Solid-State Magnetocaloric Refrigeration Using Sliding Metallic Masses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetocaloric refrigeration systems face challenges such as hydraulics and sealing issues due to rotary valve systems, material degradation from volume changes, and the need for high GWP refrigerants, which are addressed by developing a more efficient magnetocaloric system using solid materials and eliminating the need for working fluids and complex valve systems.
Innovation Solution
A magnetocaloric system utilizing solid rods or sheets with through channels instead of working fluids, and a solid body with layered discs for magnetic material, eliminating the need for pumps and valves, and enhancing magnetic flux and heat transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If working fluids are used to transfer heat, then heat transfer is achieved, but pumping systems and complicated valve systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the working fluid from the heat transfer process. Instead of using conventional refrigerants that require pumps and valves, the invention uses solid magnetocaloric material rods that directly transfer heat through conduction and convection during their movement between magnetic fields, thereby removing the need for complex pumping and valve systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pumping and valve control system with a solid-state heat transfer mechanism. The solid magnetocaloric rods move through magnetic fields and transfer heat directly to heat exchangers through thermal conduction and natural convection, substituting the mechanical fluid handling system with a solid-state thermal transfer system
2Ease of operation
If rotary valve systems are used for fluid control, then fluid direction is controlled, but hydraulics and sealing problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rotary valve system entirely from the design. Fluid direction control is achieved passively through the physical arrangement of heat exchangers and the movement of solid magnetocaloric rods, eliminating the need for mechanical valves and their associated sealing and hydraulic problems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural movement of solid magnetocaloric rods between magnetic fields to automatically direct heat flow. The rods themselves serve as both the working material and the heat transfer medium, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms and reducing system complexity
3Quantity of substance
If powdered magnetocaloric material is used in the generator, then the material can be packed densely, but rubbing or grinding effect causes material degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the magnetocaloric material from powdered to solid rod form. This parameter change eliminates the rubbing and grinding effects that cause degradation in powdered materials, while still achieving high packing density through optimized rod arrangement in the magnetic field
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses solid rod structures of magnetocaloric material that combine the benefits of high density with mechanical stability. The solid rod composite structure resists degradation from magnetic field-induced volume changes while maintaining high material quantity for effective heat transfer
4Temperature
If conventional vapor compression systems are used, then refrigeration is achieved, but high GWP refrigerants are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the working medium from conventional vapor-compression refrigerants to solid magnetocaloric materials. This parameter change eliminates the need for high GWP refrigerants entirely, using instead the magnetocaloric effect in solid materials to achieve refrigeration through magnetic field-induced temperature changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the vapor compression mechanism with the magnetocaloric effect. Instead of compressing and expanding refrigerant vapor mechanically, the system uses magnetic field application to induce temperature changes in solid magnetocaloric materials, achieving cooling without harmful refrigerants
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 solution significantly improves system efficiency, reduces material mass, increases magnetic flux, and enhances cooling/heating power, allowing for a compact, cost-effective, and efficient magnetocaloric refrigeration unit capable of both cooling and heating.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetocaloric refrigeration is an emerging technology which has potential to be more efficient than conventional vapor compression systems
Implementation Method 2
A magnetocaloric system utilizing solid rods or sheets with through channels instead of working fluids, and a solid body with layered discs for magnetic material, eliminating the need for pumps and valves, and enhancing magnetic flux and heat transfer efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetocaloric cooling system comprising a solid body or bodies, such as a cylinder or cube, having a plurality of channels extending between a first end and a second end of the cylinder or cube and a magnet at least partially surrounding the cylinder or cube. A metallic mass, such as a rod or plate, is positioned within each channel and slides within a respective channel between two sliding extremities so that in each sliding extremity, a portion of each metallic mass extends beyond an end of the solid body. A motor is used for reciprocating the metallic masses between the sliding extremities and a heat exchange mechanism directs heating or cooling where desired.