Circular Magnetic Regenerator Layout for Uniform Flow and Low Torque
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic cooling systems with oval-shaped flux generators face inefficiencies due to uneven heat transfer fluid flow, which hinders the achievement of maximum cooling capacity, and results in increased torque, affecting the system's performance.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic regenerator unit with a circular structure and a magnetic band having a relative permeability similar to the magnetocaloric materials, alternately disposed with the regenerators, to facilitate even fluid flow and reduce torque, utilizing a compound material with iron powder and non-magnetic materials to adjust permeability and density for optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an oval-shaped flux generator is used, then the magnetic cooling system can be configured with permanent magnets and magnetocaloric materials, but the heat transfer fluid flow becomes uneven and cooling capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flux generator shape from oval to circular. This curvature change ensures uniform distribution of magnetic flux and enables even flow of heat transfer fluid through the magnetocaloric materials, directly resolving the flow uniformity issue while maintaining cooling capacity
2Force
If magnetocaloric materials are evenly arranged on the inner surface of the stator, then torque of the rotator is reduced, but the change of magnetic field is not proportional to heat transfer fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic bands with different relative permeabilities at different locations between the magnetocaloric materials and the permanent magnets. This local variation in magnetic properties creates proportional relationship between magnetic field change and heat transfer fluid flow, maximizing cooling capacity while maintaining low torque
3Temperature
If a magnetic band with high relative permeability is used, then magnetic field strength is increased, but manufacturing cost increases due to expensive magnetic materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite magnetic bands made by mixing magnetic material (iron powder) with non-magnetic material (plastic, polymer, or iron oxide). This composite structure achieves the required relative permeability range (20%-150% of magnetocaloric material) at lower cost compared to using purely high-permeability magnetic materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the relative permeability of magnetic bands by changing the volume ratio or density ratio of magnetic material in the composite. This parameter optimization allows achieving the desired magnetic field strength while controlling manufacturing costs through material composition adjustment
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 solution enables maximum cooling capacity and reduced torque, enhancing the efficiency of the magnetic cooling system while minimizing power consumption and manufacturing costs through the use of inexpensive materials.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic cooling system is configured to use a feature of magnetocaloric materials, which generates heat when magnetized by a magnetic field, and absorbs heat when demagnetized by an outer magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal may be provided with a magnetic regenerator unit using a magnetocaloric effect of magnetocaloric materials and a magnetic cooling system having the same. By a circular magnetic regenerator structure capable of evenly flowing heat transfer fluid and magnetic field and the flow of the heat transfer fluid being changed in the same way, and a magnetic band having a relative permeability, similar to a relative permeability of the magnetic regenerator, high efficiency of a flux generator may be obtained while reducing torque of a rotator. Power consumption for driving may be reduced due to the reduction of the cogging torque, and the magnetic band may be manufactured at a low cost by using inexpensive iron powder.