Magnetic refrigeration device and refrigeration cycle device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic refrigeration devices using a pump to regulate refrigerant flow rate and direction are large, complex, and costly due to the need for additional components like pumps and control devices to synchronize refrigerant flow with magnetic field application and removal.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic refrigeration device design that utilizes first and second piping systems and a switching unit controlled by a magnetic field generating unit, eliminating the need for pumps and control devices by automatically synchronizing refrigerant flow with magnetic field application and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pump and control device are used to regulate refrigerant flow rate and direction, then the refrigerant flow can be synchronized with magnetic field application, but the device size, structural complexity, and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant flow itself generates the magnetic field through its motion in the magnetic field generating unit, creating a self-synchronized system where the refrigerant serves both as the cooling medium and the trigger for magnetic field application, eliminating the need for external pumps and control devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump-based flow control system with a magnetic field-based control system where the magnetic field generating unit directly responds to refrigerant flow to apply or eliminate magnetic fields, substituting mechanical components with a field-based control mechanism
2Reliability
If a pump and control device are used to regulate refrigerant flow rate and direction, then the refrigerant flow can be synchronized with magnetic field application, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the pump, control device, and magnetic field generating unit into a single integrated magnetic field generating unit that both drives refrigerant flow and applies magnetic fields, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device size
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field generating unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it generates magnetic fields for magnetocaloric effect, drives refrigerant flow through magnetic force, and acts as the control mechanism, making a single component universal and reducing device footprint
3Reliability
If a pump and control device are used to regulate refrigerant flow rate and direction, then the refrigerant flow can be synchronized with magnetic field application, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the pump and control device from the system, retaining only the essential magnetic field generating unit and magnetocaloric material, thereby simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing component procurement costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple magnetic field generating unit with no moving parts or complex electronics, using inexpensive magnetic materials and straightforward construction methods that are easier and cheaper to manufacture than pump-based systems
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 design reduces device size, complexity, and manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for pumps and control devices, while maintaining efficient refrigerant flow and heat exchange.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic refrigeration device and a refrigeration cycle device using a magnetocaloric material have been known
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic field generating unit is capable of applying a magnetic field to the magnetocaloric material
Implementation Method 3
The switching unit switches between a first state and a second state in response to the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic refrigeration device includes a magnetocaloric material, first piping, second piping, a magnetic field generating unit, and a switching unit. The first piping supplies a refrigerant to the magnetocaloric material in a first refrigerant direction. The second piping supplies the refrigerant to the magnetocaloric material in a second refrigerant direction. The magnetic field generating unit is capable of applying a magnetic field to the magnetocaloric material. The switching unit switches between a first state and a second state in response to the magnetic field. In the first state, the refrigerant is supplied from the first piping to the magnetocaloric material. In the second state, the refrigerant is supplied from the second piping to the magnetocaloric material.