Temperature control device and method for improving the efficiency of the temperature control device

Abstract

To provide a temperature control device and an electrostatic straightener for temperature control device that can solve electric problems of media to attain higher heat transfer efficiency, and an efficiency improvement method.SOLUTION: A temperature control device comprises: a medium pipe which is formed of a material with electric conductivity and contains and circulates a medium; an enclosure which accommodates the medium pipe; an electrostatic straightener which is electrically connected to the medium pipe and supplies a pulsed signal; and a magnetic field generator which generates a magnetic field in the medium pipe. A heat transfer efficiency improvement method for a temperature control device in another point of view includes supplying the pulsed signal to the medium pipe by the electrostatic straightener while generating the magnetic field in the medium pipe.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature control device and a method for improving the efficiency of a temperature control device, and more particularly to a device that can be suitably applied to products such as air conditioners. [Background technology]

[0002] When preserving various substances such as food, it is very important to store them at low temperatures. As equipment for preserving them at low temperatures, cooling devices such as refrigerators and air conditioners are commonly available.

[0003] Generally, a cooling device can cool a substance to be cooled by compressing, condensing, and expanding a refrigerant in a cycle, and then directly or indirectly supplying the cold energy of the refrigerant to the substance to be cooled.

[0004] Furthermore, refrigerants for this purpose should have good stability and heat transfer efficiency, but in recent years, there has been an extremely high need and demand for reducing the impact on the global environment, and HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) and the like are currently becoming mainstream. These refrigerants are described, for example, in Patent Document 1 listed below. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-121927 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Although the above-mentioned refrigerants are capable of satisfying the required performance as refrigerants, there remain issues with the amount of power they use, i.e., the cooling efficiency of the refrigerants.

[0007] To explain the above problem in more detail, HFC refrigerants contain fluorine atoms, which have the highest electronegativity, and hydrogen atoms, which have the lowest electronegativity, in their molecular structure. Furthermore, due to the lack of symmetry within their molecular structure, many refrigerants have strong electrical polarity. As a result, bonds caused by the polarity of the refrigerant form large molecular clusters. When this refrigerant flows through the refrigerant pipes, static electricity is generated due to friction between the refrigerant and the pipes and between refrigerant molecules. This static electricity remains on the inner surface of the refrigerant pipes, trapping the refrigerant and reducing its fluidity.

[0008] To address this issue, consideration has been given to earthing the refrigerant pipes to release static electricity, but this would shield the electrical processing of the refrigerant pipes, making it difficult to take any further electrical measures.

[0009] Although this issue is explained in relation to refrigerants, it applies to media in general. In other words, it is not limited to cooling media (refrigerants) but also applies to heating media (heating media).

[0010] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a temperature control device, an electrostatic rectifier for a temperature control device, and a method for improving efficiency that can solve the electrical problems of the medium and achieve higher heat transfer efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A temperature control device according to one aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems comprises a medium pipe formed from a conductive material that contains and circulates a medium, a housing that contains the medium pipe, an electrostatic rectifier that is electrically connected to the medium pipe and supplies a pulsed signal, and a magnetic field generator that generates a magnetic field within the medium pipe.

[0012] Also, in this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the magnetic field generator is a coil wound around the medium tube and generates a magnetic field in a direction approximately parallel to the extension direction of the medium tube.

[0013] Furthermore, in this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the magnetic field generator is a coil that generates a magnetic field in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the medium tube.

[0014] In addition, in this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the magnetic field generator is also electrically connected to the electrostatic rectifier.

[0015] In addition, in this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the winding surface of the coil is bent along the medium pipe.

[0016] In addition, in this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the coil and the medium pipe are bonded together with an insulating material.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for improving the efficiency of a temperature control device, which is a method for improving the efficiency of a temperature control device that includes a medium pipe made of a conductive material that contains and circulates a medium, and a housing that contains the medium pipe, wherein the temperature control device includes an electrostatic rectifier connected to the medium pipe and a magnetic field generator that generates a magnetic field within the medium pipe, and the electrostatic rectifier supplies a pulsed signal to the medium pipe while generating a magnetic field within the medium pipe. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] As described above, the present invention can provide a temperature control device, an electrostatic rectifier for a temperature control device, and a method for improving efficiency that can solve electrical problems of the medium and achieve higher heat transfer efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of a temperature adjustment device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an image of a cluster of media being formed. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an image diagram of a case where the clusters of a medium become smaller. [Figure 4]10 is a diagram showing an example of the waveform of a pulse-like decaying wave signal generated by an electrostatic rectifier of a temperature adjustment device according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a circuit of an electrostatic rectifier of a temperature adjusting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image of a magnetic field generator arranged around a medium tube. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image in which a magnetic field is generated in the extension direction of a medium tube. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a temperature adjustment device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating waveform signals generated by an electrostatic rectifier according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a photograph of a coil according to an embodiment. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be embodied in many different forms, and the specific examples described in the following embodiments and examples can be appropriately modified and adjusted, and the present invention is not limited to these.

