Bed structure of refrigeration module using solid refrigerant

Abstract

To improve heat exchange efficiency while securing strength, in a bed structure of a refrigeration module with a solid refrigerant.SOLUTION: A bed structure (50) has a plurality of layers (51) in which a plurality of columnar structures (52) containing a solid refrigerant material is arranged two-dimensionally. The plurality of columnar structures (52) are arranged at intervals to form a flow path (53) for a heat medium. The plurality of layers (51) are laminated in a direction perpendicular to a flow direction of the heat medium. The side parts of the plurality of columnar structures (52) are in contact with the heat medium. At least a portion of the end parts in an extending direction of the plurality of columnar structures (52) is connected to the adjacent layer (51).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bed structure of a refrigeration module using a solid refrigerant. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Magnetic refrigeration systems for producing cold and hot heat by utilizing the magnetocaloric effect have been known (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The magnetic refrigeration system of Patent Document 1 is configured to generate cold and hot heat by applying and removing a magnetic field to a container that houses a heat exchange element containing a magnetic working material, and by flowing a heat medium into and out of the container.

[0004] The magnetic refrigeration system of Patent Document 1 has a bed structure in which multiple heat exchange elements are arranged at predetermined intervals in a container, which increases the contact area between the heat exchange elements and the heat medium, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2012 / 056585 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the bed structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not have sufficient strength against the forces exerted by the flow of the heat medium and the magnetic field.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to improve the heat exchange efficiency while ensuring strength in the bed structure of a refrigeration module using a solid refrigerant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a bed structure (50) for use in a refrigeration module (20) using a solid refrigerant that exerts a calorific effect against external energy. The bed structure (50) has a plurality of layers (51) in which a plurality of columnar structures (52) containing a solid refrigerant material are arranged two-dimensionally. The plurality of columnar structures (52) are arranged at intervals that form flow paths (53) for a heat medium. The plurality of layers (51) are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat medium. Sides of the plurality of columnar structures (52) are in contact with the heat medium. At least a portion of the end portions in the extension direction of the plurality of columnar structures (52) are connected to adjacent layers (51) of the plurality of layers (51).

[0009] In the first aspect, the columnar structures (52) containing the solid refrigerant material are arranged two-dimensionally, so that the contact area between the solid refrigerant material and the heat transfer medium can be increased, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency. In addition, the layers (51), each having the columnar structures (52) provided thereon, are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat transfer medium, so that the strength of the bed structure (50) can be ensured.

[0010] A second aspect of the present disclosure is the first aspect, wherein the plurality of layers (51) have a base portion (54) that holds the columnar structure (52).

[0011] In the second embodiment, the strength of the bed structure (50) can be increased by the base portion (54) that holds the columnar structure (52) in the multiple layers (51).

[0012] A third aspect of the present disclosure is the first aspect, wherein, in an adjacent pair of layers (51) among the plurality of layers (51), the arrangement of the plurality of columnar structures (52) is shifted from each other, and the plurality of columnar structures (52) are fixed to each other by being directly stacked on each other.

[0013] In the third embodiment, the columnar structures (52) in a pair of adjacent layers (51) are directly stacked and fixed to each other with the arrangement of the columnar structures (52) shifted, thereby ensuring the strength of the bed structure (50).

[0014] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the third aspect, wherein the connection area of ​​at least some of the multiple connection parts between the multiple columnar structures (52) directly stacked is smaller than the connection area of ​​the other connection parts.

[0015] In the fourth aspect, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the volume of the columnar structures (52) responsible for heat exchange and a change in the dimensions of the flow paths (53) between the columnar structures (52), thereby suppressing a deterioration in heat exchange efficiency and an increase in pressure loss, while imparting anisotropy to the heat conduction in the stack of columnar structures (52), thereby reducing loss due to heat conduction in the flow direction of the heat medium.

[0016] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the third or fourth aspect, wherein, in a cross section of the plurality of columnar structures (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction of the plurality of layers (51), the area of ​​the cross section including the connection portions between the plurality of directly stacked columnar structures (52) is smaller than the area of ​​the cross section not including the connection portions.

[0017] In the fifth aspect, the volume of the columnar structures (52) responsible for heat exchange and the dimensional change of the flow paths (53) between the columnar structures (52) are suppressed, thereby suppressing deterioration of heat exchange efficiency and increase in pressure loss, while reducing heat conduction in the stack of columnar structures (52). This makes it possible to reduce loss due to heat conduction in the flow direction of the heat medium.

[0018] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein at least a part of the plurality of columnar structures (52) has a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the stacking direction of the plurality of layers (51) that includes a quadrangle or hexagon having a diagonal line aligned with the flow direction of the heat medium.

[0019] In the sixth aspect, by forming at least a part of the columnar structure (52) to have a rectangular or hexagonal cross-sectional shape, the side area of ​​the columnar structure (52) can be increased, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0020] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the sixth aspect, wherein the quadrangle is a rhombus.

[0021] In the seventh aspect, for example, if the columnar structures (52) are formed as diamond-shaped columns, the columnar structures (52) can be arranged at regular intervals, so that the width of the heat transfer medium flow path (53) can be made constant and the flow of the heat transfer medium can be made uniform. This makes it possible to reduce pressure loss in the heat transfer medium flow path (53). A similar effect can be obtained when the columnar structures (52) are formed as hexagonal columns with the sides of the hexagon having the same length.

[0022] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein the diagonal line is longer than the other diagonal lines.

[0023] In the eighth aspect, in the columnar structure (52), the corners at both ends of a diagonal line along the heat medium flow direction are sharper than the other corners, so that the deflection angle of the heat medium flow that comes into contact with the diagonal corners is small, thereby making it possible to further reduce the pressure loss in the heat medium flow path (53).

[0024] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the plurality of columnar structures (52) are not arranged in a region located at an inlet / outlet of the heat medium.

[0025] In the ninth aspect, since the columnar structures (52) can be prevented from blocking the entry and exit of the heat transfer medium into and from the bed structure (50), pressure loss at the inlet and outlet of the heat transfer medium can be reduced.

[0026] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the bed structure (50) is integrally formed.

[0027] In the tenth embodiment, the strength of the bed structure (50) is further increased.

[0028] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the bed structure (50) is disposed inside a storage case (60), and an inner wall surface (60a) of the storage case (60) parallel to the flow direction of the heat medium is in contact with and fixed to a portion of the plurality of columnar structures (52).

[0029] In the eleventh aspect, the gap between the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60) can be reduced, so that leakage of the heat medium passing through the gap can be suppressed, and the heat exchange efficiency can be improved.

[0030] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is the eleventh aspect, wherein a contact portion of the columnar structure (52) among the plurality of columnar structures (52) in contact with the inner wall surface (60a) is a flat surface.

[0031] In the twelfth aspect, the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60) can be easily attached to each other.

[0032] A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the eleventh or twelfth aspect, wherein the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60) are integrally formed from the same material.

[0033] In the thirteenth aspect, a high-strength bed structure (50) that is highly resistant to leakage of the heat medium can be manufactured using, for example, a 3D printer. In addition, since no gap is generated at the connection between the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60), deterioration of the performance of the refrigeration module (20) due to an increase in pressure loss, a decrease in heat exchange efficiency, and the like can be suppressed.

[0034] A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the eleventh to thirteenth aspects, further comprising another case (21) provided outside the storage case (60).

[0035] In the fourteenth embodiment, the strength of the bed structure (50) can be further increased by the other case (21).

[0036] A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a stacked bed structure of a refrigeration module using a solid refrigerant, comprising a plurality of bed structures (50) according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the plurality of bed structures (50) being stacked in the flow direction of the heat medium to form a multi-stage cascade structure.

[0037] In a fifteenth aspect, if the solid refrigerant material is, for example, a magnetic working material, multiple magnetic working materials having different Curie temperatures (the temperature at which the magnetocaloric effect is the largest) can be arranged in a cascade arrangement according to a predetermined temperature gradient, thereby obtaining a high magnetocaloric effect over a wide temperature range. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the bed structure according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in (a). [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the state in which the bed structure according to the first embodiment is placed in a storage container, (a) showing a plan view and (b) showing a front view. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a bed structure according to embodiment 2, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in (a). [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the bed structure according to the second embodiment is placed in a storage container, (a) showing a plan view and (b) showing a front view. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a bed structure according to a first modified example of the second embodiment, where (a) shows a plan view and (b) shows a front view. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a bed structure according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 2, where (a) shows a planar configuration and (b) shows a cross-sectional configuration taken along line VII-VII in (a). [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a bed structure according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 2, where (a) shows a planar configuration and (b) shows a cross-sectional configuration taken along line VIII-VIII in (a). [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a bed structure according to the third embodiment, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in (a). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a bed structure according to embodiment 4, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in (a). [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a bed structure according to the first modified example of the fourth embodiment, in which (a) shows the planar configuration, (b) shows the front configuration, and (c) shows the cross-sectional configuration along line XI-XI in (a). [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of a bed structure according to Modification 2 of the fourth embodiment, where (a) shows a plan view and (b) shows a front view. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a stacked bed structure according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are essentially preferred examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0040] First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described. The magnetic refrigeration module (20) of the present embodiment adjusts the temperature of a heat medium (a fluid in the present embodiment) by utilizing the magnetocaloric effect, and is provided in, for example, an air conditioning system (10) configured as a cold-only chiller. The magnetic refrigeration module (20) adjusts the temperature of the heat medium by utilizing the caloric effect. The magnetic refrigeration module (20) is a type of refrigeration module that uses a solid refrigerant that exerts a caloric effect on external energy. The use of the magnetic refrigeration module (20) is not particularly limited, and it may be provided in, for example, an air conditioner.

