Solid refrigeration device

Abstract

To provide a solid refrigeration device in which a plurality of refrigerant housing parts can be easily connected in series.SOLUTION: A solid refrigeration device (1) comprises a plurality of first refrigerant housing parts (11) housing a first solid refrigerant material (12), and a plurality of second refrigerant housing parts (21) housing a second solid refrigerant material (22). The plurality of first refrigerant housing parts (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant housing parts (21) are connected in series. The solid refrigeration device (1) comprises a heat medium collecting part (50) for collecting a heat medium flowing out of one of the plurality of first refrigerant housing parts (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant housing parts (21), and distributing the collected heat medium to the other of the plurality of first refrigerant housing parts (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant housing parts (21).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to solid-state refrigeration devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In the magnetic refrigeration device of Patent Document 1, AMR (Active Magnetic Refrigeration) modules having magnetic working materials with different operating temperature ranges are connected in series to increase the temperature difference that can be obtained.

[0003] In a rotary magnetic refrigeration device, etc., the AMR module needs to be divided into multiple (e.g., 12) units in order to change the timing of magnetizing or demagnetizing the magnetic working material in the circumferential direction of the annular AMR module. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-255642 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, connecting AMR modules consisting of multiple units in series increases the number of pipes and valves, complicating the structure and control of the magnetic refrigeration device, resulting in problems such as increased size and costs.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a solid-state refrigeration device in which a plurality of refrigerant containing units can be easily connected in series. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a solid-state refrigeration device (1) comprising a plurality of first refrigerant accommodation sections (11) that accommodate a first solid refrigerant material (12) and a plurality of second refrigerant accommodation sections (21) that accommodate a second solid refrigerant material (22), the plurality of first refrigerant accommodation sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant accommodation sections (21) being connected in series. The solid-state refrigeration device (1) comprises a heat medium collecting section (50) that collects a heat medium flowing out from one of the plurality of first refrigerant accommodation sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant accommodation sections (21) and distributes the collected heat medium to the other of the plurality of first refrigerant accommodation sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant accommodation sections (21).

[0008] In the first aspect, the heat medium flow path between the first refrigerant accommodating portion (11) and the second refrigerant accommodating portion (21) is aggregated by the heat medium aggregation portion (50). Therefore, even when, for example, a bypass mechanism is provided in the first refrigerant accommodating portion (11) or the second refrigerant accommodating portion (21) or when the refrigerant accommodating portions (11, 21) are provided in the same storage case, the refrigerant accommodating portions (11, 21) can be easily connected in series.

[0009] A second aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioner according to the first aspect, wherein the heat medium collecting section (50) includes at least one of multi-way selector valves (52, 53), a collecting pipe (51), and a distribution pipe (54).

[0010] In the second aspect, the heat medium collecting section (50) can be easily configured.

[0011] A third aspect of the present disclosure is the first or second aspect, further comprising: a first bypass mechanism (110) that switches between an operation in which the heat medium flows through the plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) and an operation in which the heat medium bypasses the plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11), or a second bypass mechanism (120) that switches between an operation in which the heat medium flows through the plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) and an operation in which the heat medium bypasses the plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21), and the first bypass mechanism (110) and the second bypass mechanism (120) are connected to a flow path in which the heat medium is collected by the heat medium collecting section (50).

[0012] In the third aspect, by providing the bypass mechanism (110, 120), the solid refrigerant material (12, 22) outside the effective temperature range is neutralized and the remaining solid refrigerant material (12, 22) functions at an optimum temperature, thereby improving the overall performance of the solid refrigeration device (1). Furthermore, compared with a configuration without the heat medium collecting section (50), the piping configuration required for the bypass mechanism (110, 120) can be significantly simplified.

[0013] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the first or second aspect, wherein the operating temperature range of the first solid refrigerant material (12) is different from the operating temperature range of the second solid refrigerant material (22).

[0014] In the fourth aspect, the refrigerant containing portions (11, 21) having solid refrigerant materials (12, 22) with different operating temperature ranges are connected in series, thereby making it possible to increase the temperature difference that can be obtained.

[0015] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the first or second aspect, wherein the plurality of first refrigerant storage sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant storage sections (21) are dispersed and arranged in a plane perpendicular to the direction of application of a force field that induces a calorific effect in a storage case (10, 20) to which the force field is applied.

[0016] In the fifth aspect, for example, a rotary solid refrigeration device (1) can be configured in which the timing of magnetizing or demagnetizing the solid refrigerant material (12, 22) is changed in the circumferential direction.

[0017] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the fifth aspect, in which the plurality of first refrigerant storage sections (11) that store the first solid refrigerant material (12) having a first operating temperature range and the plurality of second refrigerant storage sections (21) that store the second solid refrigerant material (22) having a second operating temperature range different from the first operating temperature range are arranged in the same storage case (10, 20) and connected in series.

[0018] In the sixth aspect, the heat medium flow path between the first refrigerant accommodating section (11) and the second refrigerant accommodating section (21) is aggregated by the heat medium aggregation section (50). Therefore, even if the refrigerant accommodating sections (11, 21) are arranged in the same storage case (10, 20), the refrigerant accommodating sections (11, 21) can be easily connected in series.

[0019] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the sixth aspect, wherein the storage cases (10, 20) include a first storage case (10) and a second storage case (20), the first storage case (10) and the second storage case (20) are respectively provided with the plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21), the plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) arranged in the first storage case (10) and the plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) arranged in the second storage case (20) are connected in parallel, and the plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) arranged in the first storage case (10) and the plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) arranged in the second storage case (20) are connected in parallel.

[0020] In the seventh aspect, the parallel connection of the first refrigerant housing portions (11) and the parallel connection of the second refrigerant housing portions (21) can be flexibly adapted according to the capacity required for the solid-state refrigeration device (1).

[0021] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the sixth aspect of the present invention, further comprising a plurality of third refrigerant accommodating sections (31) accommodating a third solid refrigerant material (32) having a third operating temperature range different from the first and second operating temperature ranges, and a plurality of fourth refrigerant accommodating sections (41) accommodating a fourth solid refrigerant material (42) having a fourth operating temperature range different from the first to third operating temperature ranges and connected in series to the plurality of third refrigerant accommodating sections (31), wherein the storage cases (10, 20) include a first storage case (10) and a second storage case (20), and the first storage case ( The plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) are arranged in the first storage case (10), and the plurality of third refrigerant accommodating sections (31) and the plurality of fourth refrigerant accommodating sections (41) are arranged in the second storage case (20), and one of the plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) arranged in the first storage case (10) is connected in series to one of the plurality of third refrigerant accommodating sections (31) and the plurality of fourth refrigerant accommodating sections (41) arranged in the second storage case (20).

[0022] In the eighth aspect, the series connection configuration of the refrigerant containing portions (11, 21, 31, 41) can be flexibly adapted depending on the operating temperature range of the solid refrigerant material (12, 22, 32, 42) and the capacity required for the solid refrigeration device (1). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a magnetic refrigeration apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the control unit and other elements in the magnetic refrigeration apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the characteristics of the magnetic working material used in the magnetic refrigeration apparatus of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the magnetic field modulation unit and the storage case of the magnetic refrigeration device according to the embodiment, as viewed from the axial direction. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic field modulation unit and the storage case of the magnetic refrigeration device according to the embodiment, viewed from the outer circumferential side in the radial direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration of a refrigerant storage section in a magnetic refrigeration device according to an embodiment, where (a) is a plan view seen from the axial direction, (b) is an end view seen from the radially outer periphery, and (c) is an end view seen from the circumferential direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rotary valve type multi-way switching valve used as an example of the multi-way switching valve in the magnetic refrigeration apparatus of the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device shown in FIG. 1 when configured as a rotary type. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a magnetic refrigeration device of a comparative example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device shown in FIG. 9 when configured as a rotary type. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration in which a bypass mechanism is added to the magnetic refrigeration apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration in which a bypass mechanism is added to the magnetic refrigeration apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a magnetic refrigeration device of modified example 1, where (a) is a plan view of the magnetic field modulation unit and the storage case as viewed from the axial direction, and (b) is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device of modified example 1 when configured as a rotary type. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of a magnetic refrigeration device of Modification 2, where (a) and (b) are plan views of the magnetic field modulation unit and the storage case as seen from the axial direction, respectively, and (c) is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device of Modification 2 when configured as a rotary type. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a magnetic refrigeration apparatus according to the third modification. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a magnetic refrigeration apparatus according to the fourth modification. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 shows the configuration of a magnetic refrigeration device of Variation 4, where (a) and (b) are plan views of the magnetic field modulation unit and the storage case as seen from the axial direction, respectively, and (c) is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device of Variation 4 when configured as a rotary type. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration in which a bypass mechanism is added to the magnetic refrigeration apparatus shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are essentially preferred examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses. In the following embodiments, an example is given in which the technology of the present disclosure is applied to a rotary magnetic refrigeration device. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to rotary magnetic refrigeration devices and can also be applied to non-rotary magnetic refrigeration devices or refrigeration devices using other solid refrigerants. Note that, although the same reference numerals represent the same components in the drawings, dimensions in the drawings, such as length, width, thickness, and depth, have been appropriately changed from the actual scale for clarity and simplification of the drawings and may not correspond to the actual relative dimensions.

[0025] <Magnetic Refrigeration Device> The magnetic refrigeration device (1) of this embodiment adjusts the temperature of a heat medium by utilizing the magnetocaloric effect. The magnetic refrigeration device (1) is applied to, for example, an air conditioner. The magnetic refrigeration device (1) is a solid-state refrigeration device that adjusts the temperature of a heat medium by utilizing the magnetocaloric effect.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 1, the magnetic refrigeration device (1) mainly includes a plurality of first refrigerant accommodation sections (11), a plurality of second refrigerant accommodation sections (21), a heat medium pump (2), a high-temperature side heat exchanger (3), and a low-temperature side heat exchanger (4). The refrigerant accommodation sections (11, 21), the heat medium pump (2), the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3), and the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4) are connected to one another via heat medium piping to form a heat medium circuit (C). The heat medium circuit (C) is filled with a heat medium such as water or brine. The filled heat medium is transported through the heat medium circuit (C).

[0027] The plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) include at least two first refrigerant accommodating sections (11a, 11b) and are arranged in, for example, a first storage case (10). The plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) include at least two second refrigerant accommodating sections (21a, 21b) and are arranged in, for example, a second storage case (20). Each first refrigerant accommodating section (11) accommodates a first magnetically active material (12) that is a first solid refrigerant material and has a flow path through which a heat medium flows. Each second refrigerant accommodating section (21) accommodates a second magnetically active material (22) that is a second solid refrigerant material and has a flow path through which the heat medium flows. The refrigerant accommodating sections (11, 21) of this example have two flow paths through which the heat medium flows in different directions in order to transport the hot and cold energy generated in the AMR cycle through different flow paths. This makes it possible to eliminate thermal mixing in dead volumes when the heat medium flows back and forth in the refrigerant accommodating sections (11, 21).

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the magnetic refrigeration apparatus (1) includes a control unit (9). The control unit (9) controls the magnetic field modulation unit (80) to apply or remove a magnetic field, which is a force field, to the magnetic working material (12, 22), thereby generating a magnetocaloric effect and heating or cooling the heat medium flowing through the flow path. The control unit (9) includes a microcomputer and a memory device (specifically, a semiconductor memory) that stores software for operating the microcomputer. The magnetic field modulation unit (80) will be described in detail later. The control unit (9) may also control multi-way switching valves (M1, M2) and three-way valves (111a, 111b, 121a, 121b) of the bypass mechanisms (110, 120), which will be described later. When the multi-way switching valves (M1, M2) are opened or closed mechanically by rotation, part of the control unit (9) may be a mechanical device such as a rotation mechanism.

[0029] The operating temperature range of the first magnetic working material (12) accommodated in each first refrigerant housing portion (11) may be different from the operating temperature range of the second magnetic working material (22) accommodated in each second refrigerant housing portion (21). In this example, as shown in Fig. 3, the operating temperature range of the first magnetic working material (12) is higher than the operating temperature range of the second magnetic working material (22).

[0030] Each of the magnetic working materials (12, 22) generates heat when a magnetic field is applied or the applied magnetic field becomes stronger, and absorbs heat when the magnetic field is removed or the applied magnetic field becomes weaker. The material of each of the magnetic working materials (12, 22) is selected depending on the operating temperature range, for example, Gd5 (Ge 0.5 Si 0.5 )4, La(Fe 1-x Si x ) 13 , La(Fe 1-x Co x Si y ) 13 , La(Fe 1-x Si x ) 13 H y , Mn(As 0.9 Sb 0.1Each of the magnetic working materials (12, 22) may be made of a single material, or may be made of a plurality of materials with different Curie temperatures (temperatures at which the magnetocaloric effect is maximized).

[0031] The heat medium pump (2) is for causing a heat medium to flow between the refrigerant containing portion (11, 21) and each of the heat exchangers (3, 4). The heat medium pump (2) is provided, for example, in a heat medium pipe located upstream of a heat medium inlet portion of the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3).

