Magnetic Cooling Apparatus with Cam-Driven Thermal Fluid Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic cooling apparatuses are not compact enough and lack efficient heat exchange mechanisms, limiting their ability to effectively cool and heat thermal fluids using magnetic regenerators with varying magnetic fields.
Innovation Solution
A compact magnetic cooling apparatus with a static module and rotating module, featuring a cam-driven actuator system that directs thermal fluid through separate heat exchangers based on magnetic field application, utilizing multiple magnetic regenerators with alternating magnetic fields to efficiently cool and heat air streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional magnetic cooling apparatus structures are used, then cooling function is provided, but the apparatus size is large and not compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnetic regenerator and heat exchanger into a single integrated module, eliminating the need for separate components and connecting pipes. This merging of functions reduces the overall apparatus volume while maintaining the cooling capability, directly resolving the contradiction between cooling function and compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a magnetic regenerator for cooling and a heat exchanger for thermal transfer. This multi-functionality allows the apparatus to achieve the same cooling effect with a more compact structure, addressing the volume versus operational effectiveness contradiction.
2Loss of energy
If thermal fluid is passed through magnetic regenerator and heat exchanger separately, then heat exchange occurs, but the apparatus lacks efficient heat exchange mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the heat exchanger within the magnetic regenerator structure, the patent enables direct thermal coupling between the thermal fluid and magnetic thermal material. This eliminates intermediate heat transfer steps and improves heat exchange efficiency while simplifying the overall mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design allows continuous heat exchange between the thermal fluid and magnetic thermal material throughout the regenerator length, rather than discrete heat transfer steps. This continuous thermal interaction improves energy efficiency by maintaining optimal temperature gradients throughout the cooling process.
3Temperature
If magnetic field is applied to magnetic regenerator, then temperature increases, but cooling of thermal fluid is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic application and removal of magnetic fields to the magnetic regenerator. During magnetic field application, the magnetic thermal material heats up and transfers heat to the thermal fluid; during field removal, the material cools down and absorbs heat from the thermal fluid. This periodic cycling enables effective cooling despite the temperature increase during magnetization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the reversible phase transition-like behavior of magnetic thermal materials between magnetized and demagnetized states. This phase change analogy allows the material to alternately store and release thermal energy, enhancing the cooling capacity while managing the temperature variations inherent in magnetic field application.
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 efficient cooling and heating of air streams by leveraging the temperature changes in magnetic regenerators, enhancing heat exchange efficiency and compactness, allowing for serial or parallel configuration of units to cover broader temperature ranges.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic cooling apparatus configured to execute cooling by use of characteristics of magnetic thermal material
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
Data Source
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AI summary
A magnetic cooling apparatus may include a static module and a rotating module rotatably provided at the static module. The static 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 rotating module without an additional configuration, which enables the magnetic cooling apparatus to have a similar configuration.