Adsorption type heat pump

Abstract

To provide an adsorption type heat pump exhibiting enhanced heat exchange speed.SOLUTION: An adsorption type heat pump 5 includes: an evaporator 12; an adsorber which includes an adsorbent which contains magnetic adsorption powder 80 adsorbing an adsorbate W that has been evaporated by the evaporator 12, at least one adsorber pipe 40 through which a heat medium performing heat exchange with the adsorbent flows, and an electromagnet 50 which generates a magnetic field in a space where the magnetic adsorption powder 80 exists; a condenser 14 which condenses the adsorbate W desorbed from the adsorber; and a control unit 70 which adjusts the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an adsorption heat pump.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which an adsorption-based heat pump includes a condenser that liquefies a refrigerant, a cooling device that cools an adsorbent, an evaporator that evaporates and cools the refrigerant using the adsorbent, and an adsorbent transport and regeneration device that transports the adsorbent, and the adsorbent transport and regeneration device includes a desorber that regenerates the adsorbent.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in an adsorption heat pump, it is preferable to improve the heat exchange rate.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an adsorption heat pump with an improved heat exchange rate.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The adsorption heat pump according to claim 1 includes an evaporator, an adsorbent containing magnetic adsorption powder that adsorbs the adsorbate evaporated in the evaporator, at least one flow path through which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the adsorbent flows, and a magnetic field generating member that generates a magnetic field in the space where the magnetic adsorption powder exists, an adsorber, a condenser that condenses the adsorbate desorbed from the adsorber, and a magnetic field adjusting unit that adjusts the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating member.

[0007] In the adsorption heat pump according to claim 1, an adsorber including a magnetic field generating member that generates a magnetic field in a space where magnetic adsorption powder exists, and a magnetic field adjusting unit that adjusts the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating member are provided, so that the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating member is changed. Therefore, the magnetic adsorption powder is moved by the changed magnetic field, and each particle of the magnetic adsorption powder is brought into contact with the flow path. As a result, compared with an adsorbent such as a pellet, the contact area with the adsorbate becomes larger, and the heat exchange rate can be improved.

[0008] The adsorption heat pump according to claim 2 is the adsorption heat pump according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field generating member is an electromagnet in which a coil is wound around an iron core.

[0009] In the adsorption heat pump according to claim 2, since the magnetic field generating member is an electromagnet in which a coil is wound around an iron core, the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating member is adjusted by adjusting the current flowing through the coil. Therefore, with a simple configuration, the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating member can be adjusted so as to change. As a result, an electromagnet can be arranged at a predetermined position, and the magnetic field can be adjusted with high accuracy.

[0010] The adsorption heat pump according to claim 3 is the adsorption heat pump according to claim 2, wherein the flow path is arranged so as to surround the periphery of the electromagnet.

[0011] In the adsorption heat pump according to claim 3, since the flow path is arranged so as to surround the periphery of the electromagnet, the electromagnet is covered by the flow path. Therefore, compared with the case where the flow path is provided at a location different from the electromagnet, the movement of the magnetic adsorption powder due to the change in the magnetic field is activated. As a result, the magnetic field can be adjusted with high accuracy.

[0012] The adsorption heat pump according to claim 4 is the adsorption heat pump according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a permanent magnet fluid as the magnetic field generating member flows through the flow path.

[0013] In the adsorption heat pump according to claim 4, since the permanent magnet fluid as the magnetic field generating member flows through the flow path, the installation space is omitted as compared with the case where the magnetic field generating member is provided separately from the flow path. Therefore, the apparatus can be downsized.

[0014] The adsorption heat pump according to claim 5 is the adsorption heat pump according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the magnetic adsorption powder contains a ferromagnetic material and a diamagnetic material.

[0015] In the adsorption heat pump according to claim 5, since the magnetic adsorption powder contains a ferromagnetic material and a diamagnetic material, the movement of the magnetic adsorption powder is activated. Therefore, the heat exchange rate can be further improved.

[0016] The adsorption heat pump according to claim 6 is the adsorption heat pump according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the magnetic adsorption powder contains magnetic particles made of a metal organic framework.

