Magnetic Refrigerant Container Motion for Pump-Free Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic refrigeration techniques face challenges in achieving high refrigerating efficiency, particularly in the room temperature range, due to obstacles such as lattice entropy, which hinders the effective utilization of magnetocaloric effects for thermal storage and heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic refrigerating device with a moving magnetic material container and elastic members, powered by a magnetic-field applying/removing mechanism, eliminates the need for a refrigerant-moving power source, enhancing refrigerating efficiency by leveraging magnetocaloric effects for heat transfer between the magnetic material and refrigerant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional refrigeration system using chlorofluorocarbon compression cycle is used, then refrigeration function is achieved, but refrigeration efficiency is low and environmental harm occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical compression cycle system with a magnetic field-based active magnetic refrigeration system. The magnetic field applying/removing mechanism generates magnetic torque to move the magnetic material container through the refrigerant, eliminating the need for mechanical compressors and refrigerant circulation pumps, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving refrigeration efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the magnetocaloric effect where magnetic material undergoes phase transition in response to magnetic field changes. When magnetic field is applied, the magnetic material heats up; when magnetic field is removed, it cools down. This phase transition behavior is harnessed to transfer heat from the refrigerant to the magnetic material and back, achieving efficient refrigeration without mechanical compression
2Productivity
If lattice entropy is considered as an obstructive factor for magnetic refrigeration in room temperature range, then magnetic refrigeration performance is limited, but lattice entropy can be positively utilized for thermal storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the magnetic material container serve multiple functions: it acts as both the medium for heat exchange with the refrigerant and as a thermal storage device utilizing lattice entropy. The magnetic material container is moved through the refrigerant by magnetic torque, absorbing heat during magnetic field application and storing thermal energy in its lattice structure, then releasing heat during magnetic field removal, thereby achieving both refrigeration and thermal storage functions with a single component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously obstructive lattice entropy into a beneficial thermal storage mechanism. Instead of viewing lattice entropy as a factor limiting magnetic refrigeration performance in room temperature range, the invention harnesses it to store cold heat generated during magnetic refrigeration operation, transforming a limitation into an advantage that enhances overall system efficiency
3Device complexity
If a magnetic field applying/removing mechanism is used to move magnetic material container, then refrigerant-moving power source is eliminated, but magnetic field control system is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical systems for moving refrigerant with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic field applying/removing mechanism generates magnetic torque that directly moves the magnetic material container through the refrigerant, eliminating the need for mechanical pumps, valves, and complex refrigerant circulation systems. This substitution simplifies the overall system structure despite requiring magnetic field control
4Productivity
If magnetic material container moves in fixed container with refrigerant, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but friction and resistance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous heat exchange by moving the magnetic material container continuously through the refrigerant in a closed-loop path within the fixed container. The magnetic field applying/removing mechanism maintains continuous motion, and the magnetic material container repeatedly passes through regions of high and low magnetic field, enabling continuous heat absorption and release cycles that maximize heat exchange efficiency while minimizing energy loss through sustained operational flow
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 allows for efficient heat exchange and temperature difference generation, reducing energy consumption and improving refrigeration performance by eliminating the need for a refrigerant-moving power source, thereby enhancing refrigerating efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic refrigerating device which moves a magnetic material with respect to a refrigerant in a fixed container by applying and removing a magnetic field to and from the magnetic material
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic-field applying/removing mechanism which can apply and remove a magnetic field to and from the magnetic material and can generate a magnetic torque to the magnetic material container in the moving direction
Implementation Method 3
an elastic member provided at the end of the magnetic material container in the moving direction
Data Source
AI summary
The magnetic refrigerating device according to one embodiment includes a fixed container filled with a refrigerant, the fixed container including a magnetic material container that is filled with a magnetic material and that can move in the fixed container and an elastic member provided at the end of the magnetic material container. The magnetic refrigerating device also includes a magnetic-field applying/removing mechanism that is provided at the outside of the fixed container, and that can apply and remove a magnetic field to and from the magnetic material and can generate a magnetic torque to the magnetic material container in moving direction of the magnetic material container.