 120 can have a plurality of segments 121, each of which contains one or more magnetocaloric materials. For example, each of the plurality of segments 121 can be configured analogously to a magnetocaloric component 120. The plurality of segments 121 are spaced apart from one another, thereby achieving thermal decoupling of the plurality of segments 121 from one another.

[0101] Furthermore, it can be seen in FIG. 5 that of a coil having two base surfaces, each of the two base surfaces can be used to form a magnetic field extension region 119.

[0102] According to various aspects, the magnetocaloric component 120 and the coil arrangement 110 can be configured to move relative to one another, such that the magnetocaloric component 120 is moved out of the magnetic field extension region 119 and back into it to generate the magnetocaloric effect. For example, the magnetocaloric component 120 and / or the coil arrangement 110 can be moved for this purpose. According to various aspects, it has been recognized that it can be advantageous if the magnetocaloric component 120 and / or the coil arrangement 110 are moved in a rotational manner. Thus, for example, an operating frequency of the temperature control device 100 can be increased.

[0103] A rotation of the magnetocaloric component 120 is illustrated by arrow 122 in FIG. 5. Thus, even a heavy magnetocaloric component 120, i.e., a magnetocaloric component 120 containing a large amount of magnetocaloric material, can be moved. Due to the segmented design, the multiple segments can be moved (e.g., rotated) one after the other through one or more magnetic field extension regions 119. This can be advantageous for process efficiency.

[0104] For example, the magnetocaloric component 120 can rotate in a plane perpendicular to a gravitational force (e.g., the Earth's gravity). This can, for example, produce better rotational behavior and increase the operating frequency.

[0105] According to various aspects, it has also been recognized that it may be advantageous to rotate the coil assembly 110 (e.g., alternatively or in addition to the magnetocaloric component 120). This may, for example, allow media connections (e.g., of the heat transport system 120) to be designed to be fixed and / or more robust.

[0106] As previously described, it may be advantageous for efficiency to use multiple magnetocaloric components 120 and / or multiple coils, thus making the temperature control device 100 usable on a larger scale. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a temperature control device 100 according to various aspects, which includes multiple magnetocaloric components 120 and a coil arrangement with a plurality of coils.

[0107] For example, the coils of the plurality of coils can be arranged in a matrix-like arrangement. The coils of the plurality of coils arranged in the same row in a Z-direction can each be coaxially aligned with each other. The coils arranged in the same XY plane can, for example, share a coil housing, e.g., to operate more energy-efficiently.

[0108] For reasons of clarity, a separate illustration of additional components, such as the heat transport system 120 or the coil housing, has been omitted. The temperature control device 100 has a plurality of magnetocaloric components 120, each of which has a plurality of segments 121. Each of the plurality of magnetocaloric components 120 can, for example, be configured to rotate, as shown by the arrows 122. Alternatively or additionally, the coil arrangement can also rotate (e.g., opposite to the direction of rotation of the plurality of magnetocaloric components 120).

[0109] It should be noted that each of the segments 121 has its own inlet and outlet for supplying and discharging the heat transport medium, which, however, are not shown in Fig. 6 for the sake of simplicity.

[0110] Furthermore, a shaft, for example a hollow shaft, can be provided in the center of the tempering device 100 in the Z direction, to which the segments 121 can be fastened, so that the segments 121 are rotated by means of the shaft.

[0111] One or more tubes and / or hoses can be provided in a cavity inside the hollow shaft, which transport a heat transfer medium along the length of the hollow shaft to provide heat exchange with the segments 121. The one or more tubes and / or hoses provide heat-conducting contact between the segments 121 and one or more heat exchangers through the heat transfer medium.

[0112] Furthermore, the temperature control device 100 can be set up or operated in such a way that, upon rotation of the segments 121 relative to the coils, the time in which a respective segment 121 is magnetized (i.e. is located in the magnetic field of a respective coil) is approximately or exactly equal to the time in which a respective segment 121 is not magnetized (i.e. is located outside the magnetic field of a respective coil).