[0021] 1 is a diagram showing the functional blocks of a temperature control device (hereinafter referred to as "the device") 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the temperature control device 1 is a temperature control device made of a conductive material, and includes a medium pipe 2 that contains and circulates a medium, and a housing 3 that contains the medium pipe 2, the housing 3 and the medium pipe 2 being electrically insulated, and further includes an electrostatic rectifier 4 connected to the medium pipe 2, and a magnetic field generator 5 that generates a magnetic field within the medium.

[0022] The device 1 may be a cooling device that cools an object to be stored, or a heating device that heats it, but for ease of explanation, the device will be described as a cooling device. That is, the temperature control device is a concept that includes a cooling device and a heating device, and in the examples below, "cooling device" can be read as "temperature control device" as needed, and "refrigerant" can be read as "medium" as needed.

[0023] When the temperature control device 1 is a cooling device, various forms can be adopted as the product, and examples include refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners such as air conditioners (air conditioners, coolers, air conditioning for clean rooms in semiconductor manufacturing equipment processes, etc.), chillers, heat pumps, etc. However, for ease of explanation, this embodiment will be described using a specific example of a refrigerator. Note that cooling devices are generally devices that perform cooling by utilizing a refrigeration cycle of compression, condensation-liquefaction, expansion-evaporation, and compression of a refrigerant.

[0024] As shown in the figure, the temperature control device 1 comprises a medium pipe 2, a housing 3, an electrostatic rectifier 4, and a magnetic field generator 5, but in addition to these, it is preferable that the temperature control device 1 also comprises a heat-retaining chamber 6 for storing an object (target object) to be cooled or heated. By providing the heat-retaining chamber 6, it becomes possible to store and cool the target object to be cooled in the heat-retaining chamber 6. In the case of a cooling device, this corresponds to a refrigerator chamber or freezer chamber, and in the case of a heating device, this corresponds to a heating chamber.

[0025] Furthermore, in this temperature control device 1, the medium pipe 2 forms a circulation path and is connected to a compressor 7, a radiator 8, a cooler 9, etc. along the way. As the medium contained in the medium pipe 2 circulates inside it, it is compressed and liquefied by the compressor 7, and the heat is released from the medium to the outside by the radiator 8, and furthermore, the cooler 9 absorbs the surrounding heat (specifically, the heat inside the heat-retaining chamber 6) and vaporizes the medium. In other words, the cooler 9 can supply cold to the surroundings, and can function as a temperature control device, i.e., a cooling device.

[0026] Although not limited to a specific medium, a polar medium is preferred in order to maximize the benefits of the temperature control device 1. While polar media offer high medium efficiency due to their polarity, they also present the problem of medium cluster formation. More specifically, halogens such as chlorine and fluorine present in the medium molecules have high polarity, which makes them prone to interacting with neighboring medium molecules and forming clusters. When these clusters form, they create cluster-by-cluster flows within the medium tube, resulting in reduced heat exchange efficiency and insufficient medium function. Figure 2 shows an image of a cluster. However, as described below, the use of the temperature control device and electrostatic rectifier can eliminate these interactions between medium molecules, making it easier to dissolve the clusters. This improves heat transfer efficiency. Therefore, a polar medium is preferred.

[0027] Although some of the above will be repetitive, we will explain in detail how clusters are resolved. As mentioned above, when a polar medium is used, the uneven charge within the medium molecules generates a force that tries to bond between the molecules. However, since the molecules within this group change partners each time they form clusters, adding free electrons (saturated electrons) to a model with a certain degree of dynamism can reduce the size of the clusters and improve the efficiency of the medium. An image of this is shown in Figure 3.