[0017] In the adsorption heat pump according to claim 6, since the magnetic adsorption powder contains magnetic particles made of a metal organic framework, the density of the adsorption sites is improved as compared with the case where a ferromagnetic material is supported on a porous powder. Therefore, the heat exchange rate can be further improved.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] As described above, according to the adsorption heat pump of the present invention, the heat exchange rate can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] 〔First Embodiment〕 Hereinafter, an adsorption heat pump according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The adsorption heat pump according to the first embodiment generates cooling or heating by utilizing the latent heat generated when the adsorbate is adsorbed by the adsorbent and the latent heat generated when the adsorbate is desorbed from the adsorbent.

[0021] [Configuration of Adsorption Heat Pump 5] As shown in FIG. 1, the adsorption heat pump 5 includes an evaporator 12, a condenser 14, a first adsorber 20, and a second adsorber 120. Further, the adsorption heat pump 5 includes a first duct 22 connecting the evaporator 12 and the first adsorber 20, a second duct 24 connecting the first adsorber 20 and the condenser 14, a third duct 26 connecting the condenser 14 and the second adsorber 120, a fourth duct 28 connecting the second adsorber 120 and the evaporator 12, and a fifth duct 25 connecting the condenser 14 and the evaporator 12.

[0022] The adsorption heat pump 5 is provided in the first duct 22 and includes a first valve 32 that opens and closes the flow path of the first duct 22, a second valve 34 that is provided in the second duct 24 and opens and closes the flow path of the second duct 24, a third valve 36 that is provided in the third duct 26 and opens and closes the flow path of the third duct 26, and a fourth valve 38 that is provided in the fourth duct 28 and opens and closes the flow path of the fourth duct 28.

[0023] (Evaporator 12) The evaporator 12 is a heat exchanger for extracting cold heat, and evaporates a liquid adsorbent (for example, water, alcohol, etc.) W to generate a gaseous adsorbent W.

[0024] Inside the evaporator 12, a liquid adsorbent W is stored. Inside the evaporator 12, an evaporator pipe 13 is arranged. A heat medium (for example, water at 35°C) that undergoes heat exchange in the evaporator 12 flows through the evaporator pipe 13. The evaporator pipe 13 is arranged in a meandering manner so that sufficient heat exchange is performed.

[0025] The evaporator pipe 13 conveys the cold heat generated when the liquid adsorbent W evaporates to the outside by the heat medium. In other words, the liquid adsorbent W evaporates, and the cold heat generated at that time is conveyed to the outside by the evaporator pipe 13 and used for cooling and the like.

[0026] (Condenser 14) The condenser 14 is a heat exchanger for extracting warm heat, cools and condenses the gaseous adsorbent W desorbed from the first adsorber 20 or the second adsorber 120, and generates a liquid adsorbent W.

[0027] Inside the condenser 14, a condenser pipe 15 is arranged. A heat medium (for example, water at 35°C) that undergoes heat exchange in the condenser 14 flows through the condenser pipe 15. The condenser pipe 15 is arranged in a meandering manner so that sufficient heat exchange is performed.

[0028] The condenser pipe 15 conveys the heat generated when the adsorbate W of the gas desorbed from the first adsorber 20 or the second adsorber 120 condenses to the outside by means of a heat medium. In other words, the adsorbate W of the gas desorbed from the first adsorber 20 or the second adsorber 120 is condensed, and the heat generated at that time is conveyed to the outside by the condenser pipe 15 and is used for heating and the like.

[0029] (First adsorber 20) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first adsorber 20 includes a housing 21, an adsorber pipe 40, an electromagnet (an example of a magnetic field generating member) 50, and a magnetic adsorbing powder (an example of an adsorbent) 80.

[0030] 〈Housing 21〉 The housing 21 is formed, for example, in a rectangular box shape. A first duct 22 and a second duct 24 are connected to the housing 21.