[0041] <Air conditioning system configuration> 1, the air conditioning system (10) includes a magnetic refrigeration module (20), a heat medium circuit (11) including a low-temperature side heat exchanger (110), a high-temperature side heat exchanger (120), and a heat medium pump (130). The components of the heat medium circuit (11) are connected to each other via heat medium piping.

[0042] A bed structure (50) (see FIG. 2) containing a magnetic working material as a solid refrigerant material is disposed in a case (21) of the magnetic refrigeration module (20). The configuration of the bed structure (50) will be described in detail later. The magnetic refrigeration module (20) is a device that generates a magnetocaloric effect by applying or removing a magnetic field, which is a force field, to the magnetic working material of the bed structure (50), thereby heating or cooling the heat medium flowing inside. Although not shown in the figure, a magnetic field application mechanism, which is a force field application mechanism, is disposed near the magnetic refrigeration module (20). The magnetic field application mechanism may have, for example, a magnet as a force field generation unit.

[0043] The magnetic refrigeration module (20) has a high-temperature end inlet port (71), a high-temperature end outlet port (72), a low-temperature end inlet port (73), and a low-temperature end outlet port (74). The heat medium flowing in from the low-temperature end inlet port (73) flows inside the magnetic refrigeration module (20) and flows out from the high-temperature end outlet port (72). The heat medium flowing in from the high-temperature end inlet port (71) flows inside the magnetic refrigeration module (20) and flows out from the low-temperature end outlet port (74).

[0044] The low-temperature side heat exchanger (110) exchanges heat between the heat medium cooled in the magnetic refrigeration module (20) and a secondary refrigerant flowing through a utilization unit (e.g., an air handling unit) (not shown). The low-temperature side heat exchanger (110) has a first inlet (111) connected to the low-temperature end outlet port (74) of the magnetic refrigeration module (20), a first outlet (112) connected to the low-temperature end inlet port (73) of the magnetic refrigeration module (20), and a third inlet (113) and a third outlet (114) connected to the utilization unit.

[0045] A first check valve (141) that allows the heat medium to flow from the cold end outlet port (74) to the first inlet (111) while prohibiting the heat medium to flow in the opposite direction is provided in the heat medium piping between the cold end outlet port (74) and the first inlet (111). A second check valve (142) that allows the heat medium to flow from the latter to the former while prohibiting the heat medium to flow in the opposite direction is provided in the heat medium piping between the cold end inlet port (73) and the first outlet (112).

[0046] The high-temperature side heat exchanger (120) exchanges heat between the heat medium heated in the magnetic refrigeration module (20) and a secondary refrigerant flowing through a heat source unit (e.g., a cooling tower) not shown. The high-temperature side heat exchanger (120) has a second inlet (121) connected to the high-temperature end outlet port (72) of the magnetic refrigeration module (20), a second outlet (122) connected to the high-temperature end inlet port (71) of the magnetic refrigeration module (20), and a fourth inlet (123) and a fourth outlet (124) connected to the heat source unit.

[0047] A third check valve (143) that allows the heat medium to flow from the high-temperature end outlet port (72) to the second inlet (121) while prohibiting the heat medium to flow in the opposite direction is provided in the heat medium piping between the high-temperature end inlet port (71) and the second outlet (122). A fourth check valve (144) that allows the heat medium to flow from the latter to the former while prohibiting the heat medium to flow in the opposite direction is provided in the heat medium piping between the high-temperature end inlet port (71) and the second outlet (122).

[0048] The heat medium pump (130) flows a heat medium between the magnetic refrigeration module (20) and the low-temperature side heat exchanger (110) and the high-temperature side heat exchanger (120). In this example, the heat medium pump (130) is configured as a piston pump. The heat medium pump (130) has a cylinder (131) and a piston (134) arranged therein. The cylinder (131) is divided by the piston (134) into a first chamber (132) and a second chamber (133). The first chamber (132) communicates with the heat medium piping between the low-temperature side heat exchanger (110) and the second check valve (142). The second chamber (133) communicates with the heat medium piping between the high-temperature side heat exchanger (120) and the fourth check valve (144).

[0049] The heat medium pump (130) is configured to perform a first operation of discharging the heat medium from the first chamber (132) and sucking the heat medium into the second chamber (133) by the piston (134) reciprocating in the cylinder (131), and a second operation of discharging the heat medium from the second chamber (133) and sucking the heat medium into the first chamber (132).

[0050] <Air conditioning system operation> The operation of the air conditioning system (10) will now be described.

[0051] The air conditioning system (10) supplies cold heat to a utilization unit by alternately causing a heat medium pump (130) to perform a first operation and a second operation and by applying or removing a magnetic field to a magnetic refrigeration module (20) in response to both operations.

[0052] Specifically, first, a magnetic field is applied to the magnetic refrigeration module (20) while the flow of the heat medium is stopped. This causes the magnetic working material in the magnetic refrigeration module (20) to generate heat. When the heat medium pump (130) performs a first operation in this state, the piston (134) moves leftward in FIG. 1, and the heat medium is discharged from the first chamber (132). The heat medium discharged from the first chamber (132) passes through the second check valve (142) into the magnetic refrigeration module (20), where it exchanges heat with the magnetic working material in a heat-generating state and is heated. The heated heat medium passes through the third check valve (143) and flows into the high-temperature side heat exchanger (120), where it dissipates heat to the secondary refrigerant of the heat source unit. The heat medium flowing out of the high-temperature side heat exchanger (120) is sucked into the second chamber (133) of the heat medium pump (130).

[0053] Next, with the flow of the heat medium stopped, the magnetic field is removed from the magnetic refrigeration module (20). This causes the magnetic working material in the magnetic refrigeration module (20) to absorb heat. When the heat medium pump (130) performs the second operation in this state, the piston (134) moves to the right in FIG. 1, and the heat medium is discharged from the second chamber (133). The heat medium discharged from the second chamber (133) passes through the fourth check valve (144) and flows into the magnetic refrigeration module (20), where it exchanges heat with the magnetic working material that has absorbed heat and is cooled. The cooled heat medium passes through the first check valve (141) and flows into the low-temperature side heat exchanger (110), where it cools the secondary refrigerant of the utilization unit. The heat medium flowing out of the low-temperature side heat exchanger (110) is sucked into the first chamber (132) of the heat medium pump (130).

[0054] By repeating the above operations, cold heat can be supplied to the low-temperature side heat exchanger (110) and hot heat can be supplied to the high-temperature side heat exchanger (120), thereby cooling the target space in the utilization unit. In a steady state, the low-temperature side heat exchanger (110) and the high-temperature side heat exchanger (120) are each maintained at a substantially constant temperature according to the magnetic working material in the magnetic refrigeration module (20). In this embodiment, the magnetic working material is selected so that the temperature of the low-temperature side heat exchanger (110) is maintained at a temperature lower than the temperature of the target space and the temperature of the air around the magnetic refrigeration module (20).

[0055] <Bed structure> The bed structure (50) of the present embodiment is used in a magnetic refrigeration module (20) that is a refrigeration module using a solid refrigerant that exerts a calorific effect in response to external energy. The bed structure (50) is disposed in a case (21) of the magnetic refrigeration module (20).

[0056] As shown in Fig. 2, the bed structure (50) has a plurality of layers (51) stacked in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat medium. Fig. 2(a) is a plan view of the bed structure (50) seen from the stacking direction of the plurality of layers (51), Fig. 2(b) is a front view of the bed structure (50) seen from the flow direction of the heat medium, and Fig. 2(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II (flow direction of the heat medium) in Fig. 2(a). Fig. 2(c) shows the cross-sectional configuration of the bed structure (50) when it is integrally molded.

[0057] In each of the layers (51), a plurality of columnar structures (52) containing a magnetic working material, which is a solid refrigerant material, are arranged two-dimensionally. The magnetic working material may be, for example, Gd 5 (Ge 0.5 S 0.5 ) 4 , La(Fe 1-x S x ) 13 , La(Fe 1-x Co x S y ) 13 , La(Fe 1-x S x )13 H y , Mn(As 0.9 Sb 0.1 ) may be used. The plurality of columnar structures (52) are arranged in each layer (51) at intervals that form flow paths (53) for the heat transfer medium. Each of the plurality of layers (51) has a base portion (54) that holds the plurality of columnar structures (52).

[0058] The columnar structures (52) have a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the stacking direction of the layers (51) that is a quadrangle (e.g., a rhombus) with a diagonal line along the heat medium flow direction, except for the region located at the heat medium inlet / outlet and the region in contact with the storage case (60) (see FIG. 3). In the quadrangle, the diagonal line along the heat medium flow direction may be longer than the other diagonals. By forming the quadrangle into a rhombus, the columnar structures (52) can be arranged at equal intervals, as shown in FIG. 2(a). This allows the width of the heat medium flow path (53) to be constant.

[0059] In this embodiment, the columnar structures (52) are also arranged in the region located at the inlet and outlet of the heat transfer medium. Alternatively, however, the columnar structures (52) do not have to be arranged in this region.

