Magnetic refrigerator with a plurality of magneto-thermal containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The heat pump performance of magnetic refrigerators is affected by the shape of the magneto-thermal containers, which may not be optimal for varying environmental conditions, leading to inefficiencies in power usage.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic refrigerator with a controller that switches the connection mode of magneto-thermal containers between series and parallel configurations to adjust the cross-sectional area and length of the heat transport path, optimizing power efficiency based on environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the shape of the magneto-thermal container is determined in advance, then the device structure is simple, but the heat pump performance cannot be optimized for varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The magneto-thermal containers are configured to be switchable between series and parallel connections through valve control. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its heat transport characteristics to varying environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction between performance adaptability and device complexity by making the container arrangement changeable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The same set of magneto-thermal containers serves multiple functions by being able to operate in different configurations (series for high temperature difference, parallel for high heat transport amount). This multi-functionality allows a single device structure to handle various operational requirements without needing separate specialized containers for each condition.
2Temperature
If the magneto-thermal containers are connected in series, then the temperature difference between high-temperature end and low-temperature end increases, but the amount of heat transport decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between series and parallel connections of magneto-thermal containers based on operational requirements. When high temperature difference is needed, containers are connected in series; when high heat transport amount is needed, containers are connected in parallel. This dynamic switching resolves the trade-off by allowing optimal configuration selection for each operating condition.
3Quantity of substance
If the magneto-thermal containers are connected in parallel, then the amount of heat transport increases, but the temperature difference between high-temperature end and low-temperature end decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve control system enables dynamic reconfiguration of container connections. When high heat transport amount is the priority, the system switches to parallel connection mode; when high temperature difference is more important, it switches to series mode. This dynamic adaptability resolves the inverse relationship between heat transport amount and temperature difference.
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 improves power efficiency by adjusting the transport path to match target temperature differences and heat transport requirements, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective operation.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic refrigerator applies a magnetic field to a magneto-thermal container to cause generation or absorption of heat from or by the magnetocaloric material filling the magneto-thermal container
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic refrigerator includes: a pipe through which a heat transport medium is transported between a high-temperature end and a low-temperature end through a magneto-thermal container; a pump to transport the heat transport medium through the pipe between the high-temperature end and the low-temperature end; a valve to switch the pipe between an opened state and a closed state; and a controller to control the valve to switch a transport path of the heat transport medium. The controller is configured to switch the transport path between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the magneto-thermal containers are connected in series between the high-temperature end and the low-temperature end to allow transport of the heat transport medium. In the second mode, the magneto-thermal containers are connected in parallel between the high-temperature end and the low-temperature end to allow transport of the heat transport medium.