Magnetocaloric Heat Generator With Parallel Heat Exchange Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetocaloric heat generators face inefficiencies in thermal energy transfer due to high energy consumption and incomplete heat exchange, particularly in configurations with reciprocating heat transfer fluid movement and short phase durations, leading to suboptimal performance and energy loss.
Innovation Solution
A magnetocaloric heat generator design featuring a closed constant-volume fluidic circuit with two distinct heat exchange areas connected in parallel, allowing the heat transfer fluid to circulate alternately through each area in a unidirectional manner, synchronized with magnetic field variations, to optimize thermal energy transfer between the heat generator and external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the heat transfer fluid is moved in reciprocating movement through the heat exchanger and magnetocaloric elements, then the heat transfer fluid circulates between cells, but the energy consumption increases and heat exchange becomes incomplete during short phase durations
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into a first heat exchanger connected to the first cell and a second heat exchanger connected to the second cell. The heat transfer fluid circulates through each heat exchanger in a unidirectional manner during its respective phase, rather than reciprocating through a single heat exchanger. This segmentation allows continuous unidirectional flow in each heat exchanger, improving heat exchange completeness while reducing energy consumption associated with direction changes.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single heat exchanger with reciprocating fluid flow that must change direction, the invention inverts the approach by using two separate heat exchangers where the fluid flows unidirectionally through each. The circulation path is reconfigured so that during the first phase fluid flows through the first heat exchanger in one direction, and during the second phase fluid flows through the second heat exchanger in one direction, eliminating the need for direction reversal and associated energy losses.
2Ease of operation
If the heat transfer fluid changes direction frequently to reintroduce through magnetocaloric elements, then circulation between cells is achieved, but heat transfer is not completed and inlet temperature is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two separate heat exchangers, each dedicated to a specific phase of the magnetocaloric cycle. The first heat exchanger handles fluid circulation during the first phase, and the second heat exchanger handles fluid circulation during the second phase. This segmentation allows each heat exchanger to operate with unidirectional flow, ensuring complete heat transfer and optimal inlet temperature for the magnetocaloric elements without frequent direction changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat transfer fluid is preliminarily heated or cooled in the dedicated heat exchanger before being reintroduced to the magnetocaloric elements. The first heat exchanger prepares the fluid for the first phase by achieving complete heat transfer, and the second heat exchanger prepares the fluid for the second phase. This preliminary action ensures the fluid enters the magnetocaloric elements at the optimal temperature required for efficient heat exchange, eliminating the suboptimal inlet temperature problem.
3Adaptability or versatility
If valves are used to direct heat transfer fluid in the heat exchanger, then fluid direction is controlled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid direction control function is achieved through segmentation of the heat exchanger system into two separate heat exchangers, each connected to a specific cell. The architecture itself provides directional control through its structure - the first heat exchanger is configured for fluid flow in one direction during the first phase, and the second heat exchanger is configured for fluid flow in one direction during the second phase. This structural segmentation eliminates the need for complex valve systems to redirect fluid, as the physical configuration inherently guides the fluid through the appropriate heat exchanger during each phase.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single heat exchanger with valves to control fluid direction, the invention inverts the approach by using two heat exchangers where the fluid path is determined by the system architecture rather than active valve control. The circulation means naturally directs fluid through the first heat exchanger during the first phase and through the second heat exchanger during the second phase, eliminating the need for valves and simplifying the device while maintaining adaptability.
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
This design enhances energy transfer efficiency by reducing energy consumption, improving performance (COP), and minimizing heat transfer fluid inertia, while ensuring optimal heat exchange through step-by-step fluid movement, thereby maximizing thermal energy exchange with external applications.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic arrangement intended to subject each magnetocaloric element to a variable magnetic field, creating alternately in said magnetocaloric element a heating phase and a cooling phase
Implementation Method 2
a means of circulation for a heat transfer fluid in thermal contact with said magnetocaloric element and circulating alternately towards one of the ends, and then towards the other and vice-versa
Implementation Method 3
thermal contact with said magnetocaloric element
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetocaloric heat generator (1) in which a driving mechanism is (26) in fluidic connection with first and second ends (3 and 4) of a thermal module (2), via at least one heat exchange mechanism (7, 27), so that the heat transfer fluid circulates in a closed constant-volume fluidic circuit through the magnetocaloric heat generator (1).