[0032] The high-temperature side heat exchanger (3) exchanges heat between the heat medium heated by the magnetic working material (12, 22) and a secondary refrigerant flowing through a heat source unit (e.g., a cooling tower), not shown. The high-temperature heat medium flowing out of the first refrigerant accommodation section (11) exchanges heat in the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3) and then flows back into the first refrigerant accommodation section (11). A first supply multi-way switching valve (5) is provided between each first refrigerant accommodation section (11) and the heat medium outlet of the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3), selectively supplying the heat medium to the first refrigerant accommodation section (11). Furthermore, a first recovery multi-way switching valve (6) is provided between each first refrigerant accommodation section (11) and the heat medium inlet of the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3), i.e., the heat medium pump (2), selectively recovering the heat medium from the first refrigerant accommodation section (11). In this example, the first supply multi-way selector valve (5) and the first recovery multi-way selector valve (6) are integrated to form a rotary valve-type first multi-way selector valve (M1). As shown in Fig. 2, the first multi-way selector valve (M1) is controlled by a control unit (9). The first multi-way selector valve (M1) will be described in detail later.

[0033] The low-temperature side heat exchanger (4) exchanges heat between the heat medium cooled by the magnetic working material (12, 22) and a secondary refrigerant flowing through a utilization unit (e.g., an air handling unit) (not shown). The low-temperature heat medium flowing out of the second refrigerant accommodation section (21) exchanges heat in the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4) and then flows back into the second refrigerant accommodation section (21). A first collecting pipe (7) is provided between each second refrigerant accommodation section (21) and the heat medium inlet section of the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4) to collect the heat medium flowing out of each second refrigerant accommodation section (21). A check valve (CV) is provided in each flow path between each second refrigerant accommodation section (21) and the first collecting pipe (7) to prevent the heat medium from flowing into each second refrigerant accommodation section (21). In addition, a first distribution pipe (8) for distributing the heat medium flowing out from the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4) is provided between each second refrigerant accommodation section (21) and the heat medium outflow section of the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4). A check valve (CV) for preventing the heat medium from flowing out from each second refrigerant accommodation section (21) is provided in the flow path between each second refrigerant accommodation section (21) and the first distribution pipe (8).

[0034] <Heat medium collecting section> In the magnetic refrigeration device (1) shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of first refrigerant housings (11) and a plurality of second refrigerant housings (21) are connected in series, and a heat medium collecting section (50) is disposed between the plurality of first refrigerant housings (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant housings (21). The heat medium collecting section (50) collects the heat medium flowing out from one of the plurality of first refrigerant housings (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant housings (21) and distributes the collected heat medium to the other of the plurality of first refrigerant housings (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant housings (21). The heat medium collecting section (50) is configured using, for example, at least one of a multi-way selector valve, a collecting pipe, and a distribution pipe. The heat medium collecting section (50) in this example includes a second collecting pipe (51), a second supply multi-way selector valve (52), a second recovery multi-way selector valve (53), and a second distribution pipe (54).

[0035] The heat medium flowing from each first refrigerant housing portion (11) toward each second refrigerant housing portion (21) is collected by a second collecting pipe (51). A check valve (CV) is provided in each flow path between each first refrigerant housing portion (11) and the second collecting pipe (51) to prevent the heat medium from flowing into the first refrigerant housing portion (11). The heat medium collected by the second collecting pipe (51) is selectively distributed and supplied to the second refrigerant housing portion (21) by a second supply multi-way switching valve (52). On the other hand, the heat medium flowing from each second refrigerant housing portion (21) toward each first refrigerant housing portion (11) is selectively recovered and collected by a second recovery multi-way switching valve (53). The heat medium collected by the second recovery multi-way switching valve (53) is distributed and supplied to each first refrigerant housing portion (11) by a second distribution pipe (54). A check valve (CV) for preventing the heat medium from flowing out from each first refrigerant housing portion (11) is disposed in the flow path between each first refrigerant housing portion (11) and the second distribution pipe (54). In this example, the second supply multi-way switching valve (52) and the second recovery multi-way switching valve (53) are integrated to form a rotary valve type second multi-way switching valve (M2). As shown in FIG. 2, the second multi-way switching valve (M2) is controlled by the control portion (9). The second multi-way switching valve (M2) will be described in detail later.

[0036] <Refrigerant storage section and magnetic field modulation section> In this example, the plurality of first refrigerant containing sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant containing sections (21) are, as shown in FIG. 4, twelve first refrigerant containing sections (11a-11l) and twelve second refrigerant containing sections (21a-21l). Each of the first refrigerant containing sections (11a-11l) has an annular sector shape and is arranged in the circumferential direction of the annular first storage case (10). Each of the second refrigerant containing sections (21a-21l) has an annular sector shape and is arranged in the circumferential direction of the annular second storage case (20). An opening is provided in the radial center of each storage case (10, 20).

[0037] 4 and 5, magnetic field modulation units (80) serving as force field modulation units are arranged on either side of the storage cases (10, 20) in an axial direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the storage cases (10, 20). In other words, the refrigerant containing units (11, 21) are arranged in the storage cases (10, 20) to which a magnetic field is applied, dispersed within a plane perpendicular to the direction of application of the magnetic field.

[0038] The magnetic field modulation unit (80) includes a magnetic field generation unit (81) disposed adjacent to each of the storage cases (10, 20) and a rotation mechanism (82) extending axially through a central opening of each of the storage cases (10, 20). The magnetic field generation unit (81) includes a pair of magnets (81a) sandwiching each of the storage cases (10, 20) and a yoke (81b) for supporting each of the magnets (81a) and forming a magnetic path. The magnetic field generation unit (81) is rotated by the rotation mechanism (82) in the circumferential direction of each of the storage cases (10, 20). The magnets (81a) are arranged to overlap an area equivalent to, for example, six of the refrigerant containers (11, 21). As the magnetic field generation unit (81) rotates, the magnetically active material (12, 22) to be excited changes from moment to moment, and excitation and demagnetization are repeated every half rotation of the magnetic field generation unit (81). This allows for the formation of a rotating magnet magnetic refrigeration device (1). Note that FIG. 4 shows a state in which the six first refrigerant accommodating sections (11a, 11b, 11c, 11g, 11h, 11i) and the six second refrigerant accommodating sections (21a, 21b, 21c, 21g, 21h, 21i) are magnetized, and the six first refrigerant accommodating sections (11d, 11e, 11f, 11j, 11k, 11l) and the six second refrigerant accommodating sections (21d, 21e, 21f, 21j, 21k, 21l) are demagnetized.

[0039] FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration of each refrigerant containing section (11, 21) arranged in the annular storage case (10, 20) shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 6, when viewed from the axial direction of the storage case (10, 20), each refrigerant containing section (11, 21) has an annular sector shape, and a magnetically active material (12, 22) is sealed inside each refrigerant containing section (11, 21). When viewed from the radially outer periphery of the storage case (10, 20), each refrigerant containing section (11, 21) has four ports (13-16, 23-26) on its outer periphery, through which the high-temperature heat medium and the low-temperature heat medium flow in and out, respectively. Each refrigerant containing section (11, 21) has a header structure, and each storage case (10, 20) may be configured by combining such header structures.

[0040] <Multi-way switching valve> In this example, the multi-way selector valves (M1, M2) are configured as rotary valve-type multi-way selector valves shown in Fig. 7. In the multi-way selector valves (M1, M2), the supply multi-way selector valves (5, 52) and the recovery multi-way selector valves (6, 53) are integrally provided in the same valve box (501). In Fig. 7, the flow of the heat medium is indicated by arrows.

[0041] The multi-way selector valves (M1, M2) mainly include a valve body (501), a rotating shaft (502), a high-pressure inlet port (515), a low-pressure outlet port (525), a high-pressure valve plate (511), a high-pressure valve element (512), a low-pressure valve plate (521), and a low-pressure valve element (522). The valve body (501) is made of, for example, an acrylic resin. The rotating shaft (502) is made of, for example, stainless steel. The high-pressure valve plate (511) and the low-pressure valve plate (521) are made of, for example, aluminum. The high-pressure valve element (512) and the low-pressure valve element (522) are made of, for example, a fluororesin such as PTFE.

[0042] The rotation shaft (502) rotates coaxially with the rotation mechanism (82) of the magnetic field modulation unit (80) shown in Figures 4 and 5. In the rotary magnetic refrigeration device (1), the "axial direction" refers to the direction in which the rotation shaft (502) (axial center (J)) extends, the "radial direction" refers to the direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft (502), and the "circumferential direction" refers to the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the rotation shaft (502).

[0043] A high-pressure side valve plate (511) is disposed at one axial end (upper end in FIG. 7) of the valve box (501). A low-pressure side valve plate (521) is disposed at the other axial end (lower end in FIG. 7) of the valve box (501). A high-pressure side valve disc (512) is disposed inside the high-pressure side valve plate (511) of the valve box (501). A low-pressure side valve disc (522) is disposed inside the low-pressure side valve plate (521) of the valve box (501).

[0044] The rotating shaft (502) extends from the outside to the inside of the valve body (501) so as to penetrate the center of the high-pressure side valve plate (511). The rotating shaft (502) is rotated by a rotation mechanism (82) (not shown). A seal member (503), such as a mechanical seal, is provided between the rotating shaft (502) and the high-pressure side valve plate (511). A high-pressure side valve disc (512) and a low-pressure side valve disc (522) are attached to the rotating shaft (502) inside the valve body (501). The high-pressure side valve disc (512) and the low-pressure side valve disc (522) are rotatable together with the rotating shaft (502).

[0045] The high-pressure side valve element (512) and the low-pressure side valve element (522) are rotationally driven about the same rotation shaft (502). Therefore, the high-pressure side valve element (512) and the low-pressure side valve element (522) rotate in the same direction at the same rotation speed. Furthermore, the relative positional relationship between the high-pressure side valve element (512) and the low-pressure side valve element (522) does not change due to rotation.

[0046] The high-pressure side inlet port (515) is located on a radial side of the valve body (501), so that the interior of the valve body (501) is maintained at high pressure by communicating with the high-pressure side inlet port (515). The low-pressure side outlet port (525) is located in the center of the low-pressure side valve plate (521).

[0047] The high-pressure-side valve plate (511) is formed with a plurality of high-pressure-side outlet ports (513) surrounding the rotation axis (502). The high-pressure-side valve element (512) is formed with a high-pressure-side flow path (514). The high-pressure-side flow path (514) has an open structure relative to the interior of the valve body (501). The high-pressure-side flow path (514) connects to at least one of the plurality of high-pressure-side outlet ports (513) depending on the rotational position of the high-pressure-side valve element (512), selectively communicating that port with the high-pressure-side inlet port (515). Depending on the rotational position, the high-pressure-side valve element (512) blocks at least one of the plurality of high-pressure-side outlet ports (513) whose pressure is lower than the pressure inside the valve body (501). Due to the pressure difference between that port and the interior of the valve body (501), the high-pressure-side valve element (512) is attracted toward the high-pressure-side valve plate (511) and tightly contacts it, preventing fluid leakage.

[0048] The high-pressure-side valve element (512) is fixed in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft (502) but not in the axial direction of the rotating shaft (502). For example, the cross section of the rotating shaft (502) perpendicular to the axial direction may be D-shaped, and a through-hole of the same D shape may be formed in the high-pressure-side valve element (512). The rotating shaft (502) may be passed through the through-hole, thereby fixing the high-pressure-side valve element (512) in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft (502) and making it movable in the axial direction of the rotating shaft (502). This makes it possible to prevent the rotating shaft (502) from being sucked in when the high-pressure-side valve element (512) is sucked toward the high-pressure-side valve plate (511).

[0049] The low-pressure side valve plate (521) is formed with a plurality of low-pressure side inlet ports (523) surrounding a low-pressure side outlet port (525). The low-pressure side valve element (522) is formed with a low-pressure side flow path (524). The low-pressure side valve element (522) closes at least one port of the plurality of low-pressure side inlet ports (523) that is at a high pressure depending on its rotational position. The low-pressure side flow path (524) is connected to at least one port that is at a lower pressure than the pressure inside the valve box (501) depending on the rotational position of the low-pressure side valve element (522), and selectively communicates that port with the low-pressure side outlet port (525). The low-pressure side flow path (524) has a closed structure relative to the inside of the valve box (501). In other words, the high pressure inside the valve box (501) is separated from the low pressure of the low-pressure side flow path (524) (inside the low-pressure side valve element (522)). As a result, due to the pressure difference between the inside of the low-pressure side valve element (522) and the inside of the valve box (501), the low-pressure side valve element (522) is attracted to the low-pressure side valve plate (521) and tightly adheres to it, thereby preventing fluid leakage.

[0050] The low-pressure side valve element (522) is fixed in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft (502) but not in the axial direction of the rotating shaft (502). For example, the cross section of the rotating shaft (502) perpendicular to the axial direction may be D-shaped, and a through-hole of the same D shape may be formed in the low-pressure side valve element (522). The rotating shaft (502) may be passed through the through-hole, thereby fixing the low-pressure side valve element (522) in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft (502) and making it movable in the axial direction of the rotating shaft (502). This makes it possible to prevent the rotating shaft (502) from being sucked in when the low-pressure side valve element (522) is sucked toward the low-pressure side valve plate (521).

[0051] As described above, the high-pressure-side valve element (512) and the low-pressure-side valve element (522) are configured as separate members and can move independently in the axial direction (slidable relative to the rotation shaft (502)), so that the suction forces acting on the high-pressure-side valve element (512) and the low-pressure-side valve element (522) do not cancel each other out. Furthermore, because the valve elements (512, 522) can move in the axial direction, when the spring (504) is installed between the valve elements (512, 522), the elastic force of the spring (504) can bring the valve elements (512, 522) into close contact with the valve plates (511, 521).

[0052] The low-pressure side valve element (522) may include a mechanism for thermally insulating the interior of the valve box (501) from the low-pressure side flow path (524). As an example, at least a part of the low-pressure side valve element (522) may be made of a thermal insulating material. The thermal insulating material may be a resin with low friction and excellent sliding properties, such as PTFE or POM.

[0053] In the heat medium circuit (C) shown in FIG. 1 , the high-pressure side outlet port (513) of the first supply multi-way selector valve (5) of the first multi-way selector valve (M1) is connected to the heat medium inlet port of each first refrigerant accommodation section (11). The low-pressure side inlet port (523) of the first recovery multi-way selector valve (6) of the first multi-way selector valve (M1) is connected to the heat medium outlet port of each first refrigerant accommodation section (11). The high-pressure side outlet port (513) and the low-pressure side inlet port (523) connected to the same first refrigerant accommodation section (11) are not simultaneously open. Specifically, when one of the high-pressure side outlet port (513) and the low-pressure side inlet port (523) connected to the same first refrigerant accommodation section (11) is open, the other port is closed. When one of the high-pressure side outlet port (513) and the low-pressure side inlet port (523) is closed, the other port is either open or closed.

[0054] In the heat medium circuit (C) shown in FIG. 1 , the high-pressure side outlet port (513) of the second supply multi-way selector valve (52) of the second multi-way selector valve (M2) is connected to the heat medium inlet port of each second refrigerant accommodation section (21). The low-pressure side inlet port (523) of the second recovery multi-way selector valve (53) of the second multi-way selector valve (M2) is connected to the heat medium outlet port of each second refrigerant accommodation section (21). The high-pressure side outlet port (513) and the low-pressure side inlet port (523) connected to the same second refrigerant accommodation section (21) are not simultaneously open. Specifically, with regard to the high-pressure side outlet port (513) and the low-pressure side inlet port (523) connected to the same second refrigerant accommodation section (21), when one port is open, the other port is closed, and when one port is closed, the other port is open or closed.

[0055] <Configuration of Rotary Magnetic Refrigeration Device and Heat Transfer Medium Flow Control> FIG. 8 shows a schematic configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device (1) shown in FIG. 1 configured as a rotary type using the magnet rotary type magnetic field modulation unit (80) shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and the rotary valve type multi-way selector valves (M1, M2) shown in FIG. 7. In FIG. 8, the flow of the heat medium is indicated by arrows. In FIG. 8, some of the reference numerals that are the same as those in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7 are omitted.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 8, a first magnetic field modulation section (80A) is arranged so as to axially sandwich a first annular storage case (10) having a plurality of first refrigerant storage sections (11), and a second magnetic field modulation section (80B) is arranged so as to axially sandwich a second annular storage case (20) having a plurality of second refrigerant storage sections (21). Each of the magnetic field modulation sections (80A, 80B) has a configuration similar to that of the magnetic field modulation section (80) shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The first magnetic field modulation section (80A) and the second magnetic field modulation section (80B) are arranged coaxially in a two-stage configuration, with the first magnetic field modulation section (80A) at the upper stage and the second magnetic field modulation section (80B) at the lower stage in the axial direction. The first multi-way switching valve (M1) and the second multi-way switching valve (M2) are arranged coaxially in a two-stage configuration, with the first multi-way switching valve (M1) at the upper stage and the second multi-way switching valve (M2) at the lower stage in the axial direction. The first multi-way selector valve (M1) is connected to each of the first refrigerant housing portions (11) through a pipe, and the second multi-way selector valve (M2) is connected to each of the second refrigerant housing portions (21) through a pipe.

[0057] In the magnetic refrigeration device (1) shown in Fig. 8, the flow of the heat medium is controlled by controlling the multi-way switching valves (M1, M2) and the magnetic field modulation units (80A, 80B) in accordance with the control operation, thereby heating or cooling the heat medium. Hereinafter, the flow control of the heat medium will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 8.

[0058] First, the heat medium flowing out of the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4) is selectively flowed through the first distribution pipe (8) into the second refrigerant housing (21) in which the second magnetic field modulation unit (80B) is magnetizing the second magnetic working material (22) under the control of the second recovery multi-way selector valve (53) of the second multi-way selector valve (M2). The heat medium is heated by heat exchange with the exothermic second magnetic working material (22), and after flowing out of the second refrigerant housing (21), is recovered by the second recovery multi-way selector valve (53). The heat medium flowing out of the second recovery multi-way selector valve (53) is selectively flowed through the second distribution pipe (54) into the first refrigerant housing (11) in which the first magnetic field modulation unit (80A) is magnetizing the first magnetic working material (12). The heat medium is heated by heat exchange with the first magnetic working material (12) in a heat-generating state, flows out of the first refrigerant container (11), and is then recovered in the first recovery multi-way switching valve (6). The heat medium flowing out of the first recovery multi-way switching valve (6) passes through the heat medium pump (2) and flows into the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3). The heat medium exchanges heat with a secondary refrigerant flowing in a heat source unit (not shown), such as a cooling tower, and then flows out of the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3).

[0059] Next, the heat medium flowing out of the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3) is controlled by the first supply multi-way selector valve (5) of the first multi-way selector valve (M1) to selectively flow into the first refrigerant housing portion (11) where the first magnetic field modulation portion (80A) is demagnetizing the first magnetic working material (12). The heat medium is cooled by heat exchange with the first magnetic working material (12) in an endothermic state, and after flowing out of the first refrigerant housing portion (11), it passes through the second collecting pipe (51) and selectively flows into the second refrigerant housing portion (21) where the second magnetic field modulation portion (80B) is demagnetizing the second magnetic working material (22) under the control of the second supply multi-way selector valve (52) of the second multi-way selector valve (M2). The heat transfer medium is cooled by heat exchange with the second magnetic working material (22) in an endothermic state, flows out of the second refrigerant accommodating portion (21), passes through the first collecting pipe (7), and flows into the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4). The heat transfer medium exchanges heat with a secondary refrigerant flowing through a utilization unit (not shown), such as an air handling unit, and flows out of the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4).

[0060] In this example, the above-described flow control of the heat medium is repeatedly performed while selectively changing the refrigerant containing sections (11, 21) to be magnetized or demagnetized by the magnetic field modulation sections (80A, 80B).

[0061] <Comparative Example> The magnetic refrigeration apparatus (1) of the comparative example shown in Fig. 9 differs from the magnetic refrigeration apparatus (1) of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in that a heat medium collecting section (50) is not provided. In the magnetic refrigeration apparatus (1) of the comparative example shown in Fig. 9, a plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) each accommodating a first magnetic working material (12) having the same operating temperature range, and a plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) each accommodating a second magnetic working material (22) having an operating temperature range different from that of the first magnetic working material (12) and the number of which is the same as that of the first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) are connected in series such that each of the first refrigerant accommodating sections (11a, 11b, ...) corresponds to each of the second refrigerant accommodating sections (21a, 21b, ...).

[0062] FIG. 10 shows a schematic configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device (1) of the comparative example shown in FIG. 9 configured as a rotary type using the magnet rotary type magnetic field modulation unit (80) shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and the rotary valve type multi-way selector valve (M1) shown in FIG. 7. In FIG. 10, the flow of the heat medium is indicated by arrows. In FIG. 10, some of the reference numerals that are the same as those in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7 are omitted.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 10, in the magnetic refrigeration device (1) of the comparative example, a first magnetic field modulation section (80A) is arranged so as to axially sandwich a first annular storage case (10) having a plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11), and a second magnetic field modulation section (80B) is arranged so as to axially sandwich a second annular storage case (20) having a plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21). Each of the magnetic field modulation sections (80A, 80B) has a configuration similar to that of the magnetic field modulation section (80) shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The first magnetic field modulation section (80A) and the second magnetic field modulation section (80B) are arranged coaxially in a two-stage configuration in the axial direction, with the first magnetic field modulation section (80A) at the upper stage and the second magnetic field modulation section (80B) at the lower stage. The first multi-way switching valve (M1) is connected to each first refrigerant storage section (11) by piping, and the first refrigerant storage section (11) and the second refrigerant storage section (21) that are located at the same position in the circumferential direction are connected in series via piping (P).

[0064] In the magnetic refrigeration device (1) of the comparative example shown in Fig. 10, the first multi-way switching valve (M1) is controlled, and the magnetic field modulation units (80A, 80B) are controlled in accordance with the control operation, thereby controlling the flow of the heat medium and heating or cooling the heat medium. Hereinafter, the heat medium flow control will be described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10.

[0065] First, the heat medium flowing out of the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4) is controlled by the first recovery multi-way selector valve (6) of the first multi-way selector valve (M1) to flow selectively through the first distribution pipe (8) into the second refrigerant housing (21) in which the second magnetic field modulation unit (80B) magnetizes the second magnetic working material (22) and the first refrigerant housing (11) in which the first magnetic field modulation unit (80A) magnetizes the first magnetic working material (12). The heat medium is heated by heat exchange with the exothermic magnetic working materials (12, 22) and flows out of the refrigerant housings (11, 21), and is then recovered in the first recovery multi-way selector valve (6). The heat medium flowing out of the first recovery multi-way selector valve (6) flows into the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3) through the heat medium pump (2). This heat medium exchanges heat with a secondary refrigerant flowing through a heat source unit (not shown), such as a cooling tower, and flows out of the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3).

[0066] Next, the heat medium flowing out of the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3) is controlled by the first supply multi-way selector valve (5) of the first multi-way selector valve (M1) to selectively flow into the first refrigerant housing (11), in which the first magnetic field modulator (80A) demagnetizes the first magnetic working material (12), and into the second refrigerant housing (21), in which the second magnetic field modulator (80B) demagnetizes the second magnetic working material (22). The heat medium is cooled by heat exchange with the endothermic magnetic working materials (12, 22), and flows out of the refrigerant housings (11, 21), passes through the first collecting pipe (7), and flows into the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4). The heat medium exchanges heat with a secondary refrigerant flowing through a utilization unit (not shown), such as an air handling unit, and then flows out of the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4).

[0067] In the magnetic refrigeration device (1) of the comparative example, the above-described flow control of the heat medium is repeatedly performed while selectively changing the refrigerant containing sections (11, 21) to be magnetized or demagnetized by the magnetic field modulation sections (80A, 80B).

[0068] However, in the magnetic refrigeration device (1) of the comparative example, for example, when a plurality of first refrigerant accommodation units (11) and a plurality of second refrigerant accommodation units (21) are arranged in the same annular storage case and magnetization and demagnetization are performed by a rotating magnet type magnetic field modulation unit (80) as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , it is necessary to connect each of the first refrigerant accommodation units (11) and each of the second refrigerant accommodation units (21) in series with piping around the outer periphery of the annular storage case. Therefore, as the number of refrigerant accommodation units (11, 21) increases, the piping configuration becomes more complex, which limits the variety of devices and causes problems such as increased costs. Furthermore, depending on the positional relationship between the first refrigerant accommodation units (11) and the second refrigerant accommodation units (21) connected in series within the same annular storage case, it may be difficult to connect the piping around the outer periphery of the annular storage case.

[0069] <Addition of bypass mechanism> In a magnetic refrigeration device in which refrigerant containing sections are connected in series, by providing a flow path (bypass mechanism) that bypasses the refrigerant containing sections, magnetic working materials outside the effective temperature range can be neutralized, allowing the magnetic refrigeration device to function at the optimal temperature, improving overall performance.

[0070] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration in which a bypass mechanism is added to the magnetic refrigeration device (1) of the comparative example shown in Fig. 9. In the comparative example, each refrigerant accommodating section (11, 21) has two flow paths in which the heat medium flows in different directions, and therefore, two bypass mechanisms need to be provided for each refrigerant accommodating section (11, 21).

[0071] Specifically, when the plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) includes two first refrigerant accommodating sections (11a, 11b), the first refrigerant accommodating section (11a) is provided with two bypass mechanisms (210a, 210b), and the first refrigerant accommodating section (11b) is provided with two bypass mechanisms (210c, 210d). The bypass mechanisms (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) each include a three-way valve (211a, 211b, 211c, 211d) and a bypass flow path (212a, 212b, 212c, 212d).

[0072] The bypass flow path (212a) is a flow path that bypasses the flow path through which the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side inside the first refrigerant housing portion (11a). In this example, the three-way valve (211a) is disposed at an upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (212a). The control portion (9) controls the three-way valve (211a), whereby the bypass mechanism (210a) switches between an operation in which the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side inside the first refrigerant housing portion (11a) and an operation in which the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side through the bypass flow path (212a).

