Temperature control device, in particular vehicle temperature control device
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature control devices using the magnetocaloric effect are limited by small temperature differences, requiring multi-stage processes to achieve significant temperature changes, which complicates their structure and operation.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control device with a compact, elongated design featuring magnetocaloric material and a magnetic field arrangement with alternating heating and cooling areas, allowing for multi-stage temperature control through sequential alignment of heat transfer medium flow zones and magnetic fields, enabling efficient heat transfer between input and dissipation fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multi-stage processes are used to achieve larger temperature changes, then temperature change capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control device is divided into multiple temperature control bodies arranged in series, each capable of independent magnetic field interaction. This segmentation allows each body to contribute to the overall temperature change through cumulative effect, achieving larger temperature differences without requiring complex multi-stage process control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple temperature control bodies are combined in a single integrated device structure with shared magnetic field generation and heat transfer medium circulation. The magnetic field generating device interacts with all temperature control bodies simultaneously, and the heat transfer medium flows through all bodies in sequence, merging multiple functions into a unified system that achieves large temperature changes without increasing operational complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple temperature control bodies are used to achieve larger temperature changes, then temperature control efficiency is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control bodies are arranged in a compact nested configuration where multiple bodies are positioned in close proximity within the same housing space. The magnetic field generating device is positioned to interact with all bodies simultaneously, and the heat transfer medium flows through a compact circuit that visits all bodies in sequence, achieving high temperature control efficiency without proportionally increasing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control bodies are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration rather than a simple linear sequence, allowing more bodies to be packed into a smaller overall volume. The magnetic field and heat transfer medium circulation are designed to efficiently interact with all bodies in this compact arrangement, maintaining high productivity while minimizing device footprint.
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 temperature control efficiency, allowing for larger temperature changes with a simple and compact structure, particularly advantageous for vehicle air conditioning by optimizing heat transfer and fluid circulation.
Implementation Method 1
When moving into the magnetic field, a spin alignment of the electrons of the magnetocaloric material takes place under the influence of the magnetic field. This spin alignment or alignment of the magnetic moments in the magnetic field has the consequence that the magnetic entropy decreases. Since the total entropy of the system cannot decrease, a thermal entropy manifested in a rise in temperature increases.
Implementation Method 2
If the magnetocaloric material is moved out of the magnetic field, the reverse process takes place. The temperature of a magnetocaloric material that is moved out of a magnetic field decreases.
Implementation Method 3
Heat is transferred from the heat input fluid to the heat dissipation fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A temperature control unit includes a temperature control body made of magnetocaloric material and elongated in a longitudinal direction (L), through which or/and around which heat transfer medium can flow. A magnetic field arrangement (16) has magnetic field heating areas (22) arranged following one another in a shifting direction (V) and cooling areas (24) between the magnetic field heating areas (22). A plurality of heat transfer medium flow zones (Zi) following one another in the longitudinal direction (L) are provided with the temperature control body (14). At least two heat transfer medium flow zones (Zi) adjacent to one another in the longitudinal direction (L) of the temperature control body provide a heat transfer medium circulation sector (I, II, III, IV). Heat input fluid, flowing relative to heat transfer medium flow zones (Z1), feed heat in and heat discharge fluid flowing relative to heat transfer medium flow zones (Z8) discharging heat.