Magnetic Cooling Apparatus with Cam-Driven Thermal Fluid Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic cooling apparatuses are bulky and complex, lacking in compactness and efficiency in heat exchange processes due to their design and operation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A compact magnetic cooling apparatus with a fixing module and a rotation module, featuring multiple magnetic regenerators, heat exchangers, and a thermal fluid supplying apparatus that utilizes a cam-driven actuator system to manage thermal fluid flow based on magnetic field application, simplifying the structure and enhancing heat exchange efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional magnetic cooling apparatus uses a magnet and magnetic regenerator rotated by a driving motor, then cooling function is achieved, but the structure becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into a fixing module containing magnetic regenerators and a rotation module containing the magnet, allowing independent rotation of the magnet rather than rotating entire assemblies. This segmentation simplifies the driving mechanism and reduces structural complexity while maintaining cooling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the magnetic regenerator through the magnet as in conventional designs, this invention inverts the approach by rotating the magnet through the stationary magnetic regenerator. This inversion simplifies the mechanical structure and reduces the complexity of the driving motor system.
2Productivity
If thermal fluid is continuously circulated through magnetic regenerators, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the system requires complex flow control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal fluid flow is controlled through periodic alternation of magnetic field application. The actuator periodically switches the magnetic field on and off, causing thermal fluid to alternately flow through different magnetic regenerators in the fixing module. This periodic action achieves continuous heat exchange efficiency without requiring complex continuous flow control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic regenerators themselves control the thermal fluid flow direction through their magnetic properties. When a magnetic regenerator is magnetized, it attracts and directs thermal fluid through it; when demagnetized, thermal fluid flows through other regenerators. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external complex flow control valves or pumps.
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 a more compact and efficient cooling process by rotating magnetic regenerators to alternately apply and remove magnetic fields, optimizing thermal fluid flow and heat exchange, thereby improving cooling performance and reducing structural complexity.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic thermal materials provided with temperature thereof increasing when a magnetic field is applied and decreasing when a magnetic field is removed
Implementation Method 2
heat exchanging unit provided such that thermal fluid passed through the magnetic regenerator may heat-absorb the heat of outside air or radiate heat to outside air
Implementation Method 3
thermal fluid passed through the magnetic regenerator may heat-absorb the heat of outside air or radiate heat to outside air
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic cooling apparatus may include a fixing module and a rotation module rotatably provided at the fixing module. The fixing module includes a plurality of magnetic regenerators and a thermal fluid supply apparatus allowing thermal fluid to exchange with the plurality of magnetic regenerators, and the thermal fluid supplying apparatus is configured to operate by the rotation module without an additional configuration, which enables the magnetic cooling apparatus to have a similar configuration.