[0073] The bypass flow path (212b) is a flow path that bypasses the flow path through which the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side inside the first refrigerant housing portion (11a). In this example, the three-way valve (211b) is disposed at an upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (212b). The control portion (9) controls the three-way valve (211b), whereby the bypass mechanism (210b) switches between an operation in which the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side inside the first refrigerant housing portion (11a) and an operation in which the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side through the bypass flow path (212b).

[0074] The bypass flow path (212c) is a flow path that bypasses the flow path through which the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side inside the first refrigerant housing portion (11b). In this example, the three-way valve (211c) is disposed at an upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (212c). The control portion (9) controls the three-way valve (211c), whereby the bypass mechanism (210c) switches between an operation in which the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side inside the first refrigerant housing portion (11b) and an operation in which the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side through the bypass flow path (212c).

[0075] The bypass flow path (212d) is a flow path that bypasses the flow path through which the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side inside the first refrigerant housing portion (11b). In this example, the three-way valve (211d) is disposed at an upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (212d). The control portion (9) controls the three-way valve (211d), whereby the bypass mechanism (210d) switches between an operation in which the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side inside the first refrigerant housing portion (11b) and an operation in which the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side through the bypass flow path (212d).

[0076] When the plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) includes two second refrigerant accommodating sections (21a, 21b), the second refrigerant accommodating section (21a) is provided with two bypass mechanisms (220a, 220b), and the second refrigerant accommodating section (21b) is provided with two bypass mechanisms (220c, 220d). Each of the bypass mechanisms (220a, 220b, 220c, 220d) includes a three-way valve (221a, 221b, 221c, 221d) and a bypass flow path (222a, 222b, 222c, 222d).

[0077] The bypass flow path (222a) is a flow path that bypasses the flow path through which the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side inside the second refrigerant housing portion (21a). In this example, the three-way valve (221a) is disposed at an upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (222a). The control portion (9) controls the three-way valve (221a), whereby the bypass mechanism (220a) switches between an operation in which the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side inside the second refrigerant housing portion (21a) and an operation in which the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side through the bypass flow path (222a).

[0078] The bypass flow path (222b) is a flow path that bypasses the flow path through which the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side inside the second refrigerant housing portion (21a). In this example, the three-way valve (221b) is disposed at an upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (222b). The control portion (9) controls the three-way valve (221b), whereby the bypass mechanism (220b) switches between an operation in which the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side inside the second refrigerant housing portion (21a) and an operation in which the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side through the bypass flow path (222b).

[0079] The bypass flow path (222c) is a flow path that bypasses the flow path through which the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side inside the second refrigerant housing portion (21b). In this example, the three-way valve (221c) is disposed at an upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (222c). The control portion (9) controls the three-way valve (221c), whereby the bypass mechanism (220c) switches between an operation in which the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side inside the second refrigerant housing portion (21b) and an operation in which the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side through the bypass flow path (222c).

[0080] The bypass flow path (222d) is a flow path that bypasses the flow path through which the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side inside the second refrigerant housing portion (21b). In this example, the three-way valve (221d) is disposed at an upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (222d). The control portion (9) controls the three-way valve (221d), whereby the bypass mechanism (220d) switches between an operation in which the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side inside the second refrigerant housing portion (21b) and an operation in which the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side through the bypass flow path (222d).

[0081] As described above, in the magnetic refrigeration device (1) of the comparative example shown in FIG. 11, two bypass mechanisms must be provided for one refrigerant storage section (11, 21). As the number of refrigerant storage sections (11, 21) increases, the number of pipes and valves also increases, which complicates the structure and control of the device, resulting in problems such as an increase in size and cost.

[0082] In particular, when adding the bypass mechanism shown in Fig. 11 to the rotary magnetic refrigeration unit (1) shown in Fig. 10, four pipes (bypass flow paths) and four three-way valves are required for each upper and lower pair of the first refrigerant accommodation unit (11) and the second refrigerant accommodation unit (21) that are located at the same position in the circumferential direction. Therefore, if there are 12 combinations of the first refrigerant accommodation unit (11) and the second refrigerant accommodation unit (21) that are individually connected in series, 48 ​​pipes and 48 three-way valves are required. However, it is extremely difficult to actually install and automatically control these, and problems such as the increased complexity, size, and cost of the device are unavoidable.

[0083] In contrast, when a bypass mechanism is added to the magnetic refrigeration apparatus (1) of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 12, it is only necessary to provide four bypass flow paths (112a, 112b, 122a, 122b) and four three-way valves (111a, 111b, 121a, 121b) for the flow path in which the heat medium is collected by the heat medium collecting unit (50). In the magnetic refrigeration apparatus (1) of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, even if the number of refrigerant accommodating units (11, 21) arranged in parallel increases, the number (four) of bypass flow paths (112a, 112b, 122a, 122b) and the number (four) of three-way valves (111a, 111b, 121a, 121b) required for adding the bypass mechanism remains unchanged. Therefore, the structure and control of the apparatus can be significantly simplified compared to the comparative example shown in FIG. 11.

[0084] Specifically, in the magnetic refrigeration device (1) shown in Fig. 12, a first bypass mechanism (110) and a second bypass mechanism (120) are added to the configuration shown in Fig. 1. The first bypass mechanism (110) switches between an operation in which the heat medium flows through a plurality of first refrigerant housing sections (11) and an operation in which the heat medium bypasses the plurality of first refrigerant housing sections (11). The second bypass mechanism (120) switches between an operation in which the heat medium flows through a plurality of second refrigerant housing sections (21) and an operation in which the heat medium bypasses the plurality of second refrigerant housing sections (21).

[0085] The first bypass mechanism (110) is composed of two bypass mechanisms (110a, 110b). Each of the bypass mechanisms (110a, 110b) includes a three-way valve (111a, 111b) and a bypass flow path (112a, 112b).

[0086] The bypass flow path (112a) is a flow path that bypasses the flow path through which the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side inside the plurality of first refrigerant housing units (11). An upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (112a) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the second recovery multi-way switching valve (53) and the second distribution pipe (54). A downstream branch point of the bypass flow path (112a) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the first recovery multi-way switching valve (6) and the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3). In this example, the three-way valve (111a) is disposed at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (112a). The control unit (9) controls the three-way valve (111a), whereby the bypass mechanism (110a) switches between an operation where the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side inside the first refrigerant housing units (11) and an operation where the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side through the bypass flow path (112a).

[0087] The bypass flow path (112b) is a flow path that bypasses the flow path through which the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side inside the plurality of first refrigerant housing units (11). An upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (112b) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3) and the first supply multi-way switching valve (5). A downstream branch point of the bypass flow path (112b) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the second collecting pipe (51) and the second supply multi-way switching valve (52). In this example, the three-way valve (111b) is disposed at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (112b). The control unit (9) controls the three-way valve (111b), so that the bypass mechanism (110b) switches between an operation where the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side inside the first refrigerant housing units (11) and an operation where the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side through the bypass flow path (112b).

[0088] The second bypass mechanism (120) is composed of two bypass mechanisms (120a, 120b). Each of the bypass mechanisms (120a, 120b) includes a three-way valve (121a, 121b) and a bypass flow path (122a, 122b).

[0089] The bypass flow path (122a) is a flow path that bypasses the flow path through which the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side inside the plurality of second refrigerant housing sections (21). An upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (122a) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4) and the first distribution pipe (8). A downstream branch point of the bypass flow path (122a) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the second recovery multi-way switching valve (53) and the second distribution pipe (54). In this example, the three-way valve (121a) is disposed at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (122a). The control section (9) controls the three-way valve (121a), whereby the bypass mechanism (120a) switches between an operation where the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side inside the second refrigerant housing sections (21) and an operation where the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side through the bypass flow path (122a).

[0090] The bypass flow path (122b) is a flow path that bypasses the flow path through which the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side inside the plurality of second refrigerant accommodation units (21). An upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (122b) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the second collecting pipe (51) and the second supply multi-way switching valve (52). A downstream branch point of the bypass flow path (122b) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the first collecting pipe (7) and the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4). In this example, the three-way valve (121b) is disposed at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (122b). The control unit (9) controls the three-way valve (121b), so that the bypass mechanism (120b) switches between an operation where the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side inside the second refrigerant accommodation units (21) and an operation where the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side through the bypass flow path (122b).

[0091] In the magnetic refrigeration apparatus (1) of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, either the first bypass mechanism (110) or the second bypass mechanism (120) does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0092] <Features of the embodiment> As described above, the magnetic refrigeration device (1) of this embodiment includes a plurality of first refrigerant accommodation sections (11) that accommodate a first magnetic working material (12) and a plurality of second refrigerant accommodation sections (21) that accommodate a second magnetic working material (22). The plurality of first refrigerant accommodation sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant accommodation sections (21) are connected in series. The magnetic refrigeration device (1) includes a heat medium collecting section (50) that collects a heat medium flowing out from one of the plurality of first refrigerant accommodation sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant accommodation sections (21) and distributes the collected heat medium to the other of the plurality of first refrigerant accommodation sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant accommodation sections (21).

[0093] In the magnetic refrigeration device (1) of this embodiment, the heat medium flow path between the first refrigerant accommodation portion (11) and the second refrigerant accommodation portion (21) is consolidated by the heat medium concentrating portion (50). Therefore, for example, when a bypass mechanism is provided in the first refrigerant accommodation portion (11) or the second refrigerant accommodation portion (21) or when the refrigerant accommodation portions (11, 21) are provided in the same housing, the refrigerant accommodation portions (11, 21) can be easily connected in series. Therefore, the refrigerant accommodation portions (11, 21) can be flexibly connected in series or in parallel depending on the capacity required for the device, the operating temperature range of the magnetic working material, etc., and a bypass mechanism can be added with a simple piping configuration. This simplifies the structure and control of the device, thereby enabling miniaturization and cost reduction.

[0094] In the magnetic refrigeration system (1) of the present embodiment, when the heat medium collecting section (50) includes at least one of the multi-way switching valves (52, 53), the collecting pipe (51), and the distribution pipe (54), the heat medium collecting section (50) can be easily configured.

[0095] The magnetic refrigeration apparatus (1) of this embodiment may include a first bypass mechanism (110) that switches between a flow of the heat medium through the plurality of first refrigerant housings (11) and a bypass of the heat medium through the plurality of first refrigerant housings (11), or a second bypass mechanism (120) that switches between a flow of the heat medium through the plurality of second refrigerant housings (21) and a bypass of the heat medium through the plurality of second refrigerant housings (21). This configuration disables the magnetic working materials (12, 22) that are outside their effective temperature ranges and allows the remaining magnetic working materials (12, 22) to function at optimal temperatures, thereby improving the overall performance of the magnetic refrigeration apparatus (1). In this case, when the first bypass mechanism (110) and the second bypass mechanism (120) are connected to a flow path in which the heat medium is collected by the heat medium collecting unit (50), the piping configuration required for the bypass mechanisms (110, 120) can be significantly simplified compared to a configuration without the heat medium collecting unit (50).

[0096] In the magnetic refrigeration device (1) of this embodiment, when the operating temperature range of the first magnetic working material (12) and the operating temperature range of the second magnetic working material (22) are different, the temperature difference can be increased by connecting in series the refrigerant containing sections (11, 21) having the magnetic working materials (12, 22) with different operating temperature ranges.

[0097] In the magnetic refrigeration device (1) of this embodiment, the plurality of first refrigerant containing sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant containing sections (21) may be arranged in a plane perpendicular to the direction of application of a magnetic field that induces a magnetocaloric effect in the storage case (10, 20). In this way, for example, a rotary magnetic refrigeration device (1) can be configured in which the timing of magnetizing or demagnetizing the magnetic working material (12, 22) is changed in the circumferential direction.

[0098] <Variation 1> In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) are arranged in the first storage case (10), and a plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) are arranged in the second storage case (20). In contrast, in this first modification, as shown in FIG. 13(a), a plurality (e.g., six) of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) and a plurality (e.g., six) of second refrigerant accommodating sections (12) are arranged together in the same storage case (10). Each of the first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) has an annular sector shape and is arranged on half the circumference of the annular storage case (10). Each of the second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) has an annular sector shape and is arranged on the remaining half the circumference of the annular storage case (10). The plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) arranged in the same storage case (10) are connected in series via a heat medium collecting section (50) as in the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 1).

[0099] In this first modification, each first refrigerant accommodating section (11) accommodates a first magnetic working material (12), and each second refrigerant accommodating section (21) accommodates a second magnetic working material (22), and the operating temperature range of the first magnetic working material (12) is higher than the operating temperature range of the second magnetic working material (22).

[0100] When the magnetic working materials (12, 22) of the refrigerant accommodation portions (11, 21) are magnetized and demagnetized by a magnetic field modulation portion (80) (see FIG. 5 ) having a two-pole magnet, the first refrigerant accommodation portion (11) and the second refrigerant accommodation portion (21), which are magnetized and demagnetized at the same timing, are located 180° apart in the circumferential direction of the accommodation case (10). By flowing a heat medium through the first refrigerant accommodation portion (11) and the second refrigerant accommodation portion (21) at the same timing by the second multi-way selector valve (M2), the first refrigerant accommodation portion (11) and the second refrigerant accommodation portion (21) can be connected in series.