[0113] Fig. 7 illustrates a method 700 for tempering a fluid according to various aspects, the method 700 comprises: providing 701 a magnetic field (e.g. a magnetic field having a magnetic field strength of more than 2 T), repeatedly (e.g. periodically) moving 702 a magnetocaloric component relative to the magnetic field in order to temper the magnetocaloric component (e.g. cool down, heat up), and changing a temperature of a fluid 703 using the tempered magnetocaloric component.

[0114] For example, the magnetic field can be provided in a freely accessible region between a first coil and a second coil. For example, the region can be freely accessible. For example, the region can be limited by the coil base areas. For example, the magnetocaloric component can be moved through (e.g., into and / or out of) the region between a first coil and a second coil. For example, the fluid can be brought into direct thermal contact with the magnetic field. For example, the fluid can be temperature-controlled using a heat transport medium that is in thermal contact with the magnetocaloric component.

[0115] In one embodiment, the temperature control device can be a magnetocaloric condenser for liquefying hydrogen. According to various aspects, it has been recognized that the magnetocaloric materials used within the magnetocaloric component can influence the efficiency of a magnetocaloric condenser. For example, the magnetocaloric materials should exhibit a magnetic transition with the largest possible magnetocaloric effect in a low-temperature range.

[0116] The magnetocaloric condenser can be operated in a rotary mode, e.g., by moving the magnetocaloric component through zones of high and low magnetic fields (i.e., illustratively, into and out of a magnetic field extension region) by means of a rotary motion. Rotary mode can be advantageous over linear mode, since the reciprocating motion of a massive magnetocaloric component can be difficult to achieve at higher operating frequencies (e.g., more than 1 Hz). The exemplary magnetocaloric condenser also allows for higher operating frequencies (e.g., more than 10 Hz) due to the rotary mode.

[0117] In one embodiment, the magnetocaloric condenser can have multiple coils, each of whose coil housings is separated from one another by a gap (e.g., a magnetic field extension region). Due to this gap, a magnetocaloric component can be moved (e.g., rotated) without any restriction through a zone in which a maximum magnetic field strength is provided (e.g., within the magnetic field extension region). Thus, various media connections of the condenser, such as a rotating shaft, a replacement gas supply and return line, supply lines for sensors, etc., can be easily implemented because the installation space between the coil housings is kept clear.

[0118] Alternatively or additionally, the magnetocaloric condenser may comprise one or more superconducting coils that can be operated in a short-circuit mode. When the one or more superconducting coils are cooled below the transition temperature and are supplied with power, the one or more superconducting coils generate a high magnetic field (e.g., more than 5 T) permanently and (essentially) losslessly. A magnetocaloric component comprising one or more magnetocaloric materials may be moved relative to the one or more superconducting coils so that a field change is generated within the magnetocaloric component. As a result of the field change, the material may change its temperature (e.g., heat up or cool down), and a fluid (e.g., a heat transport medium, e.g., a heat exchange fluid) may be brought into thermal contact with the magnetocaloric component (e.g., passed through the magnetocaloric component).pumped). Alternatively or additionally, the magnetocaloric condenser may comprise a coil arrangement with a plurality of coils (e.g. coil segments), wherein a gap is formed between two of the plurality of coils (e.g. two of the plurality of coil segments) along a common coil axis (e.g. a coil axis of the two of the plurality of coils).

[0119] Alternatively or additionally, the magnetocaloric condenser can have a magnetocaloric component in the form of a ring. The magnetocaloric component can have one or more magnetocaloric substances. The magnetocaloric component can be arranged such that a ring plane is essentially perpendicular to a coil axis (e.g. has an inclination angle in the range of (60°, 120°), e.g. (70°, 110°), e.g. (80°, 100°), e.g. (85°, 95°), e.g. (89°, 91°)) and that a ring section is located within the space between the coil arrangement. The ring can be rotated about its central axis so that the magnetocaloric component is magnetized in sections as it passes through the gap and then demagnetized again in sections.This allows the magnetocaloric component to be alternately heated and cooled in sections, allowing for the temperature control of a fluid using a corresponding heat balance. For example, the thermal energy generated during heating of the magnetocaloric component can be dissipated using a heat transfer system (e.g., a heat transfer medium), allowing continuous cooling. Superconducting coils, for example, can be used as coils.

[0120] In one embodiment, for magnetic cooling based on the magnetocaloric effect, magnetizable components (e.g., magnetocaloric components) can be alternately exposed to a stronger and a weaker magnetic field, whereby they can alternately heat up and cool down. Heat generated in the first step can be dissipated, for example, by means of a heat transport medium, whereby continuous cooling can be achieved. In one embodiment, the magnetocaloric

[0121] Component in the form of a magnetocaloric ring rotating with respect to a (e.g. fixed) coil.

[0122] Alternatively or additionally, the coil can rotate relative to the (e.g., stationary) magnetocaloric component. This allows, for example, a design with a magnetocaloric component that differs from a ring shape. Furthermore, a design with a stationary magnetocaloric component can advantageously allow for a simpler media connection.

[0123] Thus, due to the rotation principle of the coil arrangement and / or the magnetocaloric component, high operating frequencies can be achieved even with a large mass of the magnetocaloric material. At the same time, the arrangement of the magnetocaloric component allows for an efficient condenser with a simple design, enabling effective and energy-efficient temperature control (e.g., of a fluid).

[0124] In one embodiment, the rotation of a magnetocaloric ring can be provided such that a ring section passes through a space formed between two coil segments (e.g. gap, magnetic field extension region).

[0125] In another embodiment, a magnetocaloric ring can be rotated such that a ring section passes in front of a longitudinal end of a coil, with a coil arranged on one side of the ring section. This can, for example, reduce costs.

[0126] In one embodiment, the condenser can be scaled. For example, the condenser can be made smaller, i.e., scaled to smaller dimensions. This makes it possible, for example, to provide a small (re-)condenser that may have a lower cooling capacity but is suitable for portable applications. For example, the condenser can be enlarged, i.e., scaled to larger dimensions. This makes it possible, for example, to provide a large-scale condenser for the energy-efficient production of liquid hydrogen as an energy carrier. The scalable condenser can thus be used variably.

[0127] In one embodiment, the condenser may have a magnetized volume (e.g., a gap, a magnetic field extension area) that can be kept free by using multiple superconducting coils (e.g., a superconducting coil divided into multiple superconducting sub-coils). For example, a temperature operating range of the condenser may be in a temperature range from -183°C (90 K) to -263°C (10 K) (e.g., between -196°C (77 K) and -253°C (20 K)). For example, a

[0128] Pre-cooling of one or more condenser components to -196°C (77 K) can be performed using liquid nitrogen. This allows, for example, a low starting temperature to be provided that does not need to be reached by the system. Helium, for example, can be used as a heat transfer gas (e.g., a heat exchange gas). The actual liquefaction of hydrogen can take place outside the coils (e.g., within the second fluid reservoir).

[0129] In one embodiment, the condenser can be used at room temperature. For example, superconducting coils or non-superconducting coils can be used.

[0130] Some examples are described below which relate to what is described herein and shown in the figures.

[0131] Example 1 is a tempering device (e.g.

[0132] Liquefaction device) for tempering (e.g. cooling, e.g. liquefying) a fluid (e.g. a gas), comprising: a coil arrangement comprising: a first coil and a second coil, which are aligned along a coaxial direction and arranged at a distance from one another, so that a magnetic field within a magnetic field extension range between the first coil and the second coil can be generated by means of the first coil and the second coil; a magnetocaloric component (which can have one or more magnetocaloric units), which is mounted movably relative to the coil arrangement such that the magnetocaloric component and the coil arrangement are movably mounted relative to one another along a direction at an angle to the coaxial direction (e.g. an angle which is greater than 0°, e.g. an angle from a range (60°, 120°), e.g.

