Solid-State Refrigeration with Thermal Storage for Defrosting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state refrigeration apparatuses, such as those using magnetic refrigeration, face challenges in providing sufficient heat to defrost low-temperature heat exchangers, as the heat from the high-temperature heat exchanger alone may be insufficient.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a thermal storage section and a reciprocating conveying mechanism in the solid-state refrigeration apparatus to store heat during the heat application operation, which is then used to defrost the low-temperature heat exchanger during the defrosting operation, ensuring sufficient heat is available for effective defrosting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heat from the high-temperature heat exchanger is used to defrost the low-temperature heat exchanger, then defrosting function is provided, but the heat amount is insufficient for effective defrosting
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal storage section stores heat in advance during the heat application operation, so that sufficient heat is available when defrosting is needed. This preliminary accumulation of thermal energy ensures reliable defrosting capability without being limited by the instantaneous heat availability from the high-temperature heat exchanger.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal distribution of heat transfer by introducing a thermal storage section. Heat is transferred to the thermal storage section during heat application operation and then transferred to the low-temperature heat exchanger during defrosting operation, effectively increasing the available heat amount for defrosting.
2Quantity of substance
If a thermal storage section is added to store heat, then sufficient heat is available for defrosting, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal storage section serves multiple functions: it stores heat during heat application operation, supplies heat during defrosting operation, and integrates into the existing heating medium circuit. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by providing both heat accumulation and circuit integration benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal storage section acts as an intermediary between the high-temperature heat exchanger and the low-temperature heat exchanger. It receives heat from the heating medium during heat application and releases heat to the heating medium during defrosting, mediating the heat transfer process to ensure sufficient heat availability.
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 ensures that the low-temperature heat exchanger is adequately defrosted using stored heat, enhancing the apparatus's ability to manage frost formation and maintain operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an induction section (23) configured to cause the solid refrigerant substance (22) to produce a caloric effect
Implementation Method 2
a thermal storage section (13, 16) configured to store heat in the heat application operation
Implementation Method 3
at least one first heat exchanger (11); at least one second heat exchanger (12)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~4(B)
AI summary
A solid-state refrigeration apparatus includes a thermal storage section (13, 16) configured to store heat in a heat application operation. In a defrosting operation, frost on a second heat exchanger (12) is melted using heat stored in the thermal storage section (13, 16).