[0031] 〈Adsorber pipe 40〉 The adsorber pipe 40 is disposed inside the housing 21. A heat medium that exchanges heat with the magnetic adsorbing powder 80 in the first adsorber 20 flows through the adsorber pipe 40. By controlling the temperature of the heat medium, adsorption of the adsorbate W or desorption of the adsorbate W is performed in the first adsorber 20. The adsorber pipe 40 forms a flow path through which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the magnetic adsorbing powder 80 flows.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the adsorber pipe 40 penetrates the housing 21 and is provided in a meandering manner, and a plurality (four in the first embodiment) of adsorber pipes 40 are arranged inside the housing 21. Note that the adsorber pipe 40 may be provided in a meandering manner inside the housing 21 without penetrating the housing 21. Also, a plurality of adsorber pipes 40 may be provided in a meandering manner.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the pipe 40 for the suction device includes a first pipe 41 disposed inside the housing 21, a second pipe 42 disposed inside the housing 21, a third pipe 43 disposed inside the housing 21, and a fourth pipe 44 disposed inside the housing 21.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, a cavity 41A is formed in the first pipe 41 so as to accommodate the first electromagnet 51 inside. A cavity 42A is formed in the second pipe 42 so as to accommodate the second electromagnet 52 inside. A cavity 43A is formed in the third pipe 43 so as to accommodate the third electromagnet 53 inside. A cavity 44A is formed in the fourth pipe 44 so as to accommodate the second electromagnet 54 inside. In other words, the pipe 40 for the suction device is arranged so as to surround the periphery of the electromagnet 50.

[0035] 〈Electromagnet 50〉 The electromagnet 50 generates a magnetic field in the inner space of the housing 21 where the magnetic adsorption powder 80 exists. As shown in FIG. 2, the electromagnet 50 includes a first electromagnet 51, a second electromagnet 52, a third electromagnet 53, and a fourth electromagnet 54.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first electromagnet 51 is disposed in the cavity 41A of the first pipe 41. The first electromagnet 51 is formed by winding the first coil 51B around substantially the entire longitudinal direction of the cylindrical iron core 51A. The first coil 51B is connected to a control unit (an example of a magnetic field adjustment unit) 70 that controls the current flowing through the first coil 51B. The control unit 70 adjusts the magnetic field generated by the first electromagnet 51 by controlling the current flowing through the first coil 51B.

[0037] The second electromagnet 52 is disposed in the cavity 42A of the second pipe 42. The second electromagnet 52 has the same configuration as the first electromagnet, and is formed by winding the second coil 52B around substantially the entire longitudinal direction of the columnar iron core 52A. The second coil 52B is connected to a control unit 70 that controls the current flowing through the second coil 52B. The control unit 70 adjusts the magnetic field generated by the second electromagnet 52 by controlling the current flowing through the second coil 52B.

[0038] The third electromagnet 53 is disposed in the cavity 43A of the third pipe 43. The third electromagnet 53 has the same configuration as the first electromagnet, and is formed by winding the third coil 53B around substantially the entire longitudinal direction of the columnar iron core 53A. The third coil 53B is connected to a control unit 70 that controls the current flowing through the third coil 53B. The control unit 70 adjusts the magnetic field generated by the third electromagnet 53 by controlling the current flowing through the third coil 53B.

[0039] The fourth electromagnet 54 is disposed in the cavity 44A of the fourth pipe 44. The fourth electromagnet 54 has the same configuration as the first electromagnet, and is formed by winding the fourth coil 54B around substantially the entire longitudinal direction of the columnar iron core 54A. The fourth coil 54B is connected to a control unit 70 that controls the current flowing through the fourth coil 54B. The control unit 70 adjusts the magnetic field generated by the fourth electromagnet 54 by controlling the current flowing through the fourth coil 54B.

[0040] 〈Magnetic adsorption powder 80〉 As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the magnetic adsorption powder 80 is filled inside the housing 21. The magnetic adsorption powder 80 is made into particles that can be scattered by the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet 50.

[0041] The magnetic adsorption powder 80 adsorbs the adsorbate W of the gas evaporated by the evaporator 12. Further, the magnetic adsorption powder 80 desorbs the adsorbed adsorbate W. As the magnetic adsorption powder 80, existing porous powders such as zeolite, activated carbon, and silica can be used by supporting a ferromagnetic substance (for example, iron nano powder, etc.). From the viewpoint of improving the density of adsorption sites, the magnetic adsorption powder 80 is preferably magnetic particles (magnetic MOF: Metal Organic Frameworks) composed of a metal organic structure.

[0042] The magnetic adsorption powder 80 does not necessarily have to be a ferromagnetic substance having a magnetic moment in the same direction as the magnetic field, and may include a diamagnetic substance having a magnetic moment in the opposite direction to the magnetic field.

