JP2019066129A - Magnetocaloric effect element bed and magnetothermal cycle device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a magnetocaloric effect element bed and a magnetothermal cycle device in which efficiency is improved at a high-temperature end and/or a low-temperature end.SOLUTION: A magnetocaloric effect element bed 2 comprises a magnetocaloric effect element 4. The magnetocaloric effect element 4 is arranged between a high-temperature end 11 and a low-temperature end 12. The magnetocaloric effect element bed 2 comprises an auxiliary element 14. The auxiliary element 14 is arranged at the high-temperature end 11 and/or the low-temperature end 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The disclosure in this specification relates to a magnetocaloric effect device bed and a magnetothermal cycler.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a magnetocaloric effect device bed and a magnetothermal cycler. The so-called magnetocaloric effect bed comprises a magnetocaloric effect and a container. The container contains the magnetocaloric effect element. The container permits the application of a magnetic field to the magnetocaloric effect element and also allows the heat transport medium to flow so as to exchange heat with the magnetocaloric element.

JP, 2012-237497, A

  The magnetocaloric effect element has an end at the high temperature end and / or the low temperature end. In one aspect, the flow cross-sectional area of the heat transport medium changes sharply at the end. Therefore, the difference between the hydrodynamic condition in the magnetocaloric effect element and the hydrodynamic condition at the end of the magnetocaloric effect element is large. This difference may affect the performance as a thermal device.

  In another aspect, the heat exchange state between the heat transport medium and the magnetocaloric effect changes suddenly at the end. Inside the magnetocaloric effect element, the heat transport medium can exchange heat with the magnetocaloric element. On the other hand, the heat transport medium can not exchange heat with the magnetocaloric effect element outside the magnetocaloric effect element. For this reason, the difference between the thermal condition in the magnetocaloric effect element and the thermal condition at the end of the magnetocaloric effect element is large. This difference may affect the performance as a thermal device.

  In the above aspects, or in other aspects not mentioned, there is a need for further improvements in the magnetocaloric element bed and the magnetothermal cycler.

  One object disclosed is to provide a magnetocaloric effect device bed and magnetothermal cycler with improved efficiency at the hot end and / or the cold end.

  Another object disclosed is to provide a magnetocaloric effect device bed and a magnetothermal cycler with improved hydrodynamic conditions at the hot end and / or the cold end.

  Yet another object disclosed is to provide a magnetocaloric effect device bed and a magnetothermal cycler with improved thermal conditions at the hot end and / or the cold end.

  The magnetocaloric effect element bed disclosed herein comprises a container (3) defining a working chamber (3a) for flowing a heat transport medium (5), and a high temperature end (11) which is an end region of the working chamber And a magnetocaloric effect element (4) disposed between the low temperature end (12) and at least one of the end regions in the working chamber, with no or very small magnetocaloric effect And (14).

  According to the magnetocaloric effect bed disclosed herein, an auxiliary element which has no or very small magnetocaloric effect is disposed in the end region in the working chamber. The auxiliary element can be located at the hot end only, at the cold end only, or at both the hot end and the cold end. The auxiliary element is not expected to have a so-called giant magnetocaloric effect. The auxiliary element has little or no magnetocaloric effect. Since the auxiliary element occupies a predetermined volume in the end region, the amount of heat transport medium in the end region is reduced. As a result, dead volume in the end area is suppressed. Dead volume suppression helps to increase the efficiency at the hot end and / or the cold end. For example, thermal transport efficiency can be enhanced.

  The magnetothermal cycle device disclosed herein comprises the magnetocaloric effect element bed (2), a magnetic field modulator (6) for modulating an external magnetic field applied to the magnetocaloric effect element, heat exchange with the magnetocaloric effect element And a heat transport device (7) for causing the heat transport medium to flow synchronously with the change of the external magnetic field, and the magnetic field modulation device comprises a magnetocaloric effect element and a magnetic member (6a) for applying an external magnetic field to the end region. According to this magnetic field modulation device, since the external magnetic field is also applied to the end region, a strong magnetic field can be applied to the entire magnetocaloric effect element.

  The disclosed aspects in this specification employ different technical means in order to achieve their respective goals. The claims and the reference numerals in parentheses described in this section exemplarily show the correspondence with parts of the embodiments described later, and are not intended to limit the technical scope. The objects, features and advantages disclosed in the present specification will become more apparent by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

It is a block diagram of a magneto-heat cycle device of a 1st embodiment. It is sectional drawing of a magnetocaloric effect element bed. It is a perspective view of the element bed of 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the element bed of 3rd Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the element bed of 4th Embodiment. It is a perspective view showing the eddy current of an auxiliary element. It is sectional drawing of the element bed of 5th Embodiment. It is a perspective view of an auxiliary element. It is a perspective view of the auxiliary element of 6th Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the auxiliary element of 7th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the auxiliary | assistant element of 8th Embodiment.

  Several embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In embodiments, functionally and / or structurally corresponding portions and / or associated portions may be provided with the same reference symbols, or reference symbols with different hundred or more digits. The description of the other embodiments can be referred to for the corresponding parts and / or parts to be associated.

First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a magneto-thermal cycler. The magnetocaloric cycle device provides a magnetocaloric heat pump device 1. The magnetocaloric heat pump device 1 is called an MHP device 1. MHP is Magneto-caloric effect Heat Pump. The MHP device 1 is also called a magnetic heat pump device. The MHP device 1 is used, for example, as a heating device such as an air conditioner, a refrigerator, and a freezer. In this embodiment, the MHP device 1 provides a vehicle air conditioner.