[0133] (70°, 110°), e.g. (80°, 100°), e.g. (85°, 95°), e.g. (89°, 91°)) can be moved in the magnetic field extension range to generate a magnetocaloric temperature control of the magnetocaloric component based on a magnetic field change (e.g. within the magnetocaloric component) during the movement of the coil arrangement and the magnetocaloric component relative to one another; a heat transport system which thermally contacts the magnetocaloric component to provide heat transport to the magnetocaloric component and / or away from the magnetocaloric component.

[0134] Example 2 is a temperature control device according to Example 1, which may optionally further comprise a movement unit configured to move the magnetocaloric component and the coil arrangement relative to one another, such that the magnetocaloric component is moved into the magnetic field extension region and / or out of the magnetic field extension region in order to generate the magnetocaloric temperature control of the magnetocaloric component.

[0135] Example 3 is a temperature control device according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the coil arrangement and / or the magnetocaloric component can be rotatably mounted, such that the relative movement to each other can be a relative rotational movement. Thus, for example, due to the rotation principle, high operating frequencies can be achieved even with large quantities.

[0136] Example 4 is a temperature control device according to Example 3, wherein the coil arrangement and / or the magnetocaloric component can be rotatably mounted, and the relative movement of the coil arrangement and the magnetocaloric component to each other is a relative rotational movement.

[0137] Example 5 is a temperature control device according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the first coil may be a superconducting magnetic field coil, and wherein the second coil may be a superconducting magnetic field coil.

[0138] Example 6 is a temperature control device according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the first coil can be arranged in a first coil housing and the second coil can be arranged in a second coil housing, and wherein the first coil housing and the second coil housing can each be configured to be filled with nitrogen (e.g. with liquid nitrogen) and / or with helium (e.g. liquid helium) and / or another medium that is suitable for use as a heat transport medium in temperature ranges below 80 K.

[0139] Example 7 is a temperature control device according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the magnetic field may have a magnetic field strength of more than 2 T (e.g., more than 2.5 T, more than 3 T, more than 5 T, more than 7 T, more than 10 T, more than 15 T). For example, better temperature control may be achieved due to a higher magnetic field strength.

[0140] Thus, for example, an iron core or an iron yoke cannot be used because they usually cannot provide a magnetic field with a sufficiently high magnetic field strength. For example, a non-magnetically filled coil (e.g., air coil) can be used to provide the magnetic field. Example 8 is a temperature control device according to any one of examples 1 to 7, wherein the magnetocaloric component can comprise one or more magnetocaloric substances. For example, the one or more magnetocaloric substances can comprise (e.g., be) one or more of the following substances: holmium, aluminum, dysprosium (e.g., in the form of H0Al2, Dyo, 5H00, 5Al2, DyAl2).

[0141] Example 9 is a temperature control device according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the magnetocaloric component may have (e.g., a circular shape, a ring shape).

[0142] Example 10 is a temperature control device according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the magnetocaloric component may have multiple segments that are not physically connected to each other.

[0143] Example 11 is a temperature control device according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, which may optionally further comprise: a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir, wherein the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir may be thermally coupled to one another by means of the heat transport system.

[0144] Example 12 is a temperature control device according to Example 11, wherein the first fluid reservoir can be a heat bath (ie, its temperature does not (significantly) change due to the thermal coupling to the heat transport system), and wherein the second fluid reservoir can be configured to receive a fluid to be temperature controlled.

[0145] Example 13 is a temperature control device according to Example 11, wherein the second fluid reservoir can be a heat bath (i.e. its temperature does not (significantly) change due to the thermal coupling to the heat transport system), and wherein the first fluid reservoir can be configured to receive a fluid to be temperature-controlled. Example 14 is a temperature control device according to any one of Examples 11 to 13, wherein the heat transport system can comprise a heat transport medium, a heat return line and a heat supply line, and wherein the heat supply line and the heat return line can be coupled to one another by means of a first coupling unit and a second coupling unit so that the heat transport medium can circulate within the heat transport system. For example, the heat transport medium can comprise (e.g. be) nitrogen, hydrogen and / or helium.

