Eddy Current Heating Device with Alternating Permanent Magnets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wind electric generating facilities have complex structures and experience significant energy loss due to multistage energy conversion, and the magnetic flux density reaching the rotor in current heat generators is low, resulting in insufficient thermal energy recovery from kinetic energy.

Innovation Solution

An eddy current heat generating apparatus with a rotary shaft, a heat generator, and a magnet holder that arrays permanent magnets with opposite magnetic pole arrangements to enhance magnetic flux density, coupled with a heat recovery system using a closed container and heat medium to efficiently collect thermal energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If permanent magnets are arrayed with same magnetic pole arrangements, then the structure is simple, but the magnetic flux density reaching the heat generator is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnet arrangement simplicityVSAvoidmagnetic flux density
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by arranging permanent magnets with alternating opposite magnetic pole orientations (north-south-north-south pattern) rather than uniform alignment. This asymmetric magnetic pole arrangement creates concentrated magnetic flux density in the gap between the heat generator and magnets, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and magnetic flux density enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Use of energy by moving object

If multistage energy conversion is used, then energy conversion is achieved, but energy loss increases and structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy conversionVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the heat generation function from the traditional multistage energy conversion system. By directly converting kinetic energy of the rotary shaft into thermal energy through eddy currents in the heat generator, it eliminates intermediate conversion stages (hydraulic pump, hydraulic motor, etc.), thereby reducing energy loss and simplifying the structure while maintaining effective energy conversion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical hydraulic transmission system with a direct electromagnetic conversion system. Instead of using hydraulic pumps and motors for energy conversion, it employs eddy current heating to directly transform mechanical kinetic energy into thermal energy, reducing mechanical complexity and energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Quantity of substance

If conventional heat collection method is used, then heat can be collected, but heat loss to surrounding environment occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal energy collectionVSAvoidheat loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by placing the heat generator inside a heat-insulated container or housing structure. This nested configuration allows efficient heat collection from the heat generator while providing thermal insulation to prevent heat loss to the surrounding environment, thereby improving thermal energy retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 apparatus achieves high magnetic flux density and efficient heat generation, allowing for effective recovery of thermal energy from kinetic energy with reduced energy loss and simplified structure.

Implementation Method 1

employing permanent magnets (hereinafter referred to simply as 'magnets') and utilizing eddy currents generated by the effects of magnetic fields from the magnets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 2

utilizing eddy currents generated by the effects of magnetic fields from the magnets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic fields: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3217521B1Eddy current type heating device
Publication Date: 2021.08.11 NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION
  • EP3217521B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3217521B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3217521B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosed heat generating apparatus (1) includes: a rotary shaft (3), a heat generator (4), a plurality of permanent magnets (5), a magnet holder (6), and a heat recovery system. The rotary shaft (3) is rotatably supported by a non-rotative body (2). The heat generator (4) is fixed to the rotary shaft (3). The magnets (5) are arrayed to face the heat generator (4) with a gap such that magnetic pole arrangements of adjacent ones of the magnets are opposite to each other. The magnet holder (6) holds the magnets (5) and is fixed to the body (2). The heat recovery system collects heat generated in the heat generator (4).