[0028] In addition, in the present temperature control device 1, the polar medium is not particularly limited, but in the case of a refrigerant, R 32 (CH2F2) and R 125 (C2HF5) and mixtures thereof can be exemplified, but are not limited to these.

[0029] In the temperature control device 1, the housing 3 is a member that can house the cooling pipe 2, heat-retaining chamber 6, compressor 7, radiator 8, cooler 9, etc. The housing 3 makes it possible to hold these components as a single unit. In addition to holding the heat-retaining chamber 6, the housing 3 may also be provided with sliding members and door members for moving the heat-retaining chamber in and out, and it is further preferable that the housing 3 be provided with packing members and the like for improving the sealing performance of the heat-retaining chamber 6.

[0030] In the present temperature control device 1, the housing 3 and the medium pipe 2 are electrically insulated as described above. Specifically, this means that the medium pipe 2 is not grounded, i.e., not connected to earth in its circulation path. In a typical temperature control device, if the cooling pipe 2 is not grounded, there is a high risk of charging. To avoid this charging-related malfunction, the cooling pipe 2 itself is grounded or the housing 3 housing it is electrically connected to the ground. However, in the present temperature control device 1, the cooling pipe 2 is intentionally kept electrically insulated and ungrounded from the housing 3 due to the need to control the charging state using an electrostatic rectifier, as described below. Incidentally, the medium pipe 2 must be housed in the housing 3, so it must be physically in contact with and held in place. This contact and holding can be achieved using an electrically insulating material, such as insulating rubber, by placing the cooling pipe 2 within and around the housing 3. However, even if the cooling pipe 2 is not completely electrically insulated, it can be electrically connected via a resistor as long as the signal from the electrostatic rectifier can be sufficiently transmitted.

[0031] Furthermore, the electrostatic rectifier 4 in the present temperature control device 1 supplies a pulsed signal. Although there are repetitive portions, the electrostatic rectifier 4 in the present temperature control device 1 supplies an electrical signal whose voltage (amplitude) changes over time, and the waveform of this electrical signal is a pulsed signal. "Pulsed" means that the signal appears at regular intervals. Furthermore, in the present temperature control device, it is preferable that the pulsed signal be a decaying wave signal in order to achieve more efficient heat transfer. Here, the "decaying wave signal" refers to a periodically repeated signal whose amplitude decreases over time, but it may also include pulses and superimposed harmonics. Figure 4 shows an example of a pulsed decaying wave signal emitted by the electrostatic rectifier 4.

[0032] Furthermore, in the present temperature control device 1, the electrostatic rectifier 4 may be any device capable of supplying an AC signal. However, to more efficiently reduce cluster size, it is preferable to supply a pulsed decaying wave signal, for example, with a frequency of 20 kHz to 1 MHz, more preferably 33 kHz or less. This frequency is the so-called pulse frequency. In terms of repetition time, the pulsed decaying wave signal is supplied at intervals of 20 μs to 50 μs, more preferably 30 μs or less. While this effect is partly speculative, it is believed that applying a pulsed signal within the above range enables the supply of pulsating sum electrons to the medium, which then vibrates and propagates to the clusters in the medium, exerting a force that breaks down the clusters. This effect is more pronounced when using a decaying wave. Note that "sum electrons" here refer to electrons used to neutralize polarity.

[0033] Furthermore, in the case of a decaying wave in the temperature control device 1, the signal period within one decaying wave signal is preferably 2 MHz or more and 10 MHz or less, and more preferably 5 MHz or less. This frequency refers to the period within one decaying wave signal, and in terms of time interval, it is 0.1 μs or more and 0.5 μs or less, and preferably 0.2 μs or less. The effect of adding a wave in this range can be inferred in part from the case of the pulsed decaying wave signal described above, but it is thought that using a decaying wave signal makes it possible to effectively transmit the impact of the pulse to the medium.

[0034] Furthermore, the electrostatic rectifier 4 of the temperature control device 1 receives power from a power source, more specifically an external power source, and even more specifically a household power source, generates the pulsed attenuated wave signal, and supplies the attenuated wave signal to the medium via the medium pipe by electrically contacting the medium pipe. The structure of the electrostatic rectifier 4 is not limited as long as it can generate the attenuated wave signal as described above, and can be realized by a circuit such as that shown in Figure 5, for example.

[0035] As shown in the figure, the electrostatic rectifier 4 is configured to have at least an AD converter 41 that is connected to an external AC power source and converts this AC power source into DC, a signal generator 42 that generates a base signal, an operational amplifier 43 that receives these inputs, and an output terminal 44 that transmits the output of the operational amplifier 43. The signal can be supplied to the cooling pipe from the output terminal of the cooling pipe. A capacitor and a resistor can be disposed between them to adjust the voltage, etc. as needed.

[0036] Furthermore, in this temperature control device 1, the electrostatic rectifier 4 is electrically connected to the periphery of the medium pipe 2 and is capable of supplying an electric charge to the medium. By contacting the medium pipe, an electric charge can be supplied to the medium. In this case, the position where the output end is contacted may be anywhere within the circulation path of the conductive medium pipe, but considering the efficiency of the electric charge supply, it is preferable to be closer to the part in the liquid state than to the part in the gas state, and more preferably to be in the heat exchanger system, that is, just before the condenser (radiator) and the evaporator. In other words, it is preferable to place it between the compressor and the radiator and between the condenser and the expansion valve.

[0037] Furthermore, as described above, the temperature control device 1 is equipped with the magnetic field generator 5. By using the magnetic field generator 5, a magnetic field can be applied to the medium inside the medium pipe, allowing the free electrons to enter between the medium and act directly on the clusters of the refrigerant inside the medium pipe.

[0038] The configuration of the magnetic field generator 5 is not limited as long as it has the above-mentioned functions, but it may be a permanent magnet, but is preferably a coil with a conductor wound around it. By using a coil, it becomes possible to generate a DC or AC magnetic field by passing a current through it.

[0039] Figure 6 shows an example of an image of the magnetic field generator 5 arranged around the medium pipe 2 in this device 1. The magnetic field generator 5 shown in this figure is a coil that generates a magnetic field in a direction approximately perpendicular to the extension direction of the medium pipe. A magnetic field can be generated by supplying an AC electric field to this coil.

[0040] In addition, in the present device 1, it is preferable that the winding surface of the coil is curved along the medium pipe, which allows it to be brought close to the curved surface of the medium pipe and more reliably apply the magnetic field to the medium inside the medium pipe.

[0041] In addition, in the present device 1, it is preferable that the coil and the medium pipe are bonded with an insulating material. Because the coil and the medium pipe are conductive, if they come into electrical contact, there is a risk that a sufficient current will not be applied to the coil. Therefore, by bonding the coil and the medium pipe with an insulating material, there is an advantage in that both insulation and adhesion can be ensured.

[0042] Furthermore, in the present device 1, the magnetic field generator 5 preferably operates by receiving a current supply, and this current supply is also preferably current supplied by an electrostatic rectifier. That is, it is preferable that the magnetic field generator 5 is also electrically connected to the electrostatic rectifier. This allows the supply of power and the generation of a magnetic field to be performed simultaneously, making it easier to synchronize them and improving the efficiency of the electrostatic magnetic field rectifier.

[0043] In the above figure, the magnetic field generator 5 in this device 1 is shown as an example of a coil that generates a magnetic field in a direction approximately perpendicular to the extension direction of the medium tube 2, but it may also be a coil that generates a magnetic field in a direction approximately parallel to the extension direction of the medium tube 2. An image of this case is shown in Figure 7. The configuration in this figure has the effect of making it possible to generate a magnetic field in the extension direction of the medium tube.

[0044] Incidentally, one of the features of this temperature control device 1 is that it is equipped with an electrostatic rectifier 4 and a magnetic field generator 5, but it is also possible to use commercially available components for the other components. That is, after insulating the housing and medium pipe of a commonly available temperature control device such as a refrigerator, the electrostatic rectifier 4 and magnetic field generator 5 can be attached and the above signals can be supplied. This allows for easy improvement.

[0045] The above description makes clear the method for improving the cooling efficiency of a temperature control device using the present temperature control device 1 (hereinafter referred to as "the method"), but just to be sure, the method will be explained below. As is clear from the above description, the method is a method for improving the efficiency of a temperature control device that includes a medium pipe made of a conductive material that contains and circulates a medium, and a housing that contains the medium pipe, and the temperature control device includes an electrostatic rectifier connected to the medium pipe and a magnetic field generator that generates a magnetic field within the medium pipe, and while generating a magnetic field within the medium pipe, the electrostatic rectifier supplies a pulsed signal to the medium pipe. The effects of these are as described above.