[0101] Fig. 13(b) shows a schematic configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device (1) of the present modified example 1 when configured as a rotary type. In Fig. 13(b), the flow of the heat medium is indicated by arrows. In Fig. 13(b), some of the reference numerals that overlap with Fig. 5 and Fig. 7 are omitted.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 13(b), magnetic field modulation units (80) are arranged to axially sandwich an annular housing case (10) having a plurality of first refrigerant housing units (11) and a plurality of second refrigerant housing units (21). The magnetic field modulation unit (80) has a configuration similar to that of the magnetic field modulation unit (80) shown in FIG. 5. The first multi-way switching valve (M1) and the second multi-way switching valve (M2) are arranged coaxially in a two-stage configuration, with the first multi-way switching valve (M1) in the upper stage and the second multi-way switching valve (M2) in the lower stage. The first multi-way switching valve (M1) is connected to each of the first refrigerant housing units (11) via a pipe, and the second multi-way switching valve (M2) is connected to each of the second refrigerant housing units (21) via a pipe.

[0103] In the magnetic refrigeration device (1) shown in Fig. 13(b), the flow of the heat medium is controlled by controlling the multi-way selector valves (M1, M2) and the magnetic field modulation unit (80) in accordance with the control operation, thereby heating or cooling the heat medium. Hereinafter, the flow control of the heat medium will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 13(b).

[0104] First, the heat medium flowing out from the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4) is selectively flowed through the first distribution pipe (8) into the second refrigerant housing (21) in which the magnetic field modulation unit (80) is exciting the second magnetic working material (22) under the control of the second recovery multi-way switching valve (53) of the second multi-way switching valve (M2). The heat medium is heated by heat exchange with the exothermic second magnetic working material (22), and after flowing out from the second refrigerant housing (21), is recovered in the second recovery multi-way switching valve (53). The heat medium flowing out from the second recovery multi-way switching valve (53) is selectively flowed through the second distribution pipe (54) into the first refrigerant housing (11) in which the magnetic field modulation unit (80) is exciting the first magnetic working material (12). The heat medium is heated by heat exchange with the first magnetic working material (12) in a heat-generating state, flows out of the first refrigerant container (11), and is then recovered in the first recovery multi-way switching valve (6). The heat medium flowing out of the first recovery multi-way switching valve (6) passes through the heat medium pump (2) and flows into the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3). The heat medium exchanges heat with a secondary refrigerant flowing in a heat source unit (not shown), such as a cooling tower, and then flows out of the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3).

[0105] Next, the heat medium flowing out of the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3) is selectively flowed into the first refrigerant housing portion (11) where the magnetic field modulation portion (80) is demagnetizing the first magnetic working material (12) under the control of the first supply multi-way selector valve (5) of the first multi-way selector valve (M1). The heat medium is cooled by heat exchange with the first magnetic working material (12) in an endothermic state, and after flowing out of the first refrigerant housing portion (11), it passes through the second collecting pipe (51) and is selectively flowed into the second refrigerant housing portion (21) where the magnetic field modulation portion (80) is demagnetizing the second magnetic working material (22) under the control of the second supply multi-way selector valve (52) of the second multi-way selector valve (M2). The heat transfer medium is cooled by heat exchange with the second magnetic working material (22) in an endothermic state, flows out of the second refrigerant accommodating portion (21), passes through the first collecting pipe (7), and flows into the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4). The heat transfer medium exchanges heat with a secondary refrigerant flowing through a utilization unit (not shown), such as an air handling unit, and flows out of the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4).

[0106] In the present first modification, the above-described flow control of the heat medium is repeatedly performed while selectively changing the refrigerant containing sections (11, 21) to be magnetized or demagnetized by the magnetic field modulation section (80).

[0107] According to the first modification, the flow path of the heat medium between the first refrigerant accommodating section (11) and the second refrigerant accommodating section (21) is aggregated by the heat medium aggregation section (50). Therefore, even if the refrigerant accommodating sections (11, 21) are arranged in the same storage case (10), the refrigerant accommodating sections (11, 21) can be easily connected in series via axial piping.

[0108] In contrast, in the comparative example shown in Fig. 9, when a plurality of first refrigerant storage sections (11) and a plurality of second refrigerant storage sections (21) are arranged in the same annular storage case and magnetization and demagnetization are performed by a rotating magnet-type magnetic field modulation section (80) shown in Fig. 5, it is necessary to connect each of the first refrigerant storage sections (11) and each of the second refrigerant storage sections (21) in series with piping around the outer periphery of the annular storage case. Therefore, as the number of refrigerant storage sections (11, 21) increases, the piping configuration becomes more complex, which limits the variety of devices and causes problems such as increased costs. In particular, it is difficult to connect the first refrigerant storage section (11) and the second refrigerant storage section (21), which are located 180° apart in the circumferential direction of the annular storage case, in series with piping around the outer periphery of the annular storage case.

[0109] Furthermore, when a bypass mechanism is added in this first modification, a first bypass mechanism (110) and a second bypass mechanism (120) can be added, as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 12. That is, the bypass mechanism can be added by simply providing four bypass flow paths (112a, 112b, 122a, 122b) and four three-way valves (111a, 111b, 121a, 121b) to the flow path into which the heat medium is collected by the heat medium collecting section (50). This allows the structure and control of the device to be significantly simplified.

[0110] In this first modification, a case where the first refrigerant accommodation unit (11) and the second refrigerant accommodation unit (21) are connected in series (two-in-one series) in the same housing case (10) is illustrated, assuming that the magnetic field modulation unit (80) having a two-pole magnet magnetizes and demagnetizes the magnetically active materials (12, 22) in the refrigerant accommodation units (11, 21). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a magnetic field modulation unit having a four-pole magnet is used, four refrigerant accommodation units that are arranged in the same housing case and accommodate four types of magnetically active materials respectively with different operating temperature ranges can be connected in series (four-in-one series).

[0111] <Variation 2> In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) are arranged in the first storage case (10), and a plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) are arranged in the second storage case (20). In contrast, in the present modification 2, as shown in FIG. 14(a), a plurality (e.g., six) of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) and a plurality (e.g., six) of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) are arranged together in the first storage case (10), and as shown in FIG. 14(b), a plurality (e.g., six) of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) and a plurality (e.g., six) of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) are arranged together in the second storage case (20). Each of the first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) has an annular sector shape and is arranged along half the circumference of the annular storage case (10, 20). Each of the second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) has an annular sector shape and is arranged along the remaining half the circumference of the annular storage case (10, 20).

[0112] As shown in Fig. 14(c), the first refrigerant accommodating section (11) of the first storage case (10) and the first refrigerant accommodating section (11) of the second storage case (20), which are located at the same position in the circumferential direction, are connected in parallel via a pipe (P1). The second refrigerant accommodating section (21) of the first storage case (10) and the second refrigerant accommodating section (21) of the second storage case (20), which are located at the same position in the circumferential direction, are connected in parallel via a pipe (P2). The first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) connected in parallel with each other and the second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) connected in parallel with each other are connected in series via a heat medium collecting section (50) as in the above embodiment (see Fig. 1).

[0113] In this second modification, each first refrigerant accommodating section (11) accommodates a first magnetic working material (12), and each second refrigerant accommodating section (21) accommodates a second magnetic working material (22), and the operating temperature range of the first magnetic working material (12) is higher than the operating temperature range of the second magnetic working material (22).

[0114] When the magnetically active material (12, 22) in the refrigerant accommodation portions (11, 21) is magnetized and demagnetized by a magnetic field modulation portion (80) (see FIG. 5 ) having a two-pole magnet, the first refrigerant accommodation portion (11) and the second refrigerant accommodation portion (21), which are magnetized and demagnetized at the same timing, are located 180° apart in the circumferential direction of each accommodation case (10, 20). By flowing a heat medium through the first refrigerant accommodation portion (11) and the second refrigerant accommodation portion (21) at the same timing by the second multi-way selector valve (M2), the first refrigerant accommodation portion (11) and the second refrigerant accommodation portion (21) can be connected in series.

[0115] Fig. 14(c) shows a schematic configuration of the magnetic refrigeration apparatus (1) of the present modified example 2 when it is configured as a rotary type. In Fig. 14(c), the flow of the heat medium is indicated by arrows. In Fig. 14(c), some of the reference numerals that overlap with Fig. 5 and Fig. 7 are omitted.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 14(c), a first magnetic field modulation section (80A) is arranged so as to axially sandwich a first annular storage case (10) having a plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) and a plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21). A second magnetic field modulation section (80B) is arranged so as to axially sandwich a second annular storage case (20) having a plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) and a plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21). Each of the magnetic field modulation sections (80A, 80B) has a configuration similar to that of the magnetic field modulation section (80) shown in FIG. 5. The first magnetic field modulation section (80A) and the second magnetic field modulation section (80B) are arranged coaxially in a two-stage configuration in the axial direction, with the first magnetic field modulation section (80A) at the upper stage and the second magnetic field modulation section (80B) at the lower stage. The first multi-way selector valve (M1) and the second multi-way selector valve (M2) are coaxially arranged in two stages, with the first multi-way selector valve (M1) in the upper stage and the second multi-way selector valve (M2) in the lower stage. The first multi-way selector valve (M1) is connected to each of the first refrigerant housing sections (11) by piping, and the second multi-way selector valve (M2) is connected to each of the second refrigerant housing sections (21) by piping.

[0117] In the magnetic refrigeration device (1) shown in Fig. 14(c), the flow of the heat medium is controlled by controlling the multi-way switching valves (M1, M2) and the magnetic field modulation units (80A, 80B) in accordance with the control operation, thereby heating or cooling the heat medium. Hereinafter, the flow control of the heat medium will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 14(c).

[0118] First, the heat medium flowing out from the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4) passes through the first distribution pipe (8) and selectively flows into the second refrigerant accommodating section (21) of each storage case (10, 20) in which the second magnetic field modulation section (80B) excites the second magnetic working material (22) under the control of the second recovery multi-way selector valve (53) of the second multi-way selector valve (M2). The heat medium is heated by heat exchange with the second magnetic working material (22) in a heat-generating state, flows out from the second refrigerant accommodating section (21) of each storage case (10, 20), and is then recovered by the second recovery multi-way selector valve (53). The heat medium flowing out of the second recovery multi-way selector valve (53) is controlled by the first recovery multi-way selector valve (6) of the first multi-way selector valve (M1) to selectively flow through the second distribution pipe (54) into the first refrigerant storage section (11) of each storage case (10, 20) in which the first magnetic field modulation section (80A) excites the first magnetic working material (12). The heat medium is heated by heat exchange with the first magnetic working material (12) in a heat-generating state, and after flowing out of the first refrigerant storage section (11) of each storage case (10, 20), it is recovered in the first recovery multi-way selector valve (6). The heat medium flowing out of the first recovery multi-way selector valve (6) flows into the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3) via the heat medium pump (2). This heat medium exchanges heat with a secondary refrigerant flowing through a heat source unit (not shown), such as a cooling tower, and flows out of the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3).

[0119] Next, the heat medium flowing out of the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3) is selectively flowed into the first refrigerant accommodating section (11) of each storage case (10, 20) where the first magnetic field modulation section (80A) is demagnetizing the first magnetic working material (12) under the control of the first supply multi-way selector valve (5) of the first multi-way selector valve (M1). The heat medium is cooled by heat exchange with the first magnetic working material (12) in an endothermic state, and after flowing out of the first refrigerant accommodating section (11) of each storage case (10, 20), the heat medium passes through the second collecting pipe (51) and is selectively flowed into the second refrigerant accommodating section (21) of each storage case (10, 20) where the second magnetic field modulation section (80B) is demagnetizing the second magnetic working material (22) under the control of the second supply multi-way selector valve (52) of the second multi-way selector valve (M2). The heat medium is cooled by heat exchange with the second magnetic working material (22) in an endothermic state, flows out of the second refrigerant accommodating portion (21) of each storage case (10, 20), passes through the first collecting pipe (7), and flows into the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4). The heat medium exchanges heat with a secondary refrigerant flowing through a utilization unit (not shown), such as an air handling unit, and flows out of the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4).

[0120] In the second modification, the above-described flow control of the heat medium is repeatedly performed while selectively changing the refrigerant containing sections (11, 21) to be magnetized or demagnetized by the magnetic field modulation sections (80A, 80B).

[0121] In addition to the same effects as those of the first modification, the second modification can flexibly change the parallel connection of the first refrigerant accommodating portions (11) and the parallel connection of the second refrigerant accommodating portions (21) depending on the required capacity of the magnetic refrigeration device (1). In other words, the number of refrigerant accommodating portions (11, 21) connected in parallel can be changed with a simple piping configuration, and therefore the capacity of the magnetic refrigeration device (1) can be easily increased or decreased.