[0060] The side wall surface of each of the rectangular pillars constituting the plurality of pillar structures 52 is the surface that comes into contact with the heat transfer medium. One end (the upper end in FIG. 2( b )) of the plurality of pillar structures 52 in the extension direction (the same as the stacking direction of the plurality of layers 51 in this embodiment) is connected to the adjacent layer 51 (base portion 54).

[0061] In the following description, the "stacking direction of the layers (51)" will be simply referred to as the "stacking direction," and the "flow direction of the heat medium" will be simply referred to as the "flow direction." The "flow direction" is the direction from one inlet / outlet of the heat medium (either the upper end side or the lower end side in FIG. 2(a)) to the other inlet / outlet (the other of the upper end side or the lower end side in FIG. 2(a)), and is to be distinguished from the extension direction of each flow path (53).

[0062] The bed structure 50, i.e., the layers 51 having the columnar structures 52 and the base 54, may be integrally formed, for example, by using a 3D printer, etc. In this case, the columnar structures 52 and the base 54 may be made of a magnetic working material.

[0063] The dimensions of the bed structure (50) are not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 2 cm x 5 cm in plan view as viewed in the stacking direction. The dimensions of each component of the bed structure (50) are set in consideration of the fact that, as the dimensions are made smaller, the heat transfer area increases and the heat exchange efficiency improves, but the pressure loss increases. For example, the arrangement pitch of the columnar structures (52) in the flow direction and in the direction perpendicular thereto may each be 0.25 mm, and the length of the diagonal line (diagonal line in the flow direction) of the square (diamond) that is the cross section of the columnar structures (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction may be 0.2 mm.

[0064] The height of each of the multiple layers (51) is set taking into consideration that, as the height is increased, the number of connections between the layers (51) (specifically, the number of connections between the lower columnar structures (52) and the upper base portion (54)) is reduced, thereby reducing loss due to heat conduction, while the area of ​​the heat transfer surface perpendicular to the stacking direction is reduced, resulting in a decrease in heat exchange efficiency and a decrease in structural strength. For example, the thickness (thickness in the stacking direction) of each layer (51) may be 0.25 mm, and the height (height in the stacking direction) of the columnar structures (52) may be 0.2 mm. In this case, the thickness (thickness in the stacking direction) of the base portion (54) is 0.05 mm, which is thinner than the height of the columnar structures (52).

[0065] In the case (21) (see FIG. 1) of the magnetic refrigeration module (20), the bed structure (50) of this embodiment may be disposed inside another storage case (60) as shown in FIG. 3. In other words, the case (21) may be provided outside the storage case (60). FIG. 3(a) is a plan view of the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60) as viewed from the stacking direction, and FIG. 3(b) is a front view of the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60) as viewed from the flow direction.

[0066] The inner wall surface (60a) of the storage case (60) parallel to the flow direction may be in contact with a part of the plurality of columnar structures (52) and fixed thereto. In this case, the contact portion of the columnar structure (52) that is in contact with the inner wall surface (60a) among the plurality of columnar structures (52) may be a flat surface. In this embodiment, the inner bottom surface (60b) of the storage case (60) contacts the lower surface of the base (54) of the bottommost layer (51). By forming both the bottom surface and the side surface of the bed structure (50) as flat surfaces in this manner, it is possible to minimize the gap between the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60), and it is also possible to easily fill the gap and bond the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60).

[0067] The bed structure 50 and the storage case 60 may be integrally formed, for example, by using a 3D printer, etc. In this case, the bed structure 50 and the storage case 60 may be made of a magnetic working material.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the columnar structure (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction is a rectangle (specifically, a diamond), except for the region located at the inlet / outlet of the heat transfer medium and the region in contact with the storage case (60). However, considering that it is difficult to form a geometrically strict "rectangle (diamond)" by a normal shape transfer technique, in this disclosure, a "rectangle (diamond)" includes not only a true "rectangle (diamond)" but also a shape that can be substantially regarded as a "rectangle (diamond)". A shape that can be substantially regarded as a "rectangle (diamond)" refers to a shape that can be approximated to a "rectangle (diamond)". For example, a shape that has rounded corners but can be regarded as a "rectangle (diamond)" as a whole is included in a "rectangle (diamond)" in this disclosure. Additionally, in this disclosure, shapes that deform from a "square (diamond)" within the range of unavoidable shape variations resulting from processing accuracy in industrial production are also included in the "square (diamond)".

[0069] In addition, in the present embodiment, the columnar structure (52) is configured as a quadrangular column (including those having a diamond-shaped cross section), but only a part of the cross section of the columnar structure (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction may be a quadrangle (diamond). Thus, the side wall of the columnar structure (52) is not limited to a flat surface, and at least a part of the cross section may be a curved surface. Furthermore, the end of the columnar structure (52) in the extension direction is not limited to a flat surface, and at least a part of the end may be a curved surface. As described above, the shape of the columnar structure (52) is not particularly limited as long as it is a structure capable of supporting the multiple layers (51) in the stacking direction and has a side wall surface or a side portion and an end in the extension direction.

[0070] In addition, in this embodiment, the extension direction of the columnar structure (52) is the same as the stacking direction, but the columnar structure (52) may be extended obliquely to the stacking direction as long as the strength of the bed structure (50) is not significantly reduced.

[0071] In addition, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the columnar structure (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction is a rectangle having a diagonal line along the flow direction, but it may be a rectangle having a diagonal line extending obliquely relative to the flow direction as long as the pressure loss does not increase significantly.

[0072] <Features of the First Embodiment> The bed structure (50) of this embodiment is used in a refrigeration module (20) using a solid refrigerant that exerts a calorific effect against external energy. The bed structure (50) has a plurality of layers (51) in which a plurality of columnar structures (52) containing a solid refrigerant material are arranged two-dimensionally. The plurality of columnar structures (52) are arranged at intervals that form flow paths (53) for the heat medium. The plurality of layers (51) are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat medium. The sides of the plurality of columnar structures (52) are in contact with the heat medium. Ends in the extension direction of the plurality of columnar structures (52) are connected to adjacent layers (51) among the plurality of layers (51).

[0073] In the bed structure (50) of the present embodiment, the columnar structures (52) containing a solid refrigerant material are arranged two-dimensionally to increase the contact area between the solid refrigerant material and the heat medium, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency. In addition, the layers (51), each having the columnar structures (52) arranged thereon, are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat medium, thereby ensuring the strength of the bed structure (50) against the force exerted by the flow of the heat medium and a force field such as a magnetic field. Furthermore, the columnar structures (52) are arranged at intervals in the flow direction, thereby suppressing the loss due to heat conduction in the bed structure (50).

[0074] In the bed structure (50) of this embodiment, when each of the layers (51) has a base portion (54) that holds the columnar structures (52), the strength of the bed structure (50) can be increased.

[0075] In the bed structure (50) of this embodiment, at least some of the columnar structures (52) may have a rectangular cross section perpendicular to the stacking direction with a diagonal line along the flow direction. This allows the side wall of the columnar structure (52) to have a large area, improving the heat exchange efficiency. In this case, if the rectangle is a diamond and the columnar structures (52) are configured as diamond columns, the columnar structures (52) can be arranged at regular intervals, so that the width of the heat transfer medium flow path (53) can be made constant and the flow of the heat transfer medium can be made uniform. This reduces pressure loss in the heat transfer medium flow path (53).

[0076] Incidentally, while the heat transfer coefficient is inversely proportional to the dimension of the flow path (53), the pressure loss is inversely proportional to the second to fourth powers of the dimension of the flow path (53). Therefore, if there is a narrow portion in the flow path (53), the effect of increasing the pressure loss is greater than the effect of increasing the heat transfer coefficient. Therefore, when the same heat transfer performance (heat exchange efficiency) is to be obtained, the effect of the pressure loss is smaller when the width of the flow path (53) is constant and the flow of the heat medium is made uniform.

[0077] In addition, when the cross-sectional shape of the columnar structures (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction is a rectangle having a diagonal line along the flow direction, if the diagonal line is longer than the other diagonals, the corners at both ends of the diagonal line along the flow direction will be sharper than the other corners. This reduces the deflection angle of the heat medium flow that comes into contact with the corners at both ends of the diagonal line, thereby further reducing the pressure loss in the heat medium flow path (53).

[0078] In the bed structure (50) of the present embodiment, if the columnar structure (52) is not disposed in the region located at the inlet / outlet of the heat medium, the columnar structure (52) can be prevented from interfering with the entry and exit of the heat medium into and from the bed structure (50), thereby reducing the pressure loss at the inlet / outlet of the heat medium.

[0079] In the bed structure (50) of this embodiment, when the bed structure (50), i.e., the multiple layers (51) having the multiple columnar structures (52) and the base portion (54), are integrally molded, the strength of the bed structure (50) is further increased, and the bed structure (50) is less likely to be deformed by the force from the force field such as the flow of the heat medium or a magnetic field. When the bed structure (50) is integrally molded, it can be produced, for example, by using a 3D printer. In this case, the bed structure (50) can be easily produced without using a support member by layering the material in the flow direction.