[0043] The Curie temperature of the magnetic adsorption powder 80 is set to a temperature higher than the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the adsorber pipe 40. For example, when considering application to a heat pump, since the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the adsorber pipe 40 is set to 60°C to 80°C, the Curie temperature of the magnetic adsorption powder 80 is preferably 80°C or higher.

[0044] (Second adsorber 120) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, since the second adsorber 120 has the same configuration as the first adsorber 20, corresponding three-digit symbols are attached and detailed description is omitted.

[0045] [Operation of adsorption heat pump 5] (Adsorption process of first adsorber 20) As shown in Fig. 1, during the adsorption process of the first adsorber 20, the first valve 32 opens, and the second valve 34 and the fourth valve 38 are closed. Then, a heat medium at a temperature at which the adsorption of the adsorbate W by the magnetic adsorption powder 80 occurs is passed through the adsorber pipe 40, and the adsorbate W is adsorbed onto the magnetic adsorption powder 80 of the first adsorber 20. In the first adsorber 20, the gaseous adsorbate W is adsorbed onto the magnetic adsorption powder 80, and thus the gaseous adsorbate W flows from the evaporator 12 into the first adsorber 20 via the first duct 22. In the first adsorber 20, the evaporation of the liquid adsorbate W in the evaporator 12 is promoted by the adsorption of the adsorbate W. The cold heat generated when the liquid adsorbate W evaporates is transported to the outside by the evaporator pipe 13 and used for cooling and the like.

[0046] (Desorption process of the first adsorber 20) As shown in Fig. 4, during the desorption process of the first adsorber 20, the second valve 34 opens, and the first valve 32 and the third valve 36 are closed. Then, a heat medium at a temperature at which the desorption of the adsorbate W by the magnetic adsorption powder 80 occurs is passed through the adsorber pipe 40, and the adsorbate W is desorbed from the magnetic adsorption powder 80 of the first adsorber 20. In the first adsorber 20, the gaseous adsorbate W desorbs, and the gaseous adsorbate W flows from the first adsorber 20 into the condenser 14 via the second duct 24. The warm heat generated when the gaseous adsorbate W condenses is transported to the outside by the condenser pipe 15 and used for heating and the like. The liquid adsorbate W generated when the gaseous adsorbate W condenses in the condenser 14 is supplied to the evaporator 12 via the fifth duct 25.

[0047] (Adsorption process of the second adsorber 120) As shown in Fig. 4, during the adsorption process of the second adsorber 120, the fourth valve 38 opens, and the first valve 32 and the third valve 36 are closed. Then, a heat medium at a temperature at which the adsorbate W is adsorbed by the magnetic adsorption powder 80 flows through the adsorber pipe 140, and the adsorbate W is adsorbed onto the magnetic adsorption powder 80 of the second adsorber 120. In the second adsorber 120, as the gaseous adsorbate W is adsorbed onto the magnetic adsorption powder 80, the gaseous adsorbate W flows from the evaporator 12 into the second adsorber 120 via the fourth duct 28. In the second adsorber 120, as the adsorbate W is adsorbed, the evaporation of the liquid adsorbate W in the evaporator 12 is promoted. The cold heat generated when the liquid adsorbate W evaporates is conveyed to the outside by the evaporator pipe 13 and used for cooling or the like.

[0048] (Desorption process of the second adsorber 120) As shown in Fig. 1, during the desorption process of the second adsorber 120, the third valve 36 opens, and the second valve 34 and the fourth valve 38 are closed. Then, a heat medium at a temperature at which the adsorbate W is desorbed from the magnetic adsorption powder 80 flows through the adsorber pipe 140, and the adsorbate W is desorbed from the magnetic adsorption powder 80 of the second adsorber 120. In the second adsorber 120, as the gaseous adsorbate W desorbs, the gaseous adsorbate W flows from the second adsorber 120 into the condenser 14 via the third duct 26. The warm heat generated when the gaseous adsorbate W condenses is conveyed to the outside by the condenser pipe 15 and used for heating or the like. The liquid adsorbate W generated when the gaseous adsorbate W condenses in the condenser 14 is supplied to the evaporator 12 via the fifth duct 25.

[0049] In the adsorption heat pump 5, by switching the opening and closing states of the first valve 32 to the fourth valve 38, the adsorption process and the desorption process are alternately performed in the first adsorber 20 and the second adsorber 120. And the adsorption heat pump 5 is configured such that the adsorption of the adsorbate W and the desorption of the adsorbate W are continuously performed, and cold heat or warm heat is continuously generated.