[0122] Furthermore, when a bypass mechanism is added in this second modification, a first bypass mechanism (110) and a second bypass mechanism (120) can be added, as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 12. That is, the bypass mechanism can be added by simply providing four bypass flow paths (112a, 112b, 122a, 122b) and four three-way valves (111a, 111b, 121a, 121b) to the flow path into which the heat medium is collected by the heat medium collecting section (50). This allows the structure and control of the device to be significantly simplified.

[0123] In addition, in this modification 2, the number of refrigerant accommodating sections (11, 21) connected in parallel in the axial direction is two, but the number of refrigerant accommodating sections (11, 21) connected in parallel in the axial direction may be three or more by providing three or more storage cases and three or more magnetic field modulation sections.

[0124] In addition, in the present modified example 2, on the assumption that the magnetically active material (12, 22) in the refrigerant accommodation unit (11, 21) is magnetized and demagnetized by a magnetic field modulation unit (80) having a two-pole magnet, a case where the first refrigerant accommodation unit (11) and the second refrigerant accommodation unit (21) arranged in the same accommodation case (10, 20) are connected in series (two-in-one series) has been illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, when a magnetic field modulation unit having a four-pole magnet is used, it is possible to connect four refrigerant accommodation units arranged in the same accommodation case in series (four-in-one series), each accommodating four types of magnetically active material with different operating temperature ranges.

[0125] <Variation 3> In the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the heat medium collecting section (50) is configured using a second collecting pipe (51), a second supply multi-way switching valve (52), a second recovery multi-way switching valve (53), and a second distribution pipe (54). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the heat medium collecting section (50) may be configured using, for example, at least one of a multi-way switching valve, a collecting pipe, and a distribution pipe.

[0126] In this third modification, a recovery multi-way selector valve (55) is used instead of the second collecting pipe (51) of the above embodiment, and a supply multi-way selector valve (56) is used instead of the second distribution pipe (54) of the above embodiment. Accordingly, the check valves (CV) of the above embodiment are removed from the flow paths between the first refrigerant housing sections (11) and the recovery multi-way selector valves (55) and the flow paths between the first refrigerant housing sections (11) and the supply multi-way selector valves (56). In other words, the heat medium collecting section (50) of this third modification is configured without using a collecting pipe and a distribution pipe.

[0127] In the third modification, a recovery multi-way selector valve (7A) is used instead of the first collecting pipe (7) of the above embodiment, and a supply multi-way selector valve (8A) is used instead of the second distribution pipe (8) of the above embodiment. Accordingly, the check valves (CV) of the above embodiment are removed from the flow paths between the second refrigerant housing portions (21) and the recovery multi-way selector valves (7A) and the flow paths between the second refrigerant housing portions (21) and the supply multi-way selector valves (8A).

[0128] In this third modification, the supply multi-way selector valve (5) and the recovery multi-way selector valve (6) are integrated to form a rotary valve type multi-way selector valve (M11), the recovery multi-way selector valve (55) and the supply multi-way selector valve (56) are integrated to form a rotary valve type multi-way selector valve (M12), the supply multi-way selector valve (52) and the recovery multi-way selector valve (53) are integrated to form a rotary valve type multi-way selector valve (M21), and the recovery multi-way selector valve (7A) and the supply multi-way selector valve (8A) are integrated to form a rotary valve type multi-way selector valve (M22). The multi-way selector valves (M11, M12, M21, M22) may be configured as rotary valve type multi-way selector valves shown in FIG.

[0129] In the magnetic refrigeration apparatus (1) of the present modified example 3 shown in FIG. 15, the flow of the heat medium can be controlled in the same manner as in the magnetic refrigeration apparatus (1) of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 by controlling the multi-way switching valves (M11, M12, M21, M22).

[0130] Specifically, first, the heat medium flowing out of the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4) is selectively flowed into the second refrigerant housing (21) in which the second magnetic working material (22) is excited, under the control of the supply multi-way selector valve (8A) of the multi-way selector valve (M22). The heat medium is heated by heat exchange with the exothermic second magnetic working material (22), and after flowing out of the second refrigerant housing (21), it is recovered in the recovery multi-way selector valve (53) of the multi-way selector valve (M21). The heat medium flowing out of the recovery multi-way selector valve (53) is selectively flowed into the first refrigerant housing (11) in which the first magnetic working material (12) is excited, under the control of the supply multi-way selector valve (56) of the multi-way selector valve (M12). The heat medium is heated by heat exchange with the first magnetic working material (12) in a heat-generating state, flows out of the first refrigerant container (11), and is then recovered in the recovery multi-way switching valve (6) of the multi-way switching valve (M11). The heat medium flowing out of the recovery multi-way switching valve (6) passes through the heat medium pump (2) and flows into the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3). The heat medium exchanges heat with a secondary refrigerant flowing in a heat source unit (not shown), such as a cooling tower, and then flows out of the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3).

[0131] Next, the heat medium flowing out of the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3) is selectively flowed into the first refrigerant housing (11) in which the magnetic working material (12) is demagnetized by controlling the supply multi-way selector valve (5) of the multi-way selector valve (M11). The heat medium is cooled by heat exchange with the first magnetic working material (12) in an endothermic state, and after flowing out of the first refrigerant housing (11), it is recovered in the recovery multi-way selector valve (55) of the multi-way selector valve (M12). The heat medium flowing out of the recovery multi-way selector valve (55) is selectively flowed into the second refrigerant housing (21) in which the second magnetic working material (22) is demagnetized by controlling the supply multi-way selector valve (52) of the multi-way selector valve (M21). The heat medium is cooled by heat exchange with the second magnetic working material (22) in an endothermic state, flows out of the second refrigerant container (21), and is then recovered in the recovery multi-way switching valve (7A) of the multi-way switching valve (M22). The heat medium that has flowed out of the recovery multi-way switching valve (7A) flows into the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4). The heat medium exchanges heat with a secondary refrigerant flowing through a utilization unit (not shown), such as an air handling unit, and then flows out of the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4).

[0132] In the third modification, the above-described flow control of the heat medium is repeatedly performed while selectively switching between magnetizing and demagnetizing the refrigerant containing portions (11, 21).

[0133] <Variation 4> In the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, a magnetic refrigeration unit (1) is configured in which a plurality of first refrigerant housing units (11) and a plurality of second refrigerant housing units (21) are connected in series. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a magnetic refrigeration unit (1) in which three or more refrigerant housing units are connected in series may be configured.

[0134] In the fourth modification, as shown in Fig. 16, a four-series magnetic refrigeration unit (1) is configured in which a plurality of first refrigerant housing sections (11), a plurality of second refrigerant housing sections (21), a plurality of third refrigerant housing sections (31), and a plurality of fourth refrigerant housing sections (41) are connected in series. In Fig. 16, the same components as those in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0135] The plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) include at least two first refrigerant accommodating sections (11a, 11b) and are arranged in the first storage case (10). The plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) include at least two second refrigerant accommodating sections (21a, 21b) and are arranged in the same first storage case (10) as the first refrigerant accommodating section (11). The plurality of third refrigerant accommodating sections (31) include at least two third refrigerant accommodating sections (31a, 31b) and are arranged in the second storage case (20). The plurality of fourth refrigerant accommodating sections (41) include at least two fourth refrigerant accommodating sections (41a, 41b) and are arranged in the same second storage case (20) as the third refrigerant accommodating section (31).

[0136] Each first refrigerant accommodating section (11) accommodates a first magnetically active material (12) that is a first solid refrigerant material and has a flow path through which a heat transfer medium flows. Each second refrigerant accommodating section (21) accommodates a second magnetically active material (22) that is a second solid refrigerant material and has a flow path through which a heat transfer medium flows. Each third refrigerant accommodating section (31) accommodates a third magnetically active material (32) that is a third solid refrigerant material and has a flow path through which a heat transfer medium flows. Each fourth refrigerant accommodating section (41) accommodates a fourth magnetically active material (42) that is a fourth solid refrigerant material and has a flow path through which a heat transfer medium flows. In this example, the refrigerant accommodating sections (11, 21, 31, 41) have two flow paths through which the heat transfer medium flows in different directions in order to transport the hot and cold energy generated in the AMR cycle through different flow paths. This makes it possible to eliminate thermal mixing in dead volumes when the heat transfer medium flows back and forth in the refrigerant accommodating sections (11, 21, 31, 41).

[0137] The operating temperature range of the first magnetic working material (12) accommodated in each first refrigerant housing portion (11), the operating temperature range of the second magnetic working material (22) accommodated in each second refrigerant housing portion (21), the operating temperature range of the third magnetic working material (32) accommodated in each third refrigerant housing portion (31), and the operating temperature range of the fourth magnetic working material (42) accommodated in each fourth refrigerant housing portion (41) may be different.

[0138] In this fourth variant, the operating temperature range of the first magnetic working material (12) is higher than the operating temperature range of the second magnetic working material (22), which is higher than the operating temperature range of the third magnetic working material (32), which is higher than the operating temperature range of the fourth magnetic working material (42).

[0139] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the second refrigerant accommodation section (21) is connected to the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4) via the first collecting pipe (7) and the first distribution pipe (8). However, in the present fourth modification, as shown in FIG. 16, the fourth refrigerant accommodation section (41) is connected to the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4) via the first collecting pipe (7) and the first distribution pipe (8).

[0140] In the magnetic refrigeration device (1) of the fourth modified example shown in FIG. 16, a first heat medium collecting section (50) is arranged between the plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21), a second heat medium collecting section (60) is arranged between the plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) and the plurality of third refrigerant accommodating sections (31), and a third heat medium collecting section (70) is arranged between the plurality of third refrigerant accommodating sections (31) and the plurality of fourth refrigerant accommodating sections (41).

[0141] The first heat medium collecting section (50), like the heat medium collecting section (50) of the above embodiment, collects the heat medium flowing out from one of the plurality of first refrigerant accommodation sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant accommodation sections (21) and distributes the collected heat medium to the other of the plurality of first refrigerant accommodation sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant accommodation sections (21). The second heat medium collecting section (60) collects the heat medium flowing out from one of the plurality of second refrigerant accommodation sections (21) and the plurality of third refrigerant accommodation sections (31) and distributes the collected heat medium to the other of the plurality of second refrigerant accommodation sections (21) and the plurality of third refrigerant accommodation sections (31). The third heat medium collecting section (70) collects the heat medium flowing out from one of the plurality of third refrigerant accommodation sections (31) and the plurality of fourth refrigerant accommodation sections (41) and distributes the collected heat medium to the other of the plurality of third refrigerant accommodation sections (31) and the plurality of fourth refrigerant accommodation sections (41). The heat medium collecting section (50, 60, 70) is configured using, for example, at least one of a multi-way switching valve, a collecting pipe, and a distribution pipe.

[0142] In the fourth modification, the first heat medium collecting section (50) includes a second collecting pipe (51), a second supply multi-way selector valve (52), a second recovery multi-way selector valve (53), and a second distribution pipe (54). The second heat medium collecting section (60) includes a third collecting pipe (61), a third supply multi-way selector valve (62), a third recovery multi-way selector valve (63), and a third distribution pipe (64). The third heat medium collecting section (70) includes a fourth collecting pipe (71), a fourth supply multi-way selector valve (72), a fourth recovery multi-way selector valve (73), and a fourth distribution pipe (74).

[0143] The heat medium flowing from each first refrigerant housing portion (11) toward each second refrigerant housing portion (21) is collected by a second collecting pipe (51). A check valve (CV) is provided in each flow path between each first refrigerant housing portion (11) and the second collecting pipe (51) to prevent the heat medium from flowing into the first refrigerant housing portion (11). The heat medium collected by the second collecting pipe (51) is selectively distributed and supplied to the second refrigerant housing portion (21) by a second supply multi-way switching valve (52). On the other hand, the heat medium flowing from each second refrigerant housing portion (21) toward each first refrigerant housing portion (11) is selectively recovered and collected by a second recovery multi-way switching valve (53). The heat medium collected by the second recovery multi-way switching valve (53) is distributed and supplied to each first refrigerant housing portion (11) by a second distribution pipe (54). A check valve (CV) for preventing the heat medium from flowing out from each first refrigerant housing portion (11) is arranged in the flow path between each first refrigerant housing portion (11) and the second distribution pipe (54). The second supply multi-way switching valve (52) and the second recovery multi-way switching valve (53) together form a rotary valve-type second multi-way switching valve (M2).

[0144] The heat medium flowing from each second refrigerant housing section (21) toward each third refrigerant housing section (31) is collected by a third collecting pipe (61). A check valve (CV) is provided in each flow path between each second refrigerant housing section (21) and the third collecting pipe (61) to prevent the heat medium from flowing into the second refrigerant housing section (21). The heat medium collected by the third collecting pipe (61) is selectively distributed and supplied to the third refrigerant housing section (31) by a third supply multi-way selector valve (62). On the other hand, the heat medium flowing from each third refrigerant housing section (31) toward each second refrigerant housing section (21) is selectively recovered and collected by a third recovery multi-way selector valve (63). The heat medium collected by the third recovery multi-way selector valve (63) is distributed and supplied to each second refrigerant housing section (21) by a third distribution pipe (64). A check valve (CV) for preventing the heat medium from flowing out from each second refrigerant accommodation section (21) is arranged in the flow path between each second refrigerant accommodation section (21) and the third distribution pipe (64). The third supply multi-way selector valve (62) and the third recovery multi-way selector valve (63) together form a third multi-way selector valve (M3) of a rotary valve type.