[0080] In the bed structure (50) of this embodiment, the bed structure (50) is disposed inside the storage case (60), and the inner wall surface (60a) parallel to the flow direction of the storage case (60) may be in contact with and fixed to a part of the plurality of columnar structures (52). In this way, the gap between the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60) can be reduced, so that leakage of the heat medium through the gap can be suppressed and the heat exchange efficiency can be improved. In this case, if the contact portion of the columnar structure (52) that is in contact with the inner wall surface (60a) among the plurality of columnar structures (52) is a flat surface, the bed structure (50) can be easily bonded to the storage case (60).

[0081] In the bed structure (50) of the present embodiment, when the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60) are integrally molded from the same material, a high-strength bed structure (50) that is highly resistant to leakage of the heat medium can be manufactured, for example, by using a 3D printer. In addition, since no gap is generated at the connection between the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60), deterioration of the performance of the refrigeration module (20) due to an increase in pressure loss, a decrease in heat exchange efficiency, etc. can be suppressed.

[0082] In the bed structure (50) of this embodiment, if another case (21) is provided outside the storage case (60), the strength of the bed structure (50) can be further increased by the case (21).

[0083] Second Embodiment A description will now be given of embodiment 2. This embodiment differs from embodiment 1 in the configuration of the bed structure (50).

[0084] <Bed structure> As shown in Fig. 4, the bed structure (50) has a plurality of layers (51) stacked in a direction perpendicular to the heat medium flow direction. Fig. 4(a) is a plan view of the bed structure (50) seen from the stacking direction of the plurality of layers (51), Fig. 4(b) is a front view of the bed structure (50) seen from the heat medium flow direction, and Fig. 4(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV (heat medium flow direction) in Fig. 4(a). Fig. 4(c) shows the cross-sectional configuration of the bed structure (50) when it is integrally molded.

[0085] In each of the layers (51), a plurality of columnar structures (52) containing a magnetic working substance, which is a solid refrigerant material, are two-dimensionally arranged. The material of the magnetic working substance is the same as that in the first embodiment. In each layer (51), the plurality of columnar structures (52) are arranged at intervals that form flow paths (53) for the heat transfer medium.

[0086] In the first embodiment, each of the layers (51) has a base portion (54) that holds the columnar structures (52). In contrast, in the bed structure (50) of the present embodiment, the arrangement of the columnar structures (52) in a pair of adjacent layers (51) among the layers (51) is shifted from each other, for example, in a staggered manner, and the columnar structures (52) are connected and fixed to each other by being directly stacked on each other.

[0087] The columnar structures (52) have a quadrilateral (e.g., diamond) cross section perpendicular to the stacking direction, with a diagonal line along the heat medium flow direction, except for the area located at the heat medium inlet / outlet and the area in contact with the storage case (60) (see FIG. 5). By making the quadrilateral diamond-shaped, the columnar structures (52) can be arranged at equal intervals, as shown in FIG. 4(a). This makes it possible to make the width of the heat medium flow path (53) constant. The sidewall surface of each of the quadrilateral pillars constituting the columnar structures (52) becomes the contact surface with the heat medium.

[0088] In this embodiment, both ends of each columnar structure (52) in the extension direction (which is the same as the stacking direction in this embodiment) form a rectangular plane that is the same as a cross section perpendicular to the stacking direction. Each corner of the upper end face of one columnar structure (52) in the lower layer (51) supports corners of the lower end faces of four columnar structures (52) in the upper layer (51). In other words, a part of the end (the upper end face or the lower end face in this embodiment) in the extension direction of the columnar structure (52) is connected to the columnar structure (52) of the adjacent layer (51).

[0089] The bed structure 50, i.e., the layers 51 having the columnar structures 52, may be integrally formed using, for example, a 3D printer, etc. In this case, the columnar structures 52 may be made of a magnetic working material.

[0090] The dimensions of the bed structure (50) are not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 2 cm x 5 cm in plan view as viewed in the stacking direction. The dimensions of each component of the bed structure (50) are set in consideration of the fact that, as the dimensions are made smaller, the heat transfer area increases and the heat exchange efficiency improves, but the pressure loss increases. For example, the arrangement pitch of the columnar structures (52) in the flow direction and in the direction perpendicular thereto may each be 0.25 mm, and the length of the diagonal line (diagonal line in the flow direction) of the square (diamond) that is the cross section of the columnar structures (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction may be 0.2 mm.

[0091] The height of each of the multiple layers (51) is set taking into consideration that, as the height is increased, the number of connections between the layers (51) (specifically, the number of connections between the lower layer columnar structures (52) and the upper layer columnar structures (52)) decreases, reducing loss due to heat conduction, while the area of ​​the heat transfer surface perpendicular to the stacking direction decreases, reducing the heat exchange efficiency and structural strength. For example, the thickness of each layer (51) (thickness in the stacking direction), i.e., the height of the columnar structures (52) (height in the stacking direction), may be 0.2 mm.

[0092] In the case (21) (see FIG. 1) of the magnetic refrigeration module (20), the bed structure (50) of this embodiment may be disposed inside another storage case (60) as shown in FIG. 5. In other words, the case (21) may be provided outside the storage case (60). FIG. 5(a) is a plan view of the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60) as viewed from the stacking direction, and FIG. 5(b) is a front view of the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60) as viewed from the flow direction.

[0093] The inner wall surface (60a) of the storage case (60) parallel to the flow direction may be in contact with a part of the plurality of columnar structures (52) and fixed thereto. In this case, the contact portion of the plurality of columnar structures (52) that is in contact with the inner wall surface (60a) may be a flat surface. In this embodiment, the inner bottom surface (60b) of the storage case (60) contacts the lower end surface of the columnar structure (52) of the bottom layer (51). By forming both the bottom surface and the side surface of the bed structure (50) as flat surfaces in this manner, the gap between the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60) can be minimized, and the gap can be easily filled and the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60) can be easily bonded to each other.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the columnar structure (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction is a rectangle (specifically, a diamond), except for the region located at the inlet / outlet of the heat transfer medium and the region in contact with the storage case (60). However, considering that it is difficult to form a geometrically strict "rectangle (diamond)" by a normal shape transfer technique, in this disclosure, a "rectangle (diamond)" includes not only a true "rectangle (diamond)" but also a shape that can be substantially regarded as a "rectangle (diamond)". A shape that can be substantially regarded as a "rectangle (diamond)" refers to a shape that can be approximated to a "rectangle (diamond)". For example, a shape that has rounded corners but can be regarded as a "rectangle (diamond)" as a whole is included in a "rectangle (diamond)" in this disclosure. Additionally, in this disclosure, shapes that deform from a "square (diamond)" within the range of unavoidable shape variations resulting from processing accuracy in industrial production are also included in the "square (diamond)".

[0095] In addition, in the present embodiment, the columnar structure (52) is configured as a quadrangular column (including those having a diamond-shaped cross section), but only a part of the cross section of the columnar structure (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction may be a quadrangle (diamond). Thus, the side wall of the columnar structure (52) is not limited to a flat surface, and at least a part of the cross section may be a curved surface. Furthermore, the end of the columnar structure (52) in the extension direction is not limited to a flat surface, and at least a part of the end may be a curved surface. As described above, the shape of the columnar structure (52) is not particularly limited as long as it is a structure capable of supporting the multiple layers (51) in the stacking direction and has a side wall surface or a side portion and an end in the extension direction.

[0096] In addition, in this embodiment, the extension direction of the columnar structure (52) is the same as the stacking direction, but the columnar structure (52) may be extended obliquely to the stacking direction as long as the strength of the bed structure (50) is not reduced.

[0097] In addition, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the columnar structure (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction is a rectangle having a diagonal line along the flow direction, but it may be a rectangle having a diagonal line extending obliquely relative to the flow direction as long as the pressure loss does not increase significantly.

[0098] <Features of the second embodiment> The bed structure (50) of this embodiment has a plurality of layers (51) in which a plurality of columnar structures (52) containing a solid refrigerant material are arranged two-dimensionally. The columnar structures (52) are arranged at intervals that form flow paths (53) for the heat transfer medium. The layers (51) are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction. Sides of the columnar structures (52) are in contact with the heat transfer medium. Parts of the ends of the columnar structures (52) in the extension direction are connected to adjacent layers (51) of the plurality of layers (51).

[0099] According to this embodiment, by arranging the columnar structures (52) containing a solid refrigerant material in two dimensions, the contact area between the solid refrigerant material and the heat medium can be increased, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency. In addition, since the layers (51), each having the columnar structures (52) provided thereon, are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat medium, the strength of the bed structure (50) against the force exerted by the flow of the heat medium and a force field such as a magnetic field can be ensured. Furthermore, since the columnar structures (52) are arranged at intervals in the flow direction, the loss due to heat conduction in the bed structure (50) can be suppressed.

[0100] In the bed structure 50 of this embodiment, the arrangement of the columnar structures 52 in a pair of adjacent layers 51 among the layers 51 may be shifted from each other, and the columnar structures 52 may be directly stacked on each other to be connected and fixed to each other. Even in this manner, the strength of the bed structure 50 can be ensured.

[0101] In the bed structure (50) of this embodiment, at least some of the columnar structures (52) may have a rectangular cross section perpendicular to the stacking direction with a diagonal line along the flow direction. This allows the side wall of the columnar structure (52) to have a large area, improving the heat exchange efficiency. In this case, if the rectangle is a diamond and the columnar structures (52) are configured as diamond columns, the columnar structures (52) can be arranged at regular intervals, so that the width of the heat transfer medium flow path (53) can be made constant and the flow of the heat transfer medium can be made uniform. This reduces pressure loss in the heat transfer medium flow path (53).

