Annular Solid Refrigerant Module for Low-Dead-Volume Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic refrigeration modules face inefficiencies in temperature regulation due to magnetic flux leakage, eddy current losses, and dead volume in the refrigerant flow paths, which affect the overall performance and capacity of the cooling system.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an annular storing portion with a housing portion that houses a magnetic working substance and forms flow paths for the heating medium, featuring intermediate flow paths and spaces that widen the flow of the heating medium, reducing dead volume and enhancing the magnetocaloric effect, while the magnetic circuit is optimized to minimize magnetic resistance and prevent heat leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional flow paths are used in magnetic refrigeration modules, then the structure is simple, but dead volume increases and refrigerating capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is divided into multiple segments including intermediate flow paths and spaces, allowing the heating medium to flow through distinct zones that reduce dead volume while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path design extends into additional spatial dimensions by incorporating intermediate flow paths and spaces that widen the flow in specific directions, reducing dead volume without simply increasing the overall size of the module
2Productivity
If magnetic circuit is not optimized, then manufacturing is easier, but magnetic resistance increases and performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic circuit is optimized with locally varied properties including specific magnetic material placements and circuit configurations that reduce magnetic resistance in critical areas while maintaining manufacturability through standardized components in other areas
3Productivity
If heat leakage prevention measures are not taken, then the structure is simpler, but temperature regulation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Heat leakage paths are identified and extracted from the main structure by implementing separate thermal management zones and insulation barriers, preventing heat transfer between regions while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration improves the performance and refrigerating capacity of the magnetic refrigeration module by reducing magnetic resistance, preventing heat leakage, and optimizing the flow paths, leading to more efficient temperature regulation and reduced energy losses.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic refrigeration module for creating a cold thermal energy and a warm thermal energy by utilizing a magnetocaloric effect has been known
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling module for solid-state refrigerant cooling includes an annular storing portion having a housing portion, low and high temperature side inflow paths, low and high temperature side outflow paths, first and second spaces between the first and second ends of housing flow paths and the low and high temperature side inflow paths, and first and second intermediate flow paths. The first intermediate flow path is in fluid communication with the low temperature side inflow path and the first space, and is configured to widen a flow of the heating medium flowing from the low temperature side inflow path to the first space. The second intermediate flow path is in fluid communication with the high temperature side inflow path and the second space, and is configured to widen a flow of the heating medium flowing from the high temperature side inflow path to the second space.