Modular Magnetocaloric Thermal Generator With Alternating Flow Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetocaloric thermal generators face challenges with high thermal inertia, high costs, and non-modular configurations due to the use of a single collector circuit and limited energy efficiency, especially with short cycle times and low temperature gradients.
Innovation Solution
A compact, modular magnetocaloric thermal generator design featuring stacked thermal elements with alternating hot and cold channels for separate heat transfer fluids, allowing for flexible configuration and high energy efficiency through optimized fluid flow and exchange surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single collector circuit with a single heat transfer fluid is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but thermal inertia increases which penalizes energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The single collector circuit is segmented into two separate collector circuits: a hot collector circuit and a cold collector circuit. Each circuit has its own heat transfer fluid that circulates independently through channels delimited by thermal elements. This segmentation eliminates the thermal inertia problem because each fluid only needs to be heated or cooled, not both, thereby improving energy efficiency while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular circuit design.
2Area of stationary object
If thermal elements are arranged to create separate hot and cold channels with alternating configuration, then the exchange surface increases and transfer coefficient improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal elements are designed with internal channels that are nested within the structure of the thermal elements themselves. The hot and cold channels are alternately arranged within the same thermal element assembly, creating a compact nested structure. This nesting approach maximizes the exchange surface area within a limited volume while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process, as the channels are formed as integral parts of the thermal element structure rather than requiring separate complex assemblies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of thermal elements and modules is increased to respond to a wide range of applications, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic configurability where thermal modules can be added or removed from the assembly depending on the specific application requirements. The number of thermal elements within each module can be adjusted, and modules can be connected in series or parallel configurations. This dynamic adaptability allows the same basic design to serve a wide range of applications from small-scale to large-scale thermal management needs without requiring completely different designs, thereby improving versatility while controlling complexity through standardized modular units.
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 modular design enhances energy efficiency, reduces costs, and allows for a wide range of applications by varying the number of thermal elements and modules, achieving a high transfer coefficient and efficient energy recovery.
Implementation Method 1
thermal elements with magnetocaloric material, magnetic means arranged to create a magnetic field variation in said thermal elements and to vary their temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a compact, multipurpose magnetocaloric thermal generator with high heat yield, having a maximum heat exchange coefficient, while being easily industrializable and having a modular configuration in order to meet the needs of a broad range of industrial as well as household applications. The thermal generator (1) is characterized in that it comprises at least one thermal module (10) having a plurality of thermal elements (40), stacked and arranged to define between them channels for the circulation of heat transfer fluid, distributed in hot channels in which the heat transfer fluid from the hot collector circuit circulates and in cold channels in which the heat transfer fluid from the cold collector circuit circulates, the hot and cold channels being alternated between said thermal elements (40), and in that said thermal elements (40) include fluid intake and outlet orifices that communicate with each other in such a manner as to distribute the flow of the heat transfer fluid from each hot and cold collector circuit respectively in the respective hot and cold channels. Applications: Heating, tempering, air conditioning, refrigeration in any industrial or household facility.