Cam-Driven Piston Pump for Magneto-Caloric Heat Transfer Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration heat pump systems using fluid refrigerants face efficiency limitations, environmental concerns, and impractical temperature operation ranges, while magneto-caloric materials offer higher theoretical efficiency but require cost-effective and practical equipment solutions for widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
A caloric heat pump system utilizing a piston with a cam follower and spring mechanism, integrated with a regenerator housing and magneto-caloric material stages that move between magnetic fields to efficiently circulate a working fluid for heating or cooling, enabling efficient heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional fluid refrigerant heat pump systems are used, then the system can operate with established technology, but the efficiency is limited to about forty-five percent or less of the maximum theoretical Carnot cycle efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from fluid refrigerant compression to solid magneto-caloric material magnetization/demagnetization cycles. This parameter change enables the system to achieve significantly higher Carnot cycle efficiency by utilizing the magneto-caloric effect, where magnetic field application causes heat generation and removal causes heat absorption in the caloric material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression system with a magnetic field-based system. Instead of mechanically compressing and expanding fluid refrigerant, the system uses magnetic field application and removal to drive the caloric material through heating and cooling cycles, eliminating the need for traditional compressors and associated mechanical losses.
2Loss of energy
If magneto-caloric materials are used to improve efficiency, then Carnot cycle efficiency can be significantly higher, but the equipment becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magneto-caloric material into discrete stages or modules that can be independently controlled by magnetic fields. This segmentation allows for simplified control architecture where each stage can be addressed separately, reducing overall system complexity despite using advanced caloric materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the magnetic field generation system to serve multiple functions: cooling the caloric material, heating the caloric material, and potentially driving auxiliary systems. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing equipment complexity while maintaining high efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If magneto-caloric materials are used, then theoretical Carnot cycle efficiency can be significantly higher, but the capital cost increases due to expensive magnets and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive magnetic field generation methods such as electromagnetic coils rather than expensive permanent magnets. The coils can be简单地 manufactured and replaced if needed, providing a cost-effective approach to generating the required magnetic fields while achieving high Carnot cycle efficiency with magneto-caloric materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluid-based heat transfer systems to manage thermal energy in the magneto-caloric material stages. By using conventional hydraulic or pneumatic fluid circulation systems rather than complex solid-state thermal management, the patent reduces capital costs while maintaining efficient heat transfer necessary for high Carnot cycle performance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fluid refrigerant systems are used, then the system can operate over a wide temperature range, but environmental concerns arise and some refrigerants have been discontinued
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the working substance from fluid refrigerant to solid magneto-caloric material, fundamentally altering the system's interaction with the environment. This parameter change eliminates environmental harm associated with refrigerant leakage while maintaining adaptability to various temperature ranges through selection of appropriate caloric materials with different Curie temperatures and magnetic properties.
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
The system achieves enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness by leveraging the magneto-caloric effect, allowing for practical application in appliances like refrigerators and potentially improving Carnot cycle efficiency beyond fluid refrigerant systems.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is disposed within the casing and coupled to the piston such that the spring urges the cam follower of the piston towards the bearing surface of the cam
Implementation Method 2
Magneto-caloric materials (MCMs), i.e. materials that exhibit the magneto-caloric effect, provide a potential alternative to fluid refrigerants for heat pump applications
Data Source
AI summary
A pump for a heat pump system includes a piston having a cam follower positioned on a bearing surface of a cam. A casing includes a first casing portion and a second casing that are mounted to each other. A piston head of the piston is disposed within the first casing portion, and the piston extends through the second casing portion. A spring urges the cam follower of the piston towards the bearing surface of the cam.