[0146] Example 15 Temperature control device according to Example 14, wherein the first coupling unit can be in thermal contact with the first fluid reservoir, and wherein the second coupling unit can be in thermal contact with the second fluid reservoir.

[0147] Example 16 Temperature control device according to example 14 or 15, wherein the magnetocaloric component can be in thermal contact with a portion of the heat supply line, and wherein the magnetocaloric component can be in thermal contact with a portion of the heat return line.

[0148] Example 17 is a temperature control device according to any one of Examples 11 to 16, wherein the first fluid reservoir may have a first fluid reservoir temperature (eg, 80 K, eg, 77 K), wherein the second fluid reservoir may have a second fluid reservoir temperature (eg, 10 K, eg, 20 K), and wherein the first fluid reservoir temperature may be different from the second fluid reservoir temperature.

[0149] Example 18 is a temperature control device according to any one of Examples 17, wherein the first fluid reservoir temperature can be a temperature in a range between 0 K and 100 K (e.g., 10 K and 90 K, e.g., 50 K and 85 K, e.g., 73 K and 83 K), and wherein the second fluid reservoir temperature can be a temperature in a range between 0 K and 100 K (e.g., 4 K and 80 K, e.g., 10 K and 50 K, e.g., 18 K and 15 K). Example 19 is a temperature control device according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein the temperature control device can comprise one or more pumps.

[0150] Example 20 is a temperature control device according to any one of Examples 11 to 18 in conjunction with Example 19, wherein a first of the plurality of pumps may be coupled to the first fluid reservoir to provide a first pressure in the first fluid reservoir, and / or wherein a second of the plurality of pumps may be coupled to the second fluid reservoir to provide a second pressure in the second fluid reservoir.

[0151] Example 21 is a temperature control device according to Example 20, wherein the first pressure may be different from the second pressure. For example, due to a pressure difference, the fluid may flow from the first region into the second region. For example, due to a respective pressure in the two fluid regions, a change in state temperature may be altered. Thus, for example, a smaller temperature difference needs to be overcome.

[0152] Example 22 is a temperature control device according to any one of Examples 11 to 18 in conjunction with Example 19 or according to Example 20 or 21, wherein a third of the plurality of pumps may be configured to move the heat transport medium through the heat return line and the heat supply line.

[0153] Example 23 is a temperature control device according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, wherein the one coil arrangement can further comprise a third coil, which is aligned along the coaxial direction to the first coil and second coil and is arranged at a distance from the second coil, so that an additional magnetic field can be generated within an additional magnetic field extension range between the second coil and the third coil by means of the second coil and the third coil; an additional magnetocaloric component (which can comprise one or more magnetocaloric units), which can be mounted movably relative to the coil arrangement such that the magnetocaloric component and the coil arrangement can be arranged relative to one another along a direction at an angle to the coaxial direction (e.g. an angle that is greater than 0°, e.g. an angle from a range (60°, 120°), e.g. (70°, 110°), e.g. (80°, 100°), e.g. (85°, 95°), e.g.(89°, 91°) ) magnetic field extension region can be moved to generate a magnetocaloric temperature control of the additional magnetocaloric component based on a magnetic field change (e.g. within the additional magnetocaloric component) during the movement of the coil arrangement and the magnetocaloric component relative to one another; a heat transport system which can thermally contact the magnetocaloric component to provide heat transport to the magnetocaloric component and / or away from the magnetocaloric component.

[0154] Example 23 clearly illustrates a multi-stage (here at least two-stage) design of the temperature control device according to various aspects. The second stage can be designed analogously to the first stage, with every second component / element of the first stage corresponding to a respective first component / element of the second stage, and with every second component / element of the first stage corresponding to a respective third component / element of the third stage. It is understood that any number of additional stages can be added via this system. Thus, for example, staged temperature control (e.g., cooling) can be realized, which is, for example, more energy-efficient.

