Magnetocaloric Rotor Layout With Integrated Fluid Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetocaloric thermal appliances face challenges in compactness and energy efficiency due to complex and voluminous fluidic circuits, which increase the size and reduce the performance of the devices.
Innovation Solution
A magnetocaloric thermal appliance with three coaxial magnetic rotors and a central actuator-controlled cam system, where magnetocaloric elements are connected serially in fluidic loops, optimizing the size and hydraulic circuit complexity, allowing for efficient heat transfer fluid circulation and reduced pipe lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If complex fluidic circuits are used to connect magnetocaloric elements, then heat transfer capability is improved, but device volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fluidic circuits into a single integrated circuit that serves all magnetocaloric elements. The fluidic circuit is designed to sequentially connect different magnetocaloric elements during their respective magnetization and demagnetization phases, eliminating the need for separate circuits for each element and significantly reducing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching mechanisms (valves and connection means) that allow the fluidic circuit configuration to change over time. The circuit dynamically reconfigures to connect magnetocaloric elements based on their operational phase, enabling a single circuit to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate static circuits.
2Power
If complex fluidic circuits with multiple connections are used, then thermal performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operation of magnetocaloric elements into distinct phases (magnetization and demagnetization) and uses a centralized control mechanism to manage fluidic connections. Rather than creating complex interconnections between all elements, the system segments control functions and manages them sequentially through a unified circuit architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidic circuit is designed as a universal system that can serve all magnetocaloric elements throughout their operational cycles. The same circuit performs multiple functions: cooling elements during demagnetization, heating elements during magnetization, and transitioning between different operational modes, thereby reducing the need for specialized dedicated circuits.
3Area of stationary object
If longer pipe lengths are used in fluidic connections, then heat exchange surface is increased, but hydraulic head loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear pipe-based heat exchange to a three-dimensional integrated heat exchanger structure. The heat exchanger is designed with multiple surfaces and spatial arrangements that maximize heat exchange area within a compact volume, eliminating the need for long pipe lengths and the associated hydraulic losses.
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 configuration reduces the volume and weight of the appliance, enhances the magnetocaloric material usage, and improves thermal output by minimizing hydraulic head loss and thermal losses, achieving a better energy efficiency and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
magnetocaloric elements, which vary in temperature as a function of the magnetic field to which they are subjected
Implementation Method 2
This heat transfer fluid is circulated to enter into thermal contact with said magnetocaloric materials, so that it heats up on contact with the magnetocaloric material during a so-called magnetization phase and cools down on contact with the magnetocaloric material during a so-called demagnetization phase
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetocaloric thermal appliance comprising three coaxial magnetic rotors (R1, R2, R3) rotatable about a rotational axis (R), provided with diametrally opposed magnetic poles (P), aligned with each other, and delimiting air gaps therebetween located in two parallel air gap planes (PE1, PE2). Two holders (S1, S2) for magnetocaloric elements (M11, M12, M15, M17, M18) are located in the air gap planes. Magnetocaloric elements (M11, M12, M15, M17, M18) are carried by the two holders (S1, S2) and in fluidic communication with each other by at least one heat transfer fluid that circulates in determined fluidic loops (B1). Each fluidic loop (B1) is arranged for connecting, two by two, magnetocaloric elements (M11, M12; M17, M18) that respectively belong to the two holders (S1, S2). The magnetocaloric elements connected two by two are in a same magnetic state and positioned in front of each other.