[0050] [Operations of the first adsorber 20 and the second adsorber 120] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 70 controls the current flowing through the first coil 51B, the current flowing through the second coil 52B, the current flowing through the third coil 53B, and the current flowing through the fourth coil 54B. The control unit 70 executes a switching process of switching the coil through which the current flows every predetermined time.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 70 controls to the first mode in which the current flowing through the first coil 51B is OFF, the current flowing through the second coil 52B is ON, the current flowing through the third coil 53B is ON, and the current flowing through the fourth coil 54B is OFF.

[0052] Thereby, the second electromagnet 52 and the third electromagnet 53 form a magnetic field. Then, the magnetic adsorption powder 80 moves in a direction approaching the second electromagnet 52 and the third electromagnet 53 by the action of the magnetic field formed by the second electromagnet 52 and the third electromagnet 53.

[0053] After a predetermined time has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 70 controls to the second mode in which the current flowing through the first coil 51B is ON, the current flowing through the second coil 52B is OFF, the current flowing through the third coil 53B is OFF, and the current flowing through the fourth coil 54B is ON.

[0054] Thereby, the first electromagnet 51 and the fourth electromagnet 54 form a magnetic field. Then, the magnetic adsorption powder 80 moves in a direction approaching the first electromagnet 51 and the fourth electromagnet 54 by the action of the magnetic field formed by the first electromagnet 51 and the fourth electromagnet 54.

[0055] [Flow of switching process] As shown in FIG. 6, when starting the switching process, the control unit 70 controls to the first mode in which the first electromagnet 51 is OFF, the second electromagnet 52 is ON, the third electromagnet 53 is ON, and the third electromagnet 54 is OFF (step S101).

[0056] Next, the control unit 70 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (step S102). If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S102), the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S102), the process returns to step S101.

[0057] When the process proceeds to step S103, the control unit 70 controls the system to the second mode in which the first electromagnet 51 is turned ON, the second electromagnet 52 is turned OFF, the third electromagnet 53 is turned OFF, and the fourth electromagnet 54 is turned ON (step S103).

[0058] Next, the control unit 70 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (step S104). If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S104), the process proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S104), the process returns to step S103.

[0059] When the process proceeds to step S105, the control unit 70 determines whether or not to end the switching process (step S015). If it is determined that the switching process is to be ended (YES in step S105), the switching process is ended. On the other hand, if it is determined that the switching process is not to be ended (NO in step S105), the process returns to step S101.

[0060] [Operation] The adsorption heat pump 5 according to the first embodiment includes an evaporator 12, magnetic adsorption powder 80 that adsorbs the adsorbate W evaporated by the evaporator 12, an adsorber pipe 40 through which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the magnetic adsorption powder 80 flows, an electromagnet 50 that generates a magnetic field in the space where the magnetic adsorption powder 80 is present, an adsorber, a condenser 14 that condenses the adsorbate W desorbed from the adsorber, and a control unit 70 that adjusts the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet 50 (see FIG. 3).

[0061] The first adsorber 20 includes an electromagnet 50 that generates a magnetic field in the space where the magnetic adsorption powder 80 exists, and a control unit 70 that adjusts the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet 50. By doing so, the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet 50 is changed. Therefore, the magnetic adsorption powder 80 is moved by the changed magnetic field, and each particle of the magnetic adsorption powder 80 comes into contact with the adsorber pipe 40. As a result, compared with an adsorbent such as a pellet, the contact area with the adsorbed substance W becomes larger, and the heat exchange rate can be improved.

[0062] In addition, by using the magnetic adsorption powder 80 while moving it by a magnetic field, the unused portion of the magnetic adsorption powder 80 can be suppressed. Moreover, compared with the case where an adsorbent is supported on the surface of the heat exchanger, the filling amount of the adsorbent can be increased. Therefore, the heat exchange rate can be improved.

[0063] In the adsorption type heat pump 5 according to the first embodiment, the magnetic field generating member is an electromagnet 50 in which a coil is wound around an iron core (see FIG. 2).

[0064] Since the magnetic field generating member is an electromagnet 50 in which a coil is wound around an iron core, the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet 50 is adjusted by adjusting the current flowing through the coil. Therefore, with a simple configuration, the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet 50 can be adjusted to change. As a result, an electromagnet can be arranged at a predetermined position of the adsorber pipe 40, and the magnetic field can be adjusted accurately.