[0102] Incidentally, while the heat transfer coefficient is inversely proportional to the dimension of the flow path (53), the pressure loss is inversely proportional to the second to fourth powers of the dimension of the flow path (53). Therefore, if there is a narrow portion in the flow path (53), the effect of increasing the pressure loss is greater than the effect of increasing the heat transfer coefficient. Therefore, when the same heat transfer performance (heat exchange efficiency) is to be obtained, the effect of the pressure loss is smaller when the width of the flow path (53) is constant and the flow of the heat medium is made uniform.

[0103] In the bed structure (50) of the present embodiment, if the columnar structure (52) is not disposed in the region located at the inlet / outlet of the heat medium, the columnar structure (52) can be prevented from interfering with the entry and exit of the heat medium into and from the bed structure (50), thereby reducing the pressure loss at the inlet / outlet of the heat medium.

[0104] In the bed structure (50) of this embodiment, when the bed structure (50), i.e., the multiple layers (51) having the multiple columnar structures (52) are integrally molded, the strength of the bed structure (50) is further increased, and the bed structure (50) is less likely to be deformed by the force from the force field such as the flow of the heat medium or a magnetic field. When the bed structure (50) is integrally molded, it can be produced, for example, by using a 3D printer. In this case, the bed structure (50) can be easily produced without using a support member by layering the material in the flow direction.

[0105] In the bed structure (50) of this embodiment, the bed structure (50) is disposed inside the storage case (60), and the inner wall surface (60a) parallel to the flow direction of the storage case (60) may be in contact with and fixed to a part of the plurality of columnar structures (52). In this way, the gap between the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60) can be reduced, so that leakage of the heat medium through the gap can be suppressed and the heat exchange efficiency can be improved. In this case, if the contact portion of the columnar structure (52) that is in contact with the inner wall surface (60a) among the plurality of columnar structures (52) is a flat surface, the bed structure (50) can be easily bonded to the storage case (60).

[0106] In the bed structure (50) of the present embodiment, when the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60) are integrally molded from the same material, a high-strength bed structure (50) that is highly resistant to leakage of the heat medium can be manufactured, for example, by using a 3D printer. In addition, since no gap is generated at the connection between the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60), deterioration of the performance of the refrigeration module (20) due to an increase in pressure loss, a decrease in heat exchange efficiency, etc. can be suppressed.

[0107] In the bed structure (50) of this embodiment, if another case (21) is provided outside the storage case (60), the strength of the bed structure (50) can be further increased by the case (21).

[0108] <Modification 1 of the second embodiment> FIG. 6(a) is a plan view of the bed structure (50) of this modified example seen from the stacking direction, and FIG. 6(b) is a front view of the bed structure (50) of this modified example seen from the flow direction.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 6, this modification is different from the second embodiment in that in the rectangular (diamond) cross section of the columnar structure (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction, the diagonal along the flow direction is longer than the other diagonals.

[0110] According to this modification, in addition to the same effects as those of the second embodiment, the following effect can be obtained. That is, in the rectangular (diamond) cross section of the columnar structure (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction, the corners at both ends of a diagonal line along the flow direction are sharper than the other corners. Therefore, the deflection angle of the heat medium flow that contacts the corners at both ends of the diagonal line becomes smaller, and the pressure loss in the heat medium flow path (53) can be further reduced.

[0111] <Modification 2 of the second embodiment> Fig. 7(a) is a plan view of the bed structure (50) of this modified example seen from the stacking direction, and Fig. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII (the heat medium flow direction) in Fig. 7(a). Fig. 7(b) shows the cross-sectional configuration of the bed structure (50) when it is integrally molded.

[0112] As shown in Fig. 7, this modification is different from the second embodiment in that, among the multiple connections between the directly stacked columnar structures (52), at least some of the connections have a smaller connection area than the other connections. Specifically, in the rectangular (diamond) cross section of the columnar structures (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction, corners in the flow direction (corners at both ends of the diagonal line) are rounded. As a result, the area over which the rounded corners in the flow direction among the corners of the upper end faces of the columnar structures (52) in the lower layer (51) connect with the columnar structures (52) in the upper layer (51) is smaller than the other corners that are not rounded.

[0113] According to this modification, in addition to the same effects as those of the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the volume of the columnar structures (52) responsible for heat exchange and a change in the dimensions of the flow paths (53) between the columnar structures (52), thereby suppressing a deterioration in heat exchange efficiency and an increase in pressure loss, and at the same time, it is possible to impart anisotropy to the heat conduction in the stack of columnar structures (52). As a result, it is possible to reduce loss due to heat conduction in the flow direction.

[0114] In this modification, the rectangular (diamond) cross-section of the columnar structure (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction has a diagonal line along the flow direction. However, when the diagonal line extends obliquely to the flow direction, an effect similar to that of this modification can be obtained by rounding the corners at both ends of the diagonal line that forms a smaller angle with the flow direction.

[0115] <Modification 3 of the Second Embodiment> Fig. 8(a) is a plan view of the bed structure (50) of this modified example seen from the stacking direction, and Fig. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII (the heat medium flow direction) in Fig. 8(a). Fig. 8(b) shows the cross-sectional configuration of the bed structure (50) when it is integrally molded.

[0116] As shown in Fig. 8, this modification is different from the second embodiment in that, among cross sections of the columnar structures (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction, the area of ​​the cross section including the connection portion between directly stacked columnar structures (52) is smaller than the area of ​​the cross section not including the connection portion. Specifically, in the cross-sectional configuration shown in Fig. 8(b), each corner of the upper end and lower end of the columnar structure (52) in the extension direction is rounded.

[0117] According to this modification, in addition to the same effects as those of the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, the volume of the columnar structures (52) responsible for heat exchange and the dimensional change of the flow paths (53) between the columnar structures (52) can be suppressed, thereby suppressing deterioration of heat exchange efficiency and increase in pressure loss, and reducing heat conduction in the stack of columnar structures (52). This makes it possible to reduce loss due to heat conduction in the flow direction of the heat medium.

[0118] Third Embodiment A description will now be given of embodiment 3. This embodiment differs from embodiment 1 in the configuration of the bed structure (50), specifically, the shape of the columnar structures (52).

[0119] <Bed structure> As shown in Fig. 9, the bed structure (50) has a plurality of layers (51) stacked in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat medium. Fig. 9(a) is a plan view of the bed structure (50) seen from the stacking direction, Fig. 9(b) is a front view of the bed structure (50) seen from the flow direction, and Fig. 9(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX (flow direction of the heat medium) in Fig. 9(a). Fig. 9(c) shows the cross-sectional configuration of the bed structure (50) when it is integrally molded.

[0120] In each of the layers (51), a plurality of columnar structures (52) containing a magnetic working material, which is a solid refrigerant material, are two-dimensionally arranged. The material of the magnetic working material is the same as that in the first embodiment. In each layer (51), the plurality of columnar structures (52) are arranged at intervals that form flow paths (53) for the heat transfer medium. Each of the layers (51) has a base portion (54) that holds the plurality of columnar structures (52).

[0121] The columnar structures (52) have a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the stacking direction of the layers (51) that is a hexagon (e.g., an equilateral hexagon) with a diagonal line along the heat medium flow direction, except for the region located at the heat medium inlet / outlet and the region in contact with the storage case (60) (see FIG. 3). In the hexagon, the diagonal line along the heat medium flow direction may be longer than the other diagonals. If the hexagon is an equilateral hexagon, the columnar structures (52) can be arranged at equal intervals, as shown in FIG. 9(a). This allows the width of the heat medium flow path (53) to be constant.

[0122] In this embodiment, the columnar structures (52) are also arranged in the region located at the inlet and outlet of the heat transfer medium. Alternatively, however, the columnar structures (52) do not have to be arranged in this region.

[0123] A side wall surface of each of the hexagonal pillars constituting the plurality of pillar structures 52 is a surface that comes into contact with the heat transfer medium. One end (the upper end in FIG. 9( b )) of the plurality of pillar structures 52 in the extension direction (the same as the stacking direction of the plurality of layers 51 in this embodiment) is connected to the adjacent layer 51 (base portion 54).

[0124] The bed structure 50, i.e., the layers 51 having the columnar structures 52 and the base 54, may be integrally formed, for example, by using a 3D printer, etc. In this case, the columnar structures 52 and the base 54 may be made of a magnetic working material.

[0125] The dimensions of the bed structure (50) are not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 2 cm x 5 cm in plan view as viewed in the stacking direction. The dimensions of each component of the bed structure (50) are set in consideration of the fact that, as the dimensions are made smaller, the heat transfer area increases and the heat exchange efficiency improves, but the pressure loss increases. For example, the arrangement pitch of the columnar structures (52) in the flow direction and in the direction perpendicular thereto may each be 0.25 mm, and the length of the diagonal (diagonal in the flow direction) of the hexagon (equilateral hexagon) that is the cross section of the columnar structures (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction may be 0.2 mm.

[0126] The height of each of the multiple layers (51) is set taking into consideration that, as the height is increased, the number of connections between the layers (51) (specifically, the number of connections between the lower columnar structures (52) and the upper base portion (54)) is reduced, thereby reducing loss due to heat conduction, while the area of ​​the heat transfer surface perpendicular to the stacking direction is reduced, resulting in a decrease in heat exchange efficiency and a decrease in structural strength. For example, the thickness (thickness in the stacking direction) of each layer (51) may be 0.25 mm, and the height (height in the stacking direction) of the columnar structures (52) may be 0.2 mm. In this case, the thickness (thickness in the stacking direction) of the base portion (54) is 0.05 mm, which is thinner than the height of the columnar structures (52).

[0127] In the case (21) (see FIG. 1) of the magnetic refrigeration module (20), the bed structure (50) of this embodiment may be disposed inside another storage case (60) as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3. In other words, the case (21) may be provided outside the storage case (60).

[0128] The inner wall surface (60a) of the storage case (60) parallel to the flow direction may be in contact with a part of the plurality of columnar structures (52) and fixed thereto. In this case, the contact portion of the columnar structure (52) that is in contact with the inner wall surface (60a) among the plurality of columnar structures (52) may be a flat surface. In this embodiment, the inner bottom surface (60b) of the storage case (60) contacts the lower surface of the base (54) of the bottommost layer (51). By forming both the bottom surface and the side surface of the bed structure (50) as flat surfaces in this manner, it is possible to minimize the gap between the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60), and it is also possible to easily fill the gap and bond the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60).

[0129] The bed structure 50 and the storage case 60 may be integrally formed, for example, by using a 3D printer, etc. In this case, the bed structure 50 and the storage case 60 may be made of a magnetic working material.

[0130] In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the columnar structure (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction is a hexagon (specifically, an equilateral hexagon) except for the region located at the inlet / outlet of the heat transfer medium and the region in contact with the storage case (60). However, considering that it is difficult to form a geometrically strict "(equisceles) hexagon" by a normal shape transfer technique, in the present disclosure, the "(equisceles) hexagon" includes not only a true "(equisceles) hexagon" but also a shape that can be substantially regarded as an "(equisceles) hexagon". A shape that can be substantially regarded as an "(equisceles) hexagon" refers to a shape that can be approximated to an "(equisceles) hexagon". For example, a shape that has rounded corners but can be regarded as an "(equisceles) hexagon" as a whole is included in the "(equisceles) hexagon" in the present disclosure. In addition, in this disclosure, shapes that are deformed from an "(equisceles) hexagon" within the range of unavoidable variation in shape due to processing accuracy in industrial production are also included in the "(equisceles) hexagon".

[0131] In addition, in the present embodiment, the columnar structure (52) is configured as a hexagonal column (including those having an equilateral hexagonal cross-sectional shape), but only a portion of the cross-sectional shape of the columnar structure (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction may be an (equisagonal) hexagon. Thus, the side wall portion of the columnar structure (52) is not limited to a flat surface, and at least a portion of the cross-sectional shape may be a curved surface. Furthermore, the end portion of the columnar structure (52) in the extension direction is not limited to a flat surface, and at least a portion of the end portion may be a curved surface. As described above, the shape of the columnar structure (52) is not particularly limited as long as the columnar structure (52) is a structure capable of supporting the multiple layers (51) in the stacking direction and has a side wall surface or a side portion and an end portion in the extension direction.

[0132] In addition, in this embodiment, the extension direction of the columnar structure (52) is the same as the stacking direction, but the columnar structure (52) may be extended obliquely to the stacking direction as long as the strength of the bed structure (50) is not significantly reduced.

[0133] In addition, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the columnar structure (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction is a hexagon having a diagonal line along the flow direction, but it may be a hexagon having a diagonal line extending obliquely to the flow direction as long as the pressure loss does not increase significantly.

[0134] <Features of the third embodiment> The bed structure (50) of this embodiment is used in a refrigeration module (20) using a solid refrigerant that exerts a calorific effect against external energy. The bed structure (50) has a plurality of layers (51) in which a plurality of columnar structures (52) containing a solid refrigerant material are arranged two-dimensionally. The plurality of columnar structures (52) are arranged at intervals that form flow paths (53) for the heat medium. The plurality of layers (51) are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat medium. The sides of the plurality of columnar structures (52) are in contact with the heat medium. Ends in the extension direction of the plurality of columnar structures (52) are connected to adjacent layers (51) among the plurality of layers (51).

[0135] In the bed structure (50) of the present embodiment, the columnar structures (52) containing a solid refrigerant material are arranged two-dimensionally to increase the contact area between the solid refrigerant material and the heat medium, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency. In addition, the layers (51), each having the columnar structures (52) arranged thereon, are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat medium, thereby ensuring the strength of the bed structure (50) against the force exerted by the flow of the heat medium and a force field such as a magnetic field. Furthermore, the columnar structures (52) are arranged at intervals in the flow direction, thereby suppressing the loss due to heat conduction in the bed structure (50).

[0136] In the bed structure (50) of this embodiment, when each of the layers (51) has a base portion (54) that holds the columnar structures (52), the strength of the bed structure (50) can be increased.

[0137] In the bed structure (50) of this embodiment, at least some of the columnar structures (52) may have a hexagonal cross section perpendicular to the stacking direction with a diagonal line along the flow direction. This allows the side wall of the columnar structure (52) to have a large area, improving the heat exchange efficiency. In this case, if the hexagon is an equilateral hexagon and the columnar structures (52) are hexagonal columns, the columnar structures (52) can be arranged at regular intervals, so that the width of the heat transfer medium flow path (53) can be made constant and the flow of the heat transfer medium can be made uniform. This reduces pressure loss in the heat transfer medium flow path (53).

[0138] Incidentally, while the heat transfer coefficient is inversely proportional to the dimension of the flow path (53), the pressure loss is inversely proportional to the second to fourth powers of the dimension of the flow path (53). Therefore, if there is a narrow portion in the flow path (53), the effect of increasing the pressure loss is greater than the effect of increasing the heat transfer coefficient. Therefore, when the same heat transfer performance (heat exchange efficiency) is to be obtained, the effect of the pressure loss is smaller when the width of the flow path (53) is constant and the flow of the heat medium is made uniform.

[0139] In addition, when the cross-sectional shape of the columnar structures (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction is a hexagon having a diagonal line along the flow direction, if the diagonal line is longer than the other diagonals, the corners at both ends of the diagonal line along the flow direction will be sharper than the other corners. This reduces the deflection angle of the heat medium flow that comes into contact with the corners at both ends of the diagonal line, thereby further reducing the pressure loss in the heat medium flow path (53).

[0140] In the bed structure (50) of the present embodiment, if the columnar structure (52) is not disposed in the region located at the inlet / outlet of the heat medium, the columnar structure (52) can be prevented from interfering with the entry and exit of the heat medium into and from the bed structure (50), thereby reducing the pressure loss at the inlet / outlet of the heat medium.

[0141] In the bed structure (50) of this embodiment, when the bed structure (50), i.e., the multiple layers (51) having the multiple columnar structures (52) and the base portion (54), are integrally molded, the strength of the bed structure (50) is further increased, and the bed structure (50) is less likely to be deformed by the force from the force field such as the flow of the heat medium or a magnetic field. When the bed structure (50) is integrally molded, it can be produced, for example, by using a 3D printer. In this case, the bed structure (50) can be easily produced without using a support member by layering the material in the flow direction.

[0142] In the bed structure (50) of this embodiment, the bed structure (50) is disposed inside the storage case (60), and the inner wall surface (60a) parallel to the flow direction of the storage case (60) may be in contact with and fixed to a part of the plurality of columnar structures (52). In this way, the gap between the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60) can be reduced, so that leakage of the heat medium through the gap can be suppressed and the heat exchange efficiency can be improved. In this case, if the contact portion of the columnar structure (52) that is in contact with the inner wall surface (60a) among the plurality of columnar structures (52) is a flat surface, the bed structure (50) can be easily bonded to the storage case (60).

[0143] In the bed structure (50) of the present embodiment, when the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60) are integrally molded from the same material, a high-strength bed structure (50) that is highly resistant to leakage of the heat medium can be manufactured, for example, by using a 3D printer. In addition, since no gap is generated at the connection between the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60), deterioration of the performance of the refrigeration module (20) due to an increase in pressure loss, a decrease in heat exchange efficiency, etc. can be suppressed.

[0144] In the bed structure (50) of this embodiment, if another case (21) is provided outside the storage case (60), the strength of the bed structure (50) can be further increased by the case (21).

[0145] Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment will now be described. This embodiment differs from the second embodiment in the configuration of the bed structure (50), specifically, the shape of the columnar structures (52).

[0146] <Bed structure> As shown in Fig. 10, the bed structure (50) has a plurality of layers (51) stacked in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat medium. Fig. 10(a) is a plan view of the bed structure (50) seen from the stacking direction, Fig. 10(b) is a front view of the bed structure (50) seen from the flow direction, and Fig. 10(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX (flow direction of the heat medium) in Fig. 10(a). Fig. 10(c) shows the cross-sectional configuration of the bed structure (50) when it is integrally molded.

[0147] In each of the layers (51), a plurality of columnar structures (52) containing a magnetic working substance, which is a solid refrigerant material, are two-dimensionally arranged. The material of the magnetic working substance is the same as that in the first embodiment. In each layer (51), the plurality of columnar structures (52) are arranged at intervals that form flow paths (53) for the heat transfer medium.