[0155] Example 24 is a temperature control device (e.g. liquefaction device) for temperature control (e.g. cooling, e.g. liquefying) a fluid (e.g. a gas), which can comprise: a coil and a magnetic field extension region arranged in a coaxial direction next to the coil, so that a magnetic field within the magnetic field extension region can be generated by means of the coil; a magnetocaloric component (which can comprise one or more magnetocaloric units), which can be mounted movably relative to the coil such that the magnetocaloric component and the coil can be movably mounted relative to one another in the magnetic field along a direction at an angle to the coaxial direction (e.g. an angle that is greater than 0°, e.g. an angle from a range (60°, 120°), e.g.

[0156] (70°, 110°), e.g. (80°, 100°), e.g. (85°, 95°), e.g. (89°, 91°)) can be moved in the magnetic field extension range to generate a magnetocaloric temperature control of the magnetocaloric component based on a magnetic field change (e.g. within the magnetocaloric component) during the movement of the coil and the magnetocaloric component relative to one another; a heat transport system which can thermally contact the magnetocaloric component to provide heat transport to the magnetocaloric component and / or away from the magnetocaloric component.

[0157] It is understood that the embodiments relating to the temperature control device according to one of Examples 1 to 22 can also be transferred to the temperature control device according to Example 23 in an analogous manner.

[0158] Example 25 is using a temperature control device according to any one of Examples 1 to 23 to liquefy a gas. For example, the gas may include nitrogen, hydrogen, methane, natural gas, helium, or the like.

[0159] Example 25. A method for tempering a fluid, the method may comprise: providing a magnetic field in a freely accessible region between a first coil and a second coil; repeatedly (e.g., periodically) moving a magnetocaloric component relative to the freely accessible region such that the magnetocaloric component is moved through the freely accessible region in order to temper (e.g., cool) the magnetocaloric component; and changing a temperature of a fluid using the tempered magnetocaloric component. Example 26. The method according to example 25, wherein changing a temperature of a fluid using the tempered magnetocaloric component optionally further comprises: guiding a fluid along the magnetocaloric component (e.g., through it) to temper the fluid.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Temperature control device (100) for temperature control of a fluid, comprising: a coil arrangement (110) comprising a first coil (111s), a second coil (112s) and a third coil (113s), which are arranged in a row along a coaxial direction and aligned along this and are arranged at a distance from one another, so that a magnetic field within a first magnetic field extension range (119) between the first coil (111s) and the second coil (112s) can be generated by means of the first coil (111s) and the second coil (112s) and so that the magnetic field within a second magnetic field extension range (119) between the second coil (112s) and the third coil (113s) can be generated by means of the second coil (112s) and the third coil (113s); a first magnetocaloric component (120) and a second magnetocaloric component (120) which are mounted so as to be movable relative to the coil arrangement (110), • that the first magnetocaloric component (120) can be moved relative to the coil arrangement (110) along a direction at an angle to the coaxial direction into and out of the first magnetic field extension region (119), and • that the second magnetocaloric component (120) can be moved relative to the coil arrangement (110) along the direction into the second magnetic field extension region (119) and out of the second magnetic field extension region (119) to generate a respective magnetocaloric temperature control of the first and second magnetocaloric components (120) based on a magnetic field change during the movement of the coil arrangement (110) and the first and second magnetocaloric components relative to each other; a heat transport system (120) which thermally contacts the first and second magnetocaloric components (120) to provide heat transport to the first and second magnetocaloric components and / or away from the first and second magnetocaloric components.

2. Tempering device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the coil arrangement (110) and / or the first magnetocaloric component (120) are rotatably mounted such that the relative movement to one another is a relative rotational movement.