[0065] In the adsorption type heat pump 5 according to the first embodiment, the adsorber pipe 40 is arranged so as to surround the periphery of the electromagnet 50 (see FIG. 2).

[0066] Since the adsorber pipe 40 is arranged so as to surround the periphery of the electromagnet 50, the electromagnet 50 is covered by the adsorber pipe 40. Therefore, compared with the case where the adsorber pipe 40 is provided at a location different from the electromagnet 50, the movement of the magnetic adsorption powder 80 due to the change in the magnetic field is activated. As a result, the magnetic field can be adjusted accurately.

[0067] In the adsorption heat pump 5 according to the first embodiment, the magnetic adsorption powder 80 includes a ferromagnetic material and a diamagnetic material.

[0068] Since the magnetic adsorption powder 80 includes a ferromagnetic material and a diamagnetic material, the movement of the magnetic adsorption powder 80 is activated. Therefore, the heat exchange rate can be further improved.

[0069] In the adsorption heat pump 5 according to the first embodiment, the magnetic adsorption powder 80 includes magnetic particles made of a metal organic framework.

[0070] Since the magnetic adsorption powder 80 includes magnetic particles made of a metal organic framework, the density of the adsorption sites (regions) is improved as compared with that of a porous powder supporting a ferromagnetic material. Therefore, the heat exchange rate can be further improved.

[0071] 〔Second Embodiment〕 The adsorption heat pump of the second embodiment is different from the adsorption heat pump of the first embodiment in that the configuration of the magnetic field generating member is different. For the description of the same or equivalent parts as those described in the above embodiment, the same terms or the same reference numerals are used for the description.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 7, a permanent magnet fluid (magnetic fluid) 250 as a magnetic field generating member flows through the adsorber pipe 40. As the permanent magnet fluid 250, a known one obtained by mixing ferromagnetic fine particles such as magnetite and manganese zinc ferrite in a solvent such as water or oil can be used.

[0073] The permanent magnet fluid 250 is covered with a film-like material and is formed in a substantially spherical shape. The permanent magnet fluid 250 generates a magnetic field in the inner space of the housing 21 where the magnetic adsorption powder exists. The permanent magnet fluid 250 is adapted to flow through the adsorber pipe 40 together with the heat medium.

[0074] A filter (not shown) as a magnetic field adjustment unit is provided inside the adsorber pipe 40 outside the housing 21 so as to be openable and closable. This filter is formed of, for example, a mesh material and is configured to allow the heat medium to pass through but not allow the permanent magnet fluid 250 to pass through. Then, by controlling the opening and closing of the filter by the magnetic field adjustment unit, the permanent magnet fluid 250 flows through at least one of the first pipe 41, the second pipe 42, the third pipe 43, and the fourth pipe 44.

[0075] [Operation] In the adsorption heat pump 5 according to the second embodiment, the permanent magnet fluid 250 as a magnetic field generating member flows through the adsorber pipe 40 (see FIG. 7).

[0076] Since the permanent magnet fluid 250 as a magnetic field generating member flows through the adsorber pipe 40, the installation space is omitted as compared with the case where a magnetic field generating member is provided separately from the adsorber pipe 40. Therefore, the size of the apparatus can be reduced.

[0077] Note that other configurations and effects are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0078] The adsorption heat pump according to the embodiment has been described based on the first embodiment and the second embodiment. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and design changes and the like are allowed as long as the gist of the invention according to each claim of the claims is not deviated from.

[0079] In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, an example is shown in which the electromagnet 50 has a coil wound around substantially the entire longitudinal direction of a cylindrical iron core. However, the electromagnet is not limited to this aspect. For example, as shown in FIG. 8(A), the electromagnet 50 may have a coil 50B wound around the central portion of a cylindrical iron core 50A, and the coil 50B may not be disposed on the outer portion of the iron core 50A. Thereby, a magnetic field can be generated at the central portion of the housing 21.

[0080] Also, as shown in FIG. 8(B), the electromagnet 50 may be configured by connecting a plurality of electromagnets in series. Further, the electromagnet may be configured by connecting a plurality of electromagnets in parallel.

