Solid-state refrigeration apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid-state refrigeration systems lack efficient control over heating and cooling capacities due to limitations in the design of magnetic refrigerators and bypass mechanisms, leading to suboptimal performance and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state refrigeration apparatus featuring cascaded magnetic refrigerators with different Curie temperatures and bypass mechanisms that allow the heating medium to flow through or bypass specific refrigerators, controlled by a controller to adjust the heating and cooling capacities dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple magnetic refrigerators are connected in series with bypass channels, then the adjustability of heating and cooling capacities is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the refrigeration apparatus into multiple independent magnetic refrigerator modules (first magnetic refrigerator, second magnetic refrigerator, etc.), each capable of being individually controlled through separate bypass channels. This segmentation allows selective operation of different modules to achieve variable heating and cooling capacities while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design.
2Loss of energy
If bypass mechanisms are added to control heating medium flow, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass mechanisms incorporate dynamic control elements (valves) that can adjust the flow path of the heating medium in real-time based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize energy efficiency by directing the heating medium through active magnetic refrigerator modules while bypassing inactive ones, reducing unnecessary energy consumption without requiring overly complex fixed infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic refrigerators with different Curie temperatures are used, then the adaptability to varying operating conditions is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs magnetic refrigerator modules with different local qualities - specifically, modules filled with different magnetic working substances having distinct Curie temperatures (e.g., gadolinium-based materials with different compositions). Each module is optimized for specific temperature ranges, allowing the system to adapt to varying operating conditions. This approach manages manufacturing precision requirements by standardizing module designs while varying only the magnetic substance composition, which can be controlled through established metallurgical processes.
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 enhances the adjustable heating and cooling capacities of the system, maintaining temperature stability and improving energy efficiency by optimizing the magnetocaloric effect across varying operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
solid refrigerant substance configured to have a caloric effect on an external energy
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state refrigeration apparatus includes a plurality of solid refrigerators, a heating medium circuit with the plurality of solid refrigerators connected, and a conveying mechanism to convey a heating medium in the heating medium circuit. Each of the solid refrigerators includes a solid refrigerant substance having a caloric effect on an external energy and an induction section to cause the solid refrigerant substance to produce the caloric effect. The heating medium circuit includes first and second channels in which the solid refrigerators are connected in series and through which the heating medium is supplied to first and second heat exchange sections. At least one bypass mechanism is connected to the first and/or second channel. The bypass mechanism switches between an action of making the heating medium flow through the solid refrigerator and an action of making the heating medium bypass the solid refrigerator.