[0046] As described above, the temperature adjustment device 1 and the method can solve the electrical problems of the medium and achieve higher heat transfer efficiency.

[0047] The temperature control device 1 has been described using the example of a refrigerator, but is not limited to this as long as it has an electrostatic rectifier 4 and a cooling pipe that forms a circulation path for circulating a medium, and can also be applied to a cooling system that uses, for example, a so-called cooling tower. An example of this system is shown in Figure 8.

[0048] The cooling system shown in this figure is installed within a building, such as a building, and is composed of a medium pipe branching out and running throughout the building and a cooling tower installed on the building's rooftop. The medium pipe runs throughout the building, contacts the object to be cooled, and absorbs its heat. The absorbed heat is then dissipated in the cooling tower, thereby cooling at least one of the building and the object to be cooled within the building. Furthermore, as described above, by connecting an electrostatic rectifier to the cooling pipe and applying the signal to the medium to supply an electric charge, it is possible to improve and enhance cooling efficiency. Furthermore, in the case of a cooling tower, if the medium is water, the pulsed signal can also effectively remove scale that forms on the pipe walls due to calcium, magnesium, and other substances contained in the water.

[0049] In this embodiment, a cooling device has been described as an example for the sake of clarity, but a heat pump or the like is an application of a refrigerant cycle, and therefore can also be used as a heating device. Examples of such a heating device include, but are not limited to, a floor heating device, a hot water supply device, and a boiler.

[0050] As described above, the present invention can provide a temperature control device, an electrostatic rectifier for a temperature control device, and a method for improving efficiency that can solve electrical problems of the medium and achieve higher heat transfer efficiency. [Example]

[0051] Here, the temperature control device was actually prototyped and its effects were confirmed as follows.

[0052] First, we actually created the electrical circuit of the electrostatic rectifier shown in Figure 5 above, and generated a pulsed decay wave signal. Figure 9 shows the pulsed decay wave signal that was actually generated. This figure shows the results of observing the signal wave using an oscilloscope. Note that (B) in the figure is an enlarged view of a portion of (A). As a result, a pulsed signal was applied every 40 μs, and a detailed examination of this pulsed signal confirmed that it was a decay wave with a period of 200 ns (0.2 μs).

[0053] On the other hand, a small rectangular coil was also created by winding a 0.2 mm diameter conductor 300 times. A photograph of this coil is shown in Figure 10.

[0054] Furthermore, a conductor connected to the electrostatic rectifier was connected to the conduit, and the rectangular small coil was also placed. The medium pipe was filled with refrigerant, and the refrigerant efficiency was checked. It was confirmed that the refrigerant cooling efficiency was improved compared to when the rectangular small coil was not placed.

[0055] As a result, the effects of the temperature control device and the method for improving the efficiency of the temperature control device according to the present invention were confirmed.

Claims

1. a medium pipe formed of a conductive material and containing and circulating a medium; a housing that accommodates the medium pipe; an electrostatic rectifier electrically connected to the medium tube and supplying a pulsed signal; A temperature control device comprising: a magnetic field generator that generates a magnetic field in the medium pipe; The temperature control device, wherein the magnetic field generator is also electrically connected to the electrostatic rectifier.

2. 2. The temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field generator is a coil wound around the medium pipe and generates a magnetic field in a direction substantially parallel to the extension direction of the medium pipe.

3. 2. The temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field generator is a coil that generates a magnetic field in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the medium pipe.

4. 4. The temperature control device according to claim 3, wherein the winding surface of the coil is bent along the medium pipe.

5. 3. The temperature control device according to claim 2, wherein the coil and the medium pipe are bonded together with an insulating material.

6. a medium pipe formed of a conductive material and containing and circulating a medium; A method for improving efficiency of a temperature control device comprising: the temperature control device includes an electrostatic rectifier connected to the medium pipe; a magnetic field generator that generates a magnetic field within the medium pipe, the magnetic field generator is also electrically connected to the electrostatic rectifier; A method for improving the efficiency of a temperature control device, which generates a magnetic field within the medium pipe while supplying a pulsed signal to the medium pipe using the electrostatic rectifier.

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