Magnetic Refrigerator Testing System with Adjustable Load Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing testing systems for magnetic refrigerators face increased workload when replacing cold end loads, leading to inefficiencies and reduced accuracy in refrigeration power measurement due to the need for dismounting and reconfiguring components.

Innovation Solution

A testing system with paired magnetic regenerator modules, an adjustable load, fixed loads, and a flow direction control structure that allows for controllable heat exchange fluid flow and temperature measurement, enabling flexible load switching and reducing dead volume for improved accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the cold end load is replaced by dismounting and reconfiguring components, then different load powers can be tested, but the testing workload increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload replacement capabilityVSAvoidtesting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic load switching by replacing fixed load connections with controllable switching mechanisms (electromagnetic valves and flow direction control structures) that enable real-time transition between different load configurations without physical disassembly, thereby maintaining adaptability while dramatically improving testing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal testing platform where a single system can accommodate multiple different cold end loads through the adjustable load module and switching mechanisms, allowing one system to perform multiple testing functions without requiring separate testing setups for each load type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cold end load is replaced by dismounting components, then different load powers can be tested, but the measurement accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload replacement capabilityVSAvoidrefrigeration power measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary thermal compensation by pre-heating the heat exchange fluid in the adjustable load module before it enters the magnetic regenerator module, ensuring that temperature measurements reflect actual refrigeration performance rather than being contaminated by thermal transients from load replacement operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary adjustable load module with flow direction control structures that mediates between the magnetic regenerator module and external loads, providing a stable thermal interface that ensures accurate measurement regardless of external load variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If traditional cold end radiator is used as fixed load, then system structure is simple, but the system lacks flexibility for different testing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structure simplicityVSAvoidtesting flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the load system into distinct functional modules: a fixed load module (cold end radiator) for structural simplicity and an adjustable load module with switching mechanisms for flexibility, allowing each module to fulfill its specific function while working together to provide both simplicity and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system allows for flexible load switching and precise temperature control, reducing the workload and improving the accuracy of refrigeration power measurement by ensuring unidirectional heat exchange fluid flow and uniform temperature distribution.

Implementation Method 1

a heater with controllable heating power... the heater is used to heat the heat exchange fluid inside the heating container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

Magnetic refrigeration is a solid-state refrigeration technology... A cold end of a regenerator of the traditional magnetic refrigerator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetocaloric effect: Magnetocaloric Effect

Implementation Method 3

The flow direction control structure includes a first check valve, a second check valve, a third check valve, and a fourth check valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCheck valve flow control: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS20250003839A1Testing system and testing method for magnetic refrigerator

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 BAOTOU RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF RARE EARTHS

AI summary

Disclosed are a testing system and testing method for a magnetic refrigerator. In the system, an adjustable load includes a heating container, and a flow direction control structure. The heating container is provided with an inlet, an outlet, and a heater with controllable heating power. The flow direction control structure is configured to enable a heat exchange fluid flowing out from a cold end of any magnetic regenerator module in magnetic regenerator modules arranged in pairs to flow into a cold end of another magnetic regenerator module through the inlet and outlet of the heating container in sequence, the heater is used to heat the heat exchange fluid inside the heating container, and an on-off state between the adjustable load and the cold end of any magnetic regenerator module is controllable.