[0148] In the bed structure 50 of the present embodiment, the arrangement of the columnar structures 52 in each pair of adjacent layers 51 among the layers 51 is offset from each other, for example, in a staggered manner, and the columnar structures 52 are directly stacked on each other to be connected and fixed to each other. Specifically, the arrangement of the columnar structures 52 in the upper layer 51 is offset by half a pitch in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction from the arrangement of the columnar structures 52 in the lower layer 51.

[0149] The columnar structures (52) have a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the stacking direction that is a hexagon (e.g., an equilateral hexagon) with a diagonal line along the flow direction of the heat medium, except for the region located at the inlet / outlet of the heat medium and the region in contact with the storage case (60) (see FIG. 5). By making the hexagon an equilateral hexagon, the columnar structures (52) can be arranged at equal intervals as shown in FIG. 10(a). This makes it possible to make the width of the heat medium flow path (53) constant. The side wall surface of each of the rectangular pillars constituting the columnar structures (52) becomes the contact surface with the heat medium.

[0150] In this embodiment, both ends of each columnar structure (52) in the extension direction (same as the stacking direction in this embodiment) form a hexagonal plane that is the same as the cross section perpendicular to the stacking direction. Both corners in the flow direction and both sides perpendicular to the flow direction of the upper end face of one columnar structure (52) in the lower layer (51) each support parts of the lower end faces of four columnar structures (52) in the upper layer (51). In other words, a part of the end (upper end face or lower end face in this embodiment) of the columnar structure (52) in the extension direction is connected to the columnar structure (52) of the adjacent layer (51).

[0151] The bed structure 50, i.e., the layers 51 having the columnar structures 52, may be integrally formed using, for example, a 3D printer, etc. In this case, the columnar structures 52 may be made of a magnetic working material.

[0152] The dimensions of the bed structure (50) are not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 2 cm x 5 cm in plan view as viewed in the stacking direction. The dimensions of each component of the bed structure (50) are set in consideration of the fact that, as the dimensions are made smaller, the heat transfer area increases and the heat exchange efficiency improves, but the pressure loss increases. For example, the arrangement pitch of the columnar structures (52) in the flow direction and in the direction perpendicular thereto may each be 0.25 mm, and the length of the diagonal (diagonal in the flow direction) of the hexagon (equilateral hexagon) that is the cross section of the columnar structures (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction may be 0.2 mm.

[0153] The height of each of the multiple layers (51) is set taking into consideration that, as the height is increased, the number of connections between the layers (51) (specifically, the number of connections between the lower layer columnar structures (52) and the upper layer columnar structures (52)) decreases, reducing loss due to heat conduction, while the area of ​​the heat transfer surface perpendicular to the stacking direction decreases, reducing the heat exchange efficiency and structural strength. For example, the thickness of each layer (51) (thickness in the stacking direction), i.e., the height of the columnar structures (52) (height in the stacking direction), may be 0.2 mm.

[0154] In the case (21) (see FIG. 1) of the magnetic refrigeration module (20), the bed structure (50) of this embodiment may be disposed inside another storage case (60) as in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5. In other words, the case (21) may be provided outside the storage case (60).

[0155] The inner wall surface (60a) of the storage case (60) parallel to the flow direction may be in contact with a part of the plurality of columnar structures (52) and fixed thereto. In this case, the contact portion of the plurality of columnar structures (52) that is in contact with the inner wall surface (60a) may be a flat surface. In this embodiment, the inner bottom surface (60b) of the storage case (60) contacts the lower end surface of the columnar structure (52) of the bottom layer (51). By forming both the bottom surface and the side surface of the bed structure (50) as flat surfaces in this manner, the gap between the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60) can be minimized, and the gap can be easily filled and the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60) can be easily bonded to each other.

[0156] In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the columnar structure (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction is a hexagon (specifically, an equilateral hexagon) except for the region located at the inlet / outlet of the heat transfer medium and the region in contact with the storage case (60). However, considering that it is difficult to form a geometrically strict "(equisceles) hexagon" by a normal shape transfer technique, in the present disclosure, the "(equisceles) hexagon" includes not only a true "(equisceles) hexagon" but also a shape that can be substantially regarded as an "(equisceles) hexagon". A shape that can be substantially regarded as an "(equisceles) hexagon" refers to a shape that can be approximated to an "(equisceles) hexagon". For example, a shape that has rounded corners but can be regarded as an "(equisceles) hexagon" as a whole is included in the "(equisceles) hexagon" in the present disclosure. In addition, in this disclosure, shapes that are deformed from an "(equisceles) hexagon" within the range of unavoidable variation in shape due to processing accuracy in industrial production are also included in the "(equisceles) hexagon".

[0157] In addition, in the present embodiment, the columnar structure (52) is configured as a hexagonal column (including those having an equilateral hexagonal cross-sectional shape), but only a portion of the cross-sectional shape of the columnar structure (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction may be an (equisagonal) hexagon. Thus, the side wall portion of the columnar structure (52) is not limited to a flat surface, and at least a portion of the cross-sectional shape may be a curved surface. Furthermore, the end portion of the columnar structure (52) in the extension direction is not limited to a flat surface, and at least a portion of the end portion may be a curved surface. As described above, the shape of the columnar structure (52) is not particularly limited as long as the columnar structure (52) is a structure capable of supporting the multiple layers (51) in the stacking direction and has a side wall surface or a side portion and an end portion in the extension direction.

[0158] In addition, in this embodiment, the extension direction of the columnar structure (52) is the same as the stacking direction, but the columnar structure (52) may be extended obliquely to the stacking direction as long as the strength of the bed structure (50) is not significantly reduced.

[0159] In addition, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the columnar structure (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction is a hexagon having a diagonal line along the flow direction, but it may be a hexagon having a diagonal line extending obliquely to the flow direction as long as the pressure loss does not increase significantly.

[0160] <Features of the fourth embodiment> The bed structure (50) of this embodiment has a plurality of layers (51) in which a plurality of columnar structures (52) containing a solid refrigerant material are arranged two-dimensionally. The columnar structures (52) are arranged at intervals that form flow paths (53) for the heat transfer medium. The layers (51) are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction. Sides of the columnar structures (52) are in contact with the heat transfer medium. Parts of the ends of the columnar structures (52) in the extension direction are connected to adjacent layers (51) of the plurality of layers (51).

[0161] According to this embodiment, by arranging the columnar structures (52) containing a solid refrigerant material in two dimensions, the contact area between the solid refrigerant material and the heat medium can be increased, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency. In addition, since the layers (51), each having the columnar structures (52) provided thereon, are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat medium, the strength of the bed structure (50) against the force exerted by the flow of the heat medium and a force field such as a magnetic field can be ensured. Furthermore, since the columnar structures (52) are arranged at intervals in the flow direction, the loss due to heat conduction in the bed structure (50) can be suppressed.

[0162] In the bed structure 50 of this embodiment, the arrangement of the columnar structures 52 in a pair of adjacent layers 51 among the layers 51 may be shifted from each other, and the columnar structures 52 may be directly stacked on each other to be connected and fixed to each other. Even in this manner, the strength of the bed structure 50 can be ensured.

[0163] In the bed structure (50) of this embodiment, at least some of the columnar structures (52) may have a hexagonal cross section perpendicular to the stacking direction with a diagonal line along the flow direction. This allows the side wall of the columnar structure (52) to have a large area, improving the heat exchange efficiency. In this case, if the hexagon is an equilateral hexagon and the columnar structures (52) are hexagonal columns, the columnar structures (52) can be arranged at regular intervals, so that the width of the heat transfer medium flow path (53) can be made constant and the flow of the heat transfer medium can be made uniform. This reduces pressure loss in the heat transfer medium flow path (53).

[0164] Incidentally, while the heat transfer coefficient is inversely proportional to the dimension of the flow path (53), the pressure loss is inversely proportional to the second to fourth powers of the dimension of the flow path (53). Therefore, if there is a narrow portion in the flow path (53), the effect of increasing the pressure loss is greater than the effect of increasing the heat transfer coefficient. Therefore, when the same heat transfer performance (heat exchange efficiency) is to be obtained, the effect of the pressure loss is smaller when the width of the flow path (53) is constant and the flow of the heat medium is made uniform.

[0165] In the bed structure (50) of the present embodiment, if the columnar structure (52) is not disposed in the region located at the inlet / outlet of the heat medium, the columnar structure (52) can be prevented from interfering with the entry and exit of the heat medium into and from the bed structure (50), thereby reducing the pressure loss at the inlet / outlet of the heat medium.

[0166] In the bed structure (50) of this embodiment, when the bed structure (50), i.e., the multiple layers (51) having the multiple columnar structures (52) are integrally molded, the strength of the bed structure (50) is further increased, and the bed structure (50) is less likely to be deformed by the force from the force field such as the flow of the heat medium or a magnetic field. When the bed structure (50) is integrally molded, it can be produced, for example, by using a 3D printer. In this case, the bed structure (50) can be easily produced without using a support member by layering the material in the flow direction.

[0167] In the bed structure (50) of this embodiment, the bed structure (50) is disposed inside the storage case (60), and the inner wall surface (60a) parallel to the flow direction of the storage case (60) may be in contact with and fixed to a part of the plurality of columnar structures (52). In this way, the gap between the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60) can be reduced, so that leakage of the heat medium through the gap can be suppressed and the heat exchange efficiency can be improved. In this case, if the contact portion of the columnar structure (52) that is in contact with the inner wall surface (60a) among the plurality of columnar structures (52) is a flat surface, the bed structure (50) can be easily bonded to the storage case (60).