[0145] The heat medium flowing out from each third refrigerant housing section (31) toward each fourth refrigerant housing section (41) is collected by a fourth collecting pipe (71). A check valve (CV) for preventing the heat medium from flowing into each third refrigerant housing section (31) is arranged in a flow path between each third refrigerant housing section (31) and the fourth collecting pipe (71). The heat medium collected by the fourth collecting pipe (71) is selectively distributed and supplied to the fourth refrigerant housing section (41) by a fourth supply multi-way switching valve (72). On the other hand, the heat medium flowing out from each fourth refrigerant housing section (41) toward each third refrigerant housing section (31) is selectively recovered and collected by a fourth recovery multi-way switching valve (73). The heat medium collected by the fourth recovery multi-way switching valve (73) is distributed and supplied to each third refrigerant housing section (31) by a fourth distribution pipe (74). A check valve (CV) for preventing the heat medium from flowing out from each third refrigerant housing portion (31) is arranged in the flow path between each third refrigerant housing portion (31) and the fourth distribution pipe (74). The fourth supply multi-way selector valve (72) and the fourth recovery multi-way selector valve (73) together form a fourth rotary valve type multi-way selector valve (M3).

[0146] In the present fourth modification, the multi-way switching valves (M1, M2, M3, M4) are configured as rotary valve type multi-way switching valves shown in FIG.

[0147] 17(a), in the present fourth modification, a plurality (e.g., six) of first refrigerant containing sections (11) and a plurality (e.g., six) of second refrigerant containing sections (21) are arranged together in the first storage case (10). Each of the first refrigerant containing sections (11) has an annular sector shape and is arranged on half the circumference of the annular first storage case (10). Each of the second refrigerant containing sections (21) has an annular sector shape and is arranged on the remaining half the circumference of the annular first storage case (10).

[0148] 17(b), in the fourth modification, a plurality (e.g., six) of third refrigerant housing sections (31) and a plurality (e.g., six) of fourth refrigerant housing sections (41) are arranged together in the second storage case (20). Each of the third refrigerant housing sections (31) has an annular sector shape and is arranged on half the circumference of the annular second storage case (20). Each of the fourth refrigerant housing sections (41) has an annular sector shape and is arranged on the remaining half the circumference of the annular second storage case (20).

[0149] When the magnetically active material (12, 22) of the refrigerant accommodation portions (11, 21) arranged in the first storage case (10) is magnetized and demagnetized by a first magnetic field modulation unit (80A) having a two-pole magnet, the first refrigerant accommodation portion (11) and the second refrigerant accommodation portion (21), which are magnetized and demagnetized at the same timing, are located 180° apart in the circumferential direction of the first storage case (10). By flowing a heat medium through the first refrigerant accommodation portion (11) and the second refrigerant accommodation portion (21) at the same timing by the second multi-way selector valve (M2), the first refrigerant accommodation portion (11) and the second refrigerant accommodation portion (21) can be connected in series.

[0150] When the magnetically active material (32, 42) of the refrigerant accommodation portions (31, 41) arranged in the second storage case (20) is magnetized and demagnetized by the second magnetic field modulation portion (80B) having a two-pole magnet, the third refrigerant accommodation portion (31) and the fourth refrigerant accommodation portion (41), which are magnetized and demagnetized at the same timing, are located 180° apart in the circumferential direction of the second storage case (20). By flowing the heat medium through the third refrigerant accommodation portion (31) and the fourth refrigerant accommodation portion (41) at the same timing by the fourth multi-way selector valve (M4), the first refrigerant accommodation portion (11) and the second refrigerant accommodation portion (21) can be connected in series.

[0151] In the fourth modification, the second refrigerant accommodating section (21) arranged in the first storage case (10) and the third refrigerant accommodating section (31) arranged in the second storage case (20) are connected in series via a second heat medium collecting section (60) having a third multi-way switching valve (M3), as shown in FIG.

[0152] Fig. 17(c) shows a schematic configuration of the magnetic refrigeration apparatus (1) of the present modified example 4 shown in Fig. 16 when it is configured as a rotary type. In Fig. 17(c), the flow of the heat medium is indicated by arrows. In Fig. 17(c), some of the reference numerals that overlap with Fig. 5 and Fig. 7 are omitted.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 17(c), a first magnetic field modulation section (80A) is arranged so as to axially sandwich a first annular storage case (10) having a plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) and a plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21). Further, a second magnetic field modulation section (80B) is arranged so as to axially sandwich a second annular storage case (20) having a plurality of third refrigerant accommodating sections (31) and a plurality of fourth refrigerant accommodating sections (41). Each of the magnetic field modulation sections (80A, 80B) has a configuration similar to that of the magnetic field modulation section (80) shown in FIG. 5. The first magnetic field modulation section (80A) and the second magnetic field modulation section (80B) are arranged coaxially in a two-stage configuration in the axial direction, with the first magnetic field modulation section (80A) at the lower stage and the second magnetic field modulation section (80B) at the upper stage. The first multi-way selector valve (M1), the second multi-way selector valve (M2), the third multi-way selector valve (M3), and the fourth multi-way selector valve (M4) are arranged coaxially in four stages, in this order, with the first multi-way selector valve (M1) at the bottom and the fourth multi-way selector valve (M4) at the top. The first multi-way selector valve (M1) is connected to each of the first refrigerant housing sections (11) by piping, the second multi-way selector valve (M2) is connected to each of the second refrigerant housing sections (21) by piping, the third multi-way selector valve (M3) is connected to each of the third refrigerant housing sections (31) by piping, and the fourth multi-way selector valve (M4) is connected to each of the fourth refrigerant housing sections (41) by piping.

[0154] In the magnetic refrigeration device (1) shown in Fig. 17(c), the control unit (9) controls the multi-way switching valves (M1, M2, M3, M4) and also controls the magnetic field modulation units (80A, 80B) in accordance with the control operation, thereby controlling the flow of the heat medium and heating or cooling the heat medium. Hereinafter, the heat medium flow control will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 17(c).

[0155] First, the heat medium flowing out from the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4) passes through the first distribution pipe (8) and selectively flows into the fourth refrigerant housing portion (41) of the second storage case (20) where the second magnetic field modulation portion (80B) is exciting the fourth magnetic working material (42) under the control of the fourth recovery multi-way selector valve (73) of the fourth multi-way selector valve (M4). The heat medium is heated by heat exchange with the fourth magnetic working material (42) in a heat-generating state, and then flows out from the fourth refrigerant housing portion (41) of the second storage case (20) and is recovered by the fourth recovery multi-way selector valve (73). The heat medium flowing out of the fourth recovery multi-way selector valve (73) is controlled by the third recovery multi-way selector valve (63) of the third multi-way selector valves (M3) to selectively flow through the fourth distribution pipe (74) into the third refrigerant housing portion (31) of the second storage case (20) where the second magnetic field modulation portion (80B) is exciting the third magnetic working material (32). The heat medium is heated by heat exchange with the third magnetic working material (32) in a heat-generating state, and then flows out of the third refrigerant housing portion (31) of the second storage case (20) and is then recovered by the third recovery multi-way selector valve (63).

[0156] The heat medium flowing out of the third recovery multi-way selector valve (63) is controlled by the second recovery multi-way selector valve (53) of the second multi-way selector valve (M2) to pass through the third distribution pipe (64) and selectively flow into the second refrigerant housing portion (21) of the first storage case (10) where the first magnetic field modulation portion (80A) is exciting the second magnetic working material (22). The heat medium is heated by heat exchange with the second magnetic working material (22) in a heat-generating state, and then flows out of the second refrigerant housing portion (21) of the first storage case (10), and is then recovered by the second recovery multi-way selector valve (53). The heat medium flowing out of the second recovery multi-way selector valve (53) is controlled by the first recovery multi-way selector valve (6) of the first multi-way selector valve (M1) to selectively flow through the second distribution pipe (54) into the first refrigerant housing section (11) of the first storage case (10) where the first magnetic field modulation section (80A) is exciting the first magnetic working material (12). The heat medium is heated by heat exchange with the first magnetic working material (12) in a heat-generating state, and then flows out of the first refrigerant housing section (11) of the first storage case (10) and is recovered by the first recovery multi-way selector valve (6). The heat medium flowing out of the first recovery multi-way selector valve (6) flows through the heat medium pump (2) into the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3). The heat medium exchanges heat with a secondary refrigerant flowing through a heat source unit (not shown), such as a cooling tower, and then flows out of the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3).

[0157] Next, the heat medium flowing out of the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3) is selectively flowed into the first refrigerant housing portion (11) of the first storage case (10), where the first magnetic field modulation portion (80A) is demagnetizing the first magnetic working material (12), under the control of the first supply multi-way selector valve (5) of the first multi-way selector valve (M1). The heat medium is cooled by heat exchange with the first magnetic working material (12) in an endothermic state, and after flowing out of the first refrigerant housing portion (11) of the first storage case (10), it passes through the second collecting pipe (51) and is selectively flowed into the second refrigerant housing portion (21) of the first storage case (10), where the first magnetic field modulation portion (80A) is demagnetizing the second magnetic working material (22), under the control of the second supply multi-way selector valve (52) of the second multi-way selector valve (M2). The heat medium is cooled by heat exchange with the second magnetic working material (22) in an endothermic state, flows out of the second refrigerant storage section (21) of the first storage case (10), passes through the third collecting pipe (61), and selectively flows into the third refrigerant storage section (31) of the second storage case (20), where the second magnetic field modulation section (80B) is demagnetizing the third magnetic working material (32), under the control of the third supply multi-way selector valve (62) of the third multi-way selector valve (M3). The heat medium is cooled by heat exchange with the third magnetic working material (32) in an endothermic state, flows out of the third refrigerant housing (31) of the second housing case (20), passes through the fourth collecting pipe (71), and selectively flows into the fourth refrigerant housing (41) of the second housing case (20), where the second magnetic field modulation unit (80B) demagnetizes the fourth magnetic working material (42), under the control of the fourth supply multi-way switching valve (72) of the fourth multi-way switching valve (M4). The heat medium is cooled by heat exchange with the fourth magnetic working material (42) in an endothermic state, flows out of the fourth refrigerant housing (41) of the second housing case (20), passes through the first collecting pipe (7), and flows into the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4). The heat medium exchanges heat with a secondary refrigerant flowing through a utilization unit (not shown), such as an air handling unit, and flows out of the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4).

[0158] In the fourth modification, the above-described flow control of the heat medium is repeatedly performed while selectively changing the refrigerant containing sections (11, 21, 31, 41) to be magnetized or demagnetized by the magnetic field modulation sections (80A, 80B).

[0159] According to the fourth modification, in addition to the same effects as those of the first modification, the configuration of the series connection of the refrigerant containing units (11, 21, 31, 41) can be flexibly adapted depending on the operating temperature range of the magnetic working material (12, 22, 32, 42) and the capacity required for the magnetic refrigeration device (1). In other words, the number of the refrigerant containing units (11, 21, 31, 41) connected in series can be changed with a simple piping configuration, and therefore the capacity of the magnetic refrigeration device (1) can be easily increased or decreased.

[0160] When adding a bypass mechanism to the magnetic refrigeration apparatus (1) of the fourth modified example shown in FIG. 16, as shown in FIG. 18, it is only necessary to provide eight bypass flow paths (112a, 112b, 122a, 122b, 132a, 132b, 142a, 142b) and eight three-way valves (111a, 111b, 121a, 121b, 131a, 131b, 141a, 141b) for the flow paths in which the heat medium is collected by the three heat medium collecting sections (50, 60, 70). In the magnetic refrigeration device (1) shown in Fig. 18, even if the number of refrigerant containing sections (11, 21, 31, 41) arranged in parallel increases, the number (eight) of bypass flow paths (112a, 112b, 122a, 122b, 132a, 132b, 142a, 142b) and the number (eight) of three-way valves (111a, 111b, 121a, 121b, 131a, 131b, 141a, 141b) required for adding a bypass mechanism remain unchanged. Therefore, the structure and control of the device can be significantly simplified.

[0161] Specifically, in the magnetic refrigeration device (1) shown in Fig. 18, a first bypass mechanism (110), a second bypass mechanism (120), a third bypass mechanism (130), and a fourth bypass mechanism (140) are added to the configuration shown in Fig. 16. The first bypass mechanism (110) switches between an operation in which the heat medium flows through a plurality of first refrigerant housing sections (11) and an operation in which the heat medium bypasses a plurality of first refrigerant housing sections (11). The second bypass mechanism (120) switches between an operation in which the heat medium flows through a plurality of second refrigerant housing sections (21) and an operation in which the heat medium bypasses a plurality of second refrigerant housing sections (21). The third bypass mechanism (130) switches between an operation in which the heat medium flows through a plurality of third refrigerant housing sections (31) and an operation in which the heat medium bypasses a plurality of third refrigerant housing sections (31). The fourth bypass mechanism (140) switches between an operation in which the heat medium flows through the plurality of fourth refrigerant housing portions (41) and an operation in which the heat medium bypasses the plurality of fourth refrigerant housing portions (41).