[0081] Also, as shown in FIG. 8(C), in the electromagnet 50, the coil 250B may be wound around the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped iron core 250A. Further, the electromagnet is not limited to those using an iron core, and for example, nickel, cobalt, or the like may be used.

[0082] In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the suction pipe 40 for the suction device forms a cavity so as to accommodate the electromagnet 50 inside, thereby surrounding the periphery of the electromagnet 50. However, the suction pipe for the suction device is not limited to this mode. For example, it may be provided spirally around the electromagnet 50 or adjacent to the electromagnet 50 to surround the periphery of the electromagnet 50. Further, the suction pipe for the suction device may be provided at a location away from the electromagnet 50.

[0083] In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the control unit 70 turns on the second electromagnet 52 and the fourth electromagnet 53, turns off the first electromagnet 51 and the fourth electromagnet 54, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 70 turns on the first electromagnet 51 and the third electromagnet 54, and turns off the second electromagnet 52 and the third electromagnet 53 to execute a switching process. However, the switching process of the control unit is not limited to this mode. For example, the position of the electromagnet to be turned on may be changed clockwise or counterclockwise every predetermined time, or may be changed randomly. Further, the switching process of the control unit may control by gradually changing the current value instead of the process of turning on or off.

[0084] In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the magnetic field inside the housing 21 is changed by performing a switching process of switching the position of the electromagnet 50 that generates the magnetic field. However, the magnetic field inside the housing 21 may be changed by changing the direction of the current flowing through the electromagnet or changing the magnitude of the current flowing through the electromagnet.

[0085] In the first embodiment, an example in which the adsorbent is the magnetic adsorption powder 80 was shown. However, the adsorbent may contain the magnetic adsorption powder 80 and a non-magnetic adsorption powder. In this case, when the magnetic adsorption powder 80 moves due to the action of a magnetic field, the non-magnetic adsorption powder also moves along with the flow of the magnetic adsorption powder 80.

[0086] In the first and second embodiments, an example in which the magnetic adsorption powder 80 contains a ferromagnetic material and a diamagnetic material was shown. However, the magnetic adsorption powder may be composed of only a ferromagnetic material or only a diamagnetic material, or the adsorbent may be composed of a combination of a ferromagnetic material and a non-magnetic adsorption powder or a diamagnetic material and a non-magnetic adsorption powder.

[0087] In the first and second embodiments, an example in which the adsorber pipe 40 is formed in a meandering shape so that four pipes are arranged inside the housing 21 was shown. However, a plurality of adsorber pipes may be provided corresponding to the four pipes arranged inside the housing 21. Also, as long as one or more pipes are arranged inside the housing 21.

[0088] In the first and second embodiments, an example in which only a duct exists between the adsorber and the valve was shown. However, a configuration in which a filter is provided so that the adsorbent does not move from the adsorber may also be adopted.

[0089] In the first and second embodiments, an example in which the adsorption heat pump 5 cools and heats was shown. However, the adsorption heat pump 5 may perform at least one of cooling and heating.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0090] 5 Adsorption heat pump 12 Evaporator 14 Condenser 50 Electromagnet (an example of a magnetic field generating member) 70 Control unit (an example of a magnetic field adjusting unit) 80 Magnetic adsorption powder (an example of an adsorbent) 250 Permanent magnet fluid W Adsorbate

Claims

1. An evaporator, an adsorbent containing magnetic adsorbent powder that adsorbs the adsorbate evaporated by the evaporator, at least one flow path through which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the adsorbent flows, and a magnetic field generating member that generates a magnetic field in the space where the magnetic adsorbent powder exists, an adsorber comprising: a condenser that condenses the adsorbate desorbed from the adsorber; a magnetic field adjuster that adjusts the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating member; An adsorption heat pump comprising:

2. The magnetic field generating member is an electromagnet in which a coil is wound around an iron core The adsorption heat pump according to claim 1.

3. The flow path is arranged so as to surround the periphery of the electromagnet The adsorption heat pump according to claim 2.

4. A permanent magnet fluid as the magnetic field generating member flows through the flow path The adsorption heat pump according to claim 1.

5. The magnetic adsorbent powder contains a ferromagnetic material and a diamagnetic material The adsorption heat pump according to claim 1.

6. The magnetic adsorbent powder contains magnetic particles made of a metal organic structure The adsorption heat pump according to claim 1.

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