[0168] In the bed structure (50) of the present embodiment, when the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60) are integrally molded from the same material, a high-strength bed structure (50) that is highly resistant to leakage of the heat medium can be manufactured, for example, by using a 3D printer. In addition, since no gap is generated at the connection between the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60), deterioration of the performance of the refrigeration module (20) due to an increase in pressure loss, a decrease in heat exchange efficiency, etc. can be suppressed.

[0169] In the bed structure (50) of this embodiment, if another case (21) is provided outside the storage case (60), the strength of the bed structure (50) can be further increased by the case (21).

[0170] <Modification 1 of the fourth embodiment> Fig. 11(a) is a plan view of the bed structure (50) of this modified example seen from the stacking direction, Fig. 11(b) is a front view of the bed structure (50) of this modified example seen from the flow direction, and Fig. 11(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI (heat medium flow direction) in Fig. 11(a). Fig. 11(c) shows the cross-sectional configuration of the bed structure (50) when it is integrally molded.

[0171] In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 , the arrangement of the plurality of columnar structures (52) in the upper layer (51) was shifted by half a pitch in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction with respect to the arrangement of the plurality of columnar structures (52) in the lower layer (51).

[0172] In contrast, in this modification, as shown in FIG. 11 , the arrangement of the plurality of columnar structures (52) in the upper layer (51) is shifted by half a pitch in both the flow direction and the direction perpendicular to the flow direction with respect to the arrangement of the plurality of columnar structures (52) in the lower layer (51).

[0173] According to this modification, in addition to the same effects as those of the fourth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, when the columnar structures (52) are arranged as in this modification, the connection area of ​​the connection parts between the columnar structures (52) that are directly stacked can be increased compared to the fourth embodiment. This makes it possible to increase the strength of the bed structure (50). Note that, from the viewpoint of suppressing loss due to heat conduction between the columnar structures (52) that are directly stacked, the arrangement of the columnar structures (52) of the fourth embodiment is superior.

[0174] <Modification 2 of the fourth embodiment> FIG. 12(a) is a plan view of the bed structure (50) of this modified example seen from the stacking direction, and FIG. 12(b) is a front view of the bed structure (50) of this modified example seen from the flow direction.

[0175] As shown in FIG. 12, this modification is different from the fourth embodiment in that in the hexagonal cross section (equilateral hexagon) of the columnar structure (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction, a diagonal line along the flow direction is longer than the other diagonals.

[0176] According to this modification, in addition to the same effects as those of the fourth embodiment, the following effect can be obtained. That is, in the hexagonal (equilateral hexagon) cross section of the columnar structure (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction, the corners at both ends of a diagonal line along the flow direction are sharper than the other corners. Therefore, the deflection angle of the heat medium flow that contacts the diagonal corners becomes smaller, and the pressure loss in the heat medium flow path (53) can be further reduced.

[0177] Other Embodiments In the above embodiment (including modified examples, the same applies below), the cross-sectional shape of the columnar structure (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction is rectangular or hexagonal, but is not limited to this and may be other shapes, such as octagonal.

[0178] A stacked bed structure (100) may be formed, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, using a plurality of bed structures (50) according to any of the above-described embodiments. In the stacked bed structure (100) shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of bed structures (50) are stacked in a flow direction to form a cascade structure with a plurality of stages. In this case, the bed structures (50) and the storage cases (60) may be integrated for each cascade, and the spaces between the storage cases (60) may be sealed with a sealant, an O-ring, or the like. This allows the cascade structure to be formed with high precision and ease. Furthermore, if the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60) are configured as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 5, the structure can be configured to reduce pressure loss even between cascades, and therefore performance deterioration such as an increase in pressure loss and a decrease in heat exchange efficiency can be suppressed. Furthermore, by using the same material for the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60), the bed structure (50) and the storage case (60) can be integrally molded. This allows sufficient suppression of leakage of the heat medium, and simplifies the manufacturing process, for example, by using a 3D printer.

[0179] In the above embodiment, the magnetic refrigeration module is illustrated, but the refrigeration module using a solid refrigerant may use a method other than magnetic refrigeration that induces a magnetocaloric effect in a magnetic working material. In this disclosure, the solid refrigerant material includes a material having intermediate properties between a liquid and a solid, such as a soft crystal.

[0180] Other types of refrigeration modules using solid refrigerants include, for example, 1) a type in which an electrocaloric effect is induced in a solid refrigerant material, 2) a type in which a pressure caloric effect is induced in a solid refrigerant material, and 3) a type in which an elastic caloric effect is induced in a solid refrigerant material.

[0181] In the refrigeration module using a solid refrigerant of type 1), the force field generator (hereinafter also referred to as the 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.

[0182] In the refrigeration module using a solid refrigerant of type 2), the inducing part applies a pressure fluctuation to the solid refrigerant material, causing the solid refrigerant material to undergo a phase transition and generate or absorb heat.

[0183] In the refrigeration module using a solid refrigerant of the type 3), the inducing part applies a stress fluctuation to the solid refrigerant material, causing the solid refrigerant material to undergo a phase transition and generate or absorb heat.

[0184] Although the embodiments have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the above embodiments may be appropriately combined or substituted as long as the function of the subject of the present disclosure is not impaired. The descriptions "first", "second", etc. described above are used to distinguish the words to which these descriptions are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the words. [Industrial Applicability]

[0185] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the present disclosure is useful for a bed structure of a refrigeration module using a solid refrigerant. [Explanation of symbols]

[0186] 20 Magnetic refrigeration module (refrigeration module using solid refrigerant) 21 cases (other cases) 50 Bed structure 51 layers 52 Columnar structure 53 Flow Path 54 Base 60 Storage Case 60a Inner wall

Claims

1. A bed structure (50) for use in a refrigeration module (20) using a solid refrigerant that exerts a calorific effect in response to external energy, comprising: The cooling medium has a plurality of layers (51) in which a plurality of columnar structures (52) containing a solid refrigerant material are arranged two-dimensionally, The plurality of columnar structures (52) are arranged at intervals to form flow paths (53) for the heat transfer medium, The plurality of layers (51) are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat medium, The side portions of the plurality of columnar structures (52) are in contact with the heat medium, at least a portion of an end portion in the extension direction of the plurality of columnar structures (52) is connected to an adjacent layer (51) among the plurality of layers (51); In an adjacent pair of layers (51) among the plurality of layers (51), the arrangement of the plurality of columnar structures (52) is shifted from each other, and the plurality of columnar structures (52) are fixed to each other by being directly stacked on each other, at least some of the multiple connection parts between the multiple columnar structures (52) directly stacked on one another have a smaller connection area in a plane perpendicular to the stacking direction of the multiple layers (51) than the other connection parts; Bed structure of a refrigeration module using solid refrigerant.

2. The bed structure (50) of claim 1, The plurality of layers (51) have a base portion (54) that holds the plurality of columnar structures (52), and the bed structure is a refrigeration module using a solid refrigerant.

3. The bed structure (50) of claim 1, A bed structure of a refrigeration module using a solid refrigerant, wherein, among cross sections of the plurality of columnar structures (52) perpendicular to the stacking direction of the plurality of layers (51), the area of ​​a cross section including a connection portion between the plurality of directly stacked columnar structures (52) is smaller than the area of ​​a cross section not including the connection portion.

4. The bed structure (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A bed structure of a refrigeration module using a solid refrigerant, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of columnar structures (52) have a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the stacking direction of the plurality of layers (51) that includes a rectangle or hexagon with a diagonal line aligned along the flow direction of the heat medium.

5. The bed structure (50) of claim 4, The bed structure of the refrigeration module using solid refrigerant, wherein the quadrangle is a rhombus.

6. The bed structure (50) according to claim 4 or 5, The diagonal is longer than the other diagonals. A bed structure of a refrigeration module using a solid refrigerant.

7. The bed structure (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A bed structure of a refrigeration module using a solid refrigerant, wherein the plurality of columnar structures (52) are not arranged in an area located at an inlet / outlet of the heat medium.

8. The bed structure (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The bed structure (50) is an integrally molded bed structure for a refrigeration module using a solid refrigerant.

9. The bed structure (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The bed structure (50) is disposed inside a storage case (60), and an inner wall surface (60a) of the storage case (60) parallel to the flow direction of the heat medium and a portion of the plurality of columnar structures (52) are in contact with and fixed to the storage case (60).

10. The bed structure (50) of claim 9, A bed structure for a refrigeration module using a solid refrigerant, wherein a contact portion of one of the plurality of columnar structures (52) in contact with the inner wall surface (60a) is a flat surface.

11. The bed structure (50) according to claim 9 or 10, The bed structure (50) and the storage case (60) are integrally formed from the same material, in a bed structure for a refrigeration module using a solid refrigerant.

12. The bed structure (50) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, A bed structure of a refrigeration module using a solid refrigerant, in which another case (21) is provided outside the storage case (60).

13. 13. A stacked bed structure for a refrigeration module using a solid refrigerant, comprising a plurality of bed structures (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the plurality of bed structures (50) being stacked in a flow direction of the heat medium so as to form a multi-stage cascade structure.

Images