[0162] The first bypass mechanism (110) is composed of two bypass mechanisms (110a, 110b). Each of the bypass mechanisms (110a, 110b) includes a three-way valve (111a, 111b) and a bypass flow path (112a, 112b).

[0163] The bypass flow path (112a) is a flow path that bypasses the flow path through which the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side inside the plurality of first refrigerant housing units (11). An upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (112a) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the second recovery multi-way switching valve (53) and the second distribution pipe (54). A downstream branch point of the bypass flow path (112a) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the first recovery multi-way switching valve (6) and the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3). In this example, the three-way valve (111a) is disposed at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (112a). The control unit (9) controls the three-way valve (111a), whereby the bypass mechanism (110a) switches between an operation where the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side inside the first refrigerant housing units (11) and an operation where the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side through the bypass flow path (112a).

[0164] The bypass flow path (112b) is a flow path that bypasses the flow path through which the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side inside the plurality of first refrigerant housing units (11). An upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (112b) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the high-temperature side heat exchanger (3) and the first supply multi-way switching valve (5). A downstream branch point of the bypass flow path (112b) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the second collecting pipe (51) and the second supply multi-way switching valve (52). In this example, the three-way valve (111b) is disposed at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (112b). The control unit (9) controls the three-way valve (111b), so that the bypass mechanism (110b) switches between an operation where the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side inside the first refrigerant housing units (11) and an operation where the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side through the bypass flow path (112b).

[0165] The second bypass mechanism (120) is composed of two bypass mechanisms (120a, 120b). Each of the bypass mechanisms (120a, 120b) includes a three-way valve (121a, 121b) and a bypass flow path (122a, 122b).

[0166] The bypass flow path (122a) is a flow path that bypasses the flow path through which the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side inside the plurality of second refrigerant housing units (21). An upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (122a) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the third recovery multi-way switching valve (63) and the third distribution pipe (64). A downstream branch point of the bypass flow path (122a) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the second recovery multi-way switching valve (53) and the second distribution pipe (54). In this example, the three-way valve (121a) is disposed at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (122a). The control unit (9) controls the three-way valve (121a), whereby the bypass mechanism (120a) switches between an operation where the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side inside the second refrigerant housing units (21) and an operation where the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side through the bypass flow path (122a).

[0167] The bypass flow path (122b) is a flow path that bypasses the flow path through which the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side inside the plurality of second refrigerant accommodation units (21). An upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (122b) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the second collecting pipe (51) and the second supply multi-way selector valve (52). A downstream branch point of the bypass flow path (122b) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the third collecting pipe (61) and the third supply multi-way selector valve (62). In this example, the three-way valve (121b) is disposed at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (122b). The control unit (9) controls the three-way valve (121b), so that the bypass mechanism (120b) switches between an operation where the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side inside the second refrigerant accommodation units (21) and an operation where the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side through the bypass flow path (122b).

[0168] The third bypass mechanism (130) is composed of two bypass mechanisms (130a, 130b). Each of the bypass mechanisms (130a, 130b) includes a three-way valve (131a, 131b) and a bypass flow path (132a, 132b).

[0169] The bypass flow path (132a) is a flow path that bypasses the flow path through which the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side inside the plurality of third refrigerant housing sections (31). An upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (132a) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the fourth recovery multi-way selector valve (73) and the fourth distribution pipe (74). A downstream branch point of the bypass flow path (122a) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the third recovery multi-way selector valve (63) and the third distribution pipe (64). In this example, the three-way valve (131a) is disposed at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (132a). The control section (9) controls the three-way valve (131a), so that the bypass mechanism (130a) switches between an operation where the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side inside the third refrigerant housing sections (31) and an operation where the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side through the bypass flow path (132a).

[0170] The bypass flow path (132b) is a flow path that bypasses the flow path through which the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side inside the plurality of third refrigerant housing sections (31). An upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (132b) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the third collecting pipe (61) and the third supply multi-way selector valve (62). A downstream branch point of the bypass flow path (132b) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the fourth collecting pipe (71) and the fourth supply multi-way selector valve (72). In this example, the three-way valve (131b) is disposed at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (132b). The control section (9) controls the three-way valve (131b), so that the bypass mechanism (130b) switches between an operation where the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side inside the third refrigerant housing sections (31) and an operation where the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side through the bypass flow path (132b).

[0171] The fourth bypass mechanism (140) includes two bypass mechanisms (140a, 140b). Each of the bypass mechanisms (140a, 140b) includes a three-way valve (141a, 141b) and a bypass flow path (142a, 142b).

[0172] The bypass flow path (142a) is a flow path that bypasses the flow path through which the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side inside the plurality of fourth refrigerant housing sections (41). An upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (142a) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4) and the first distribution pipe (8). A downstream branch point of the bypass flow path (142a) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the fourth recovery multi-way switching valve (73) and the fourth distribution pipe (74). In this example, the three-way valve (141a) is disposed at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (142a). The control section (9) controls the three-way valve (141a), so that the bypass mechanism (140a) switches between an operation where the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side inside the fourth refrigerant housing sections (41) and an operation where the heat medium flows toward the high-temperature side through the bypass flow path (142a).

[0173] The bypass flow path (142b) is a flow path that bypasses the flow path through which the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side inside the plurality of fourth refrigerant housing sections (41). An upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (142b) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the fourth collecting pipe (71) and the fourth supply multi-way switching valve (72). A downstream branch point of the bypass flow path (142b) is provided in a flow path where the heat medium is collected between the first collecting pipe (7) and the low-temperature side heat exchanger (4). In this example, the three-way valve (141b) is disposed at the upstream branch point of the bypass flow path (142b). The control section (9) controls the three-way valve (141b), so that the bypass mechanism (140b) switches between an operation where the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side inside the fourth refrigerant housing sections (41) and an operation where the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side through the bypass flow path (142b).

[0174] Although the magnetic refrigeration device (1) shown in FIG. 18 is provided with the first bypass mechanism (110), the second bypass mechanism (120), the third bypass mechanism (130), and the fourth bypass mechanism (140), the present invention is not limited to this, and the magnetic refrigeration device (1) may be configured to include at least one of the first bypass mechanism (110), the second bypass mechanism (120), the third bypass mechanism (130), and the fourth bypass mechanism (140).

[0175] (Other embodiments) In the above-described embodiment (including modifications, the same applies below), the magnetic refrigeration device is configured as a rotating magnet type, but instead, the refrigerant containing unit (storage case) may be rotated. Furthermore, while a magnetic field is applied axially to the annular storage case in which the refrigerant containing units are arranged circumferentially, a magnetic field may be applied in another direction, for example, from the radial direction of the annular storage case. The shape of the storage case is not particularly limited as long as it allows the refrigerant containing units to be distributed and arranged in a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the magnetic field is applied.

[0176] In the above embodiment, the magnetic refrigeration device is configured as a rotary type, but is not limited to this and may be configured as a non-rotary type. Furthermore, although a magnetic refrigeration device has been exemplified as a solid refrigeration device using a solid refrigerant material, the solid refrigeration device may use a method other than magnetic refrigeration that induces the magnetocaloric effect. In this disclosure, solid refrigerant materials also include those with properties intermediate between liquid and solid, such as flexible crystals.

[0177] Other types of solid-state refrigeration devices include, for example, 1) a system that induces an electrocaloric effect in a solid refrigerant material, 2) a system that induces a barocaloric effect in a solid refrigerant material, and 3) a system that induces an elastocaloric effect in a solid refrigerant material.

[0178] In the solid-state refrigeration device of type 1), a force field generator (hereinafter also referred to as an inducer) applies an electric field fluctuation to the solid refrigerant material, which causes the solid refrigerant material to undergo a phase transition from ferroelectric to paraelectric, causing the solid refrigerant material to generate or absorb heat.

[0179] In the solid refrigeration device of type 2), the inducer applies pressure fluctuations to the solid refrigerant material, causing the solid refrigerant material to undergo a phase transition, generating or absorbing heat.

[0180] In the solid-state refrigeration device of type 3), the inducer applies stress fluctuations to the solid refrigerant material, causing the solid refrigerant material to undergo a phase transition, generating or absorbing heat.

[0181] Although the embodiments have been described above, various modifications of form and details are possible, such as appropriate combinations and substitutions. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish between the terms to which these terms are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the terms. [Industrial Applicability]

[0182] As described above, the present disclosure is useful for solid-state refrigeration devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] 1. Solid-state refrigeration equipment (magnetic refrigeration equipment) 10 Storage case (first storage case) 11 First refrigerant container 12 First solid refrigerant material (first magnetic working material) 20 Storage case (second storage case) 21 Second refrigerant storage section 22 Second solid refrigerant material (second magnetic working material) 31 Third refrigerant storage section 32 Third solid refrigerant material (third magnetic working material) 41 Fourth refrigerant storage section 42 Fourth solid refrigerant material (fourth magnetic working material) 50 Heat transfer medium collection section 51 Collecting pipe (second collecting pipe) 52 Multi-way switching valve (second recovery multi-way switching valve) 53 Multi-way switching valve (second supply multi-way switching valve) 54 Branch piping (2nd branch piping) 110 First bypass mechanism 120 Second bypass mechanism

Claims

1. A solid refrigeration device (1) comprising a plurality of first refrigerant accommodation sections (11) each accommodating a first solid refrigerant material (12) and a plurality of second refrigerant accommodation sections (21) each accommodating a second solid refrigerant material (22), wherein the plurality of first refrigerant accommodation sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant accommodation sections (21) are connected in series, a heat medium collecting section (50) that collects the heat medium flowing out from one of the plurality of first refrigerant housing sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant housing sections (21) and distributes the collected heat medium to the other of the plurality of first refrigerant housing sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant housing sections (21), Solid refrigeration equipment.

2. 2. The solid-state refrigeration device of claim 1, the heat medium collecting section (50) includes at least one of a multi-way switching valve (52, 53), a collecting pipe (51), and a distribution pipe (54); Solid refrigeration equipment.

3. The solid-state refrigeration device according to claim 1 or 2, a first bypass mechanism (110) that switches between an operation in which the heat medium flows through the plurality of first refrigerant housing portions (11) and an operation in which the heat medium bypasses the plurality of first refrigerant housing portions (11); or a second bypass mechanism (120) that switches between an operation in which the heat medium flows through the plurality of second refrigerant housing portions (21) and an operation in which the heat medium bypasses the plurality of second refrigerant housing portions (21); Equipped with the first bypass mechanism (110) and the second bypass mechanism (120) are connected to a flow path in which the heat medium is collected by the heat medium collecting section (50); Solid refrigeration equipment.

4. The solid-state refrigeration device according to claim 1 or 2, an operating temperature range of the first solid refrigerant material (12) and an operating temperature range of the second solid refrigerant material (22) are different from each other; Solid refrigeration equipment.

5. The solid-state refrigeration device according to claim 1 or 2, the plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) are arranged in a storage case (10, 20) to which a force field that induces a calorific effect is applied, in a dispersed manner within a plane perpendicular to the direction of application of the force field; Solid refrigeration equipment.

6. The solid-state refrigeration device of claim 5, the plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) accommodating the first solid refrigerant material (12) having a first operating temperature range, and the plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) accommodating the second solid refrigerant material (22) having a second operating temperature range different from the first operating temperature range, are arranged in the same storage case (10, 20) and connected in series; Solid refrigeration equipment.

7. 7. The solid-state refrigeration device of claim 6, The storage cases (10, 20) include a first storage case (10) and a second storage case (20), the first storage case (10) and the second storage case (20) are respectively provided with the plurality of first refrigerant storage sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant storage sections (21); the plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) arranged in the first storage case (10) and the plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) arranged in the second storage case (20) are connected in parallel, the plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) arranged in the first storage case (10) and the plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) arranged in the second storage case (20) are connected in parallel; Solid refrigeration equipment.

8. 7. The solid-state refrigeration device of claim 6, the cooling system further comprises a plurality of third refrigerant accommodation portions (31) each accommodating a third solid refrigerant material (32) having a third operating temperature range different from the first and second operating temperature ranges, and a plurality of fourth refrigerant accommodation portions (41) each accommodating a fourth solid refrigerant material (42) having a fourth operating temperature range different from the first to third operating temperature ranges and connected in series to the plurality of third refrigerant accommodation portions (31), The storage cases (10, 20) include a first storage case (10) and a second storage case (20), the first storage case (10) has the plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21), and the second storage case (20) has the plurality of third refrigerant accommodating sections (31) and the plurality of fourth refrigerant accommodating sections (41), one of the plurality of first refrigerant accommodating sections (11) and the plurality of second refrigerant accommodating sections (21) arranged in the first storage case (10) and one of the plurality of third refrigerant accommodating sections (31) and the plurality of fourth refrigerant accommodating sections (41) arranged in the second storage case (20) are connected in series; Solid refrigeration equipment.

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