Magnetocaloric Thermal Unit Generation with Pulsed Electromagnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal generators using magnetocaloric materials face issues with high energy consumption, costly superconductive electromagnets, and frequent thermal fluid leaks due to mechanical complexity and relative movement between magnetic and magnetocaloric elements.
Innovation Solution
A device employing an electromagnet with a control unit generating impulsive magnetic fields based on predetermined pulse parameters, coupled with a thermal sensor to manage energy use and minimize mechanical parts, ensuring reliable operation and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electromagnets are used to generate magnetic fields, then magnetic power is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed magnetic fields instead of continuous magnetic fields. The electromagnet is activated in periodic pulses to generate the required magnetic field strength only when needed, rather than maintaining continuous operation. This periodic activation significantly reduces energy consumption while still achieving the necessary magnetic power for magnetocaloric effect generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the electromagnet by controlling pulse duration, frequency, and intensity through a power supply and control unit. By adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes the balance between magnetic power output and energy input, achieving satisfactory magnetic performance with reduced energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If magnetocaloric elements are mobile relative to magnetic means, then flexibility is improved, but tightness deteriorates and leaks occur frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by making the magnetic means mobile rather than the magnetocaloric elements. The electromagnet is positioned on a movable carriage that can translate along the tube axis, while the magnetocaloric elements remain fixed in stationary housings. This inversion eliminates the tightness problems associated with mobile magnetocaloric elements passing through seals, while still providing the necessary flexibility for thermal exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the mobility function from the magnetocaloric elements and transfers it to the magnetic means (electromagnet). By removing the mobile component from the sealed section and placing it in the electromagnet assembly, the system eliminates the source of leakage problems while maintaining operational flexibility through the movable electromagnet carriage.
3Use of energy by moving object
If permanent magnets are used, then energy consumption is reduced, but magnetic power becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static permanent magnets to dynamic electromagnets with controllable pulse operation. The electromagnet provides the necessary magnetic power when activated, and can be controlled to operate only during required periods, creating a dynamic system that balances power output with energy consumption rather than relying on static permanent magnet limitations.
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 solution reduces energy consumption, minimizes mechanical parts, and prevents thermal fluid leaks, achieving efficient and cost-effective thermal unit generation with improved reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic element is an electromagnet coupled to at least one power supply controlled by at least one control unit set up to generate electric pulses so as to create an impulsive magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
at least one magnetocaloric element intended to be alternatively subjected to the said magnetic field to generate calories and frigories
Implementation Method 3
at least one circuit for thermal exchange fluid of which at least a portion is placed in the immediate vicinity of the magnetocaloric element so as to recover at least part of the calories and/or frigories that it emits
Implementation Method 4
the said circuit being coupled to means of circulation of the thermal exchange fluid and to at least one heat exchanger set up to transfer at least part of the calories and/or frigories recovered by the said thermal exchange fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a device for generating thermal units using magnetocaloric material, with low energy consumption, evolutive, of a simple design, reliable operation, which allows to generate thermal units in a cost effective way while at the same time removing the risks of thermal fluid leakage and limiting the number of mechanical parts. The device (1a) for generating thermal units using magnetocaloric material comprises a magnetic element (2a) coupled to a power supply (3a), a magnetocaloric element (4a), a circuit (5) for thermal exchange fluid in which one or more thermal exchange fluids are made to circulate by means of circulation (6), and two heat exchangers (7, 8). The power supply (3a) is set up to generate electric pulses so as to create an impulsive magnetic field that causes the heating and the cooling of the magnetocaloric element (4a) and hence of the thermal exchange fluid.