3. Temperature control device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the coil arrangement (110) and / or the first magnetocaloric component (120) are rotatably mounted, and the relative movement of the magnetic field extension region (119) and the magnetocaloric component (120) to each other is a relative rotational movement.

4. Tempering device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first coil (112s) is a superconducting magnetic field coil, wherein the second coil (112s) is a superconducting magnetic field coil.

5. Tempering device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first coil (111s) is arranged in a first coil housing (111) and the second coil (112s) is arranged in a second coil housing (112), and wherein the first coil housing (111) and the second coil housing (112) are each configured to be filled with liquid nitrogen and / or liquid helium.

6. Tempering device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first magnetocaloric component (120) has a ring shape.

7. Temperature control device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first magnetocaloric component (120) has a plurality of segments (121) which are not physically connected to one another.

8. Temperature control device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a first fluid reservoir (141) and a second fluid reservoir (142), wherein the first fluid reservoir (141) and the second fluid reservoir (142) are thermally coupled to one another by means of the heat transport system (120), wherein preferably the first fluid reservoir (141) is a heat bath and the second fluid reservoir (142) is configured to receive a fluid to be temperature controlled.

9. Temperature control device (100) according to claim 8, wherein the heat transport system (120) is a Heat transport medium, a heat return line (131) and a heat supply line (132), wherein the heat supply line (132) and the heat return line (131) are coupled to one another by means of a first coupling unit (133) and a second coupling unit (134), so that the heat transport medium can circulate within the heat transport system (120).

10. Temperature control device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the first coupling unit (133) is in thermal contact with the first fluid reservoir (141), and wherein the second coupling unit (134) is in thermal contact with the second fluid reservoir (142), wherein the first magnetocaloric component (120) is in thermal contact with a portion of the heat supply line (132), and wherein the first magnetocaloric component (120) is in thermal contact with a portion of the heat return line (131).

11. Temperature control device (100) according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the first fluid reservoir (141) has a first fluid reservoir temperature, wherein the second fluid reservoir (142) has a second fluid reservoir temperature, and wherein the first fluid reservoir temperature is different from the second fluid reservoir temperature.

12. Temperature control device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the temperature control device (100) has one or more pumps, wherein a first of the plurality of pumps is coupled to the first fluid reservoir (141) for providing a first pressure in the first fluid reservoir (141), and / or wherein a second of the plurality of pumps is coupled to the second fluid reservoir (142) for providing a second pressure in the second fluid reservoir (142), and wherein preferably the first pressure is different from the second pressure.

13. Temperature control device (100) for controlling the temperature of a fluid, comprising: a coil arrangement (110) comprising a first coil (112s) and a second coil (112s), wherein the first coil (112s) extends from a first to a second base surface, and the second coil (112s) extends from a third to a fourth base surface, wherein • the first base surface and the third base surface are coaxially aligned with each other and are arranged at a distance from each other, so that a first magnetic field can be generated within a first magnetic field extension range (119) between the first base surface and the third base surface by means of the first coil (112s) and the second coil (112s), and • the second base surface and the fourth base surface are aligned coaxially with each other and are arranged at a distance from each other, so that a second magnetic field can be generated within a second magnetic field extension region (119) between the second base surface and the fourth base surface by means of the first coil (112s) and the second coil (112s);a magnetocaloric component (120) which is movably mounted relative to the coil arrangement (110) such that the magnetocaloric component (120) and the coil arrangement (110) can be moved relative to one another along a direction at an angle to the coaxial direction into the first and / or second magnetic field extension region (119) and out of the first and / or second magnetic field extension region (119) to generate a magnetocaloric temperature control of the magnetocaloric component (120) based on a magnetic field change during the movement of the coil arrangement (110) and the magnetocaloric component relative to one another; a heat transport system (120) which thermally contacts the magnetocaloric component (120) to provide heat transport to the magnetocaloric component and / or away from the magnetocaloric component; 14. Use of a temperature control device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13 for liquefying a gas, wherein the gas preferably contains helium, hydrogen, nitrogen and / or contains methane.

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