  In this specification the term vehicle is used in a broad sense. That is, the term vehicle includes a moving body having a passenger compartment or a luggage compartment, for example, a traveling vehicle, a ship, an airplane. Furthermore, the term vehicle includes non-moving objects such as simulation devices and amusement devices.

  The term heat pump device is used in a broad sense in this specification. That is, the term heat pump apparatus includes both an apparatus utilizing cold obtained by the heat pump and an apparatus utilizing thermal obtained by the heat pump. Devices that use cold energy may also be referred to as refrigeration cycle devices. Thus, in this specification, the term heat pump device is used as a concept encompassing a refrigeration cycle device.

  The MHP device 1 comprises a magnetocaloric effect element bed 2. The magnetocaloric effect element bed 2 is called an element bed 2. The element bed 2 has a container 3 and a magnetocaloric element 4. The magnetocaloric element 4 is called an MCE element 4. The MHP device 1 utilizes the magnetocaloric effect of the MCE element 4. The container 3 defines the working chamber 3a inside. The container 3 accommodates the MCE element 4. The MCE element 4 is accommodated in the working chamber 3a. The MCE element 4 is disposed between a high temperature end 11 which is an end region at one end of the working chamber 3a and a low temperature end 12 which is an end region at the other end of the working chamber 3a. The container 3 allows the magnetic field to be applied to the MCE element 4 and allows the heat transport medium 5 to flow so as to exchange heat with the MCE element 4. The heat transport medium 5 can be provided by a fluid such as antifreeze, water, oil, gas or the like. The container 3 is formed of a nonmagnetic material.

  The MCE element 4 includes a magnetic working material having a magnetocaloric effect. MCE is also called Magneto-Caloric Effect. The MCE element 4 is disposed between the high temperature end 11 and the low temperature end 12. The MCE element 4 generates heat and heat due to the strength of the external magnetic field. The container 3 and the MCE element 4 are arranged to form a flow path of the heat transport medium 5.

  The MCE element 4 has a plurality of elements. The number of elements shown is exemplary. The plurality of elements share a temperature gradient (temperature distribution) as a target value obtained during steady operation. The temperature gradient produces a hot end 11 and a cold end 12. The terms hot end 11 and cold end 12 refer to a partial area in element bed 2. The high temperature end 11 and the low temperature end 12 indicate the region outside the MCE element 2 in the longitudinal direction LD. Outside of the high temperature end 11 and the low temperature end 12, piping, a pump, a valve mechanism, etc. are often arranged. The temperature gradient is obtained as a result of the MHP device 1 being operated for a long time. For example, the temperature gradient obtained during steady state operation provides high and low temperatures that can be used as a vehicle air conditioner. The plurality of elements are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the MCE element 4, that is, along the flow direction of the heat transport medium 5. The arrangement of a plurality of elements in such an MCE element 4 is called a cascade arrangement.

  The materials constituting each of the plurality of elements have different Curie temperatures. The plurality of elements exhibit high magnetocaloric effect (ΔS (J / kg K)) in different temperature zones. The element close to the high temperature end 11 has a material composition that exhibits a high magnetocaloric effect near the temperature appearing at the high temperature end 11 in the steady operation state. The element close to the middle temperature part has a material composition that exhibits a high magnetocaloric effect in the vicinity of the temperature appearing in the middle temperature part in the steady operation state. The element close to the low temperature end 12 has a material composition that exerts a high magnetocaloric effect in the vicinity of the temperature appearing at the low temperature end 12 in the steady state operation state.

  In this embodiment, the MCE element 4 is provided by a plurality of grains 4a. The plurality of grains 4 a are filled in the container 3. The plurality of grains 4 a provide a flow path for the heat transport medium 5 therebetween. The channel cross-sectional area A4 provided by the MCE element 4 is a part of the cross-sectional area A3 provided by the container 3. The MCE element 4 is arranged almost uniformly in the installation area. As a result, the MCE elements 4 and the flow paths are distributed substantially uniformly. The channel cross-sectional area A4 is the sum of a plurality of dispersed channels in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LD. The distributed arrangement of the flow channels provides good heat exchange between the MCE element 4 and the heat transport medium 5. The MCE element 4 can be provided by various shapes such as a plate shape and a block shape forming a plurality of microchannels for flowing the heat transport medium 5.

  The MCE element 4 generates heat by application of an external magnetic field, and absorbs heat by removal of the external magnetic field. When the electron spins are aligned in the magnetic field direction by the application of the external magnetic field, the magnetic entropy of the MCE element 4 decreases, and the temperature rises by releasing heat. Further, in the MCE element 4, when the electron spins become disordered due to the removal of the external magnetic field, the magnetic entropy increases and the temperature decreases by absorbing heat. The MCE element 4 is made of a magnetic material that exhibits a high magnetocaloric effect in the normal temperature range. The magnetic substance may be, for example, a gadolinium-based material. It may also be a mixture of manganese, iron, phosphorus and germanium.

  The MHP device 1 includes a magnetic field modulator 6 (MGFM) and a heat transport device 7 (FLDM). The magnetic field modulation device 6 and the heat transport device 7 cause the MCE element 4 to function as an AMR (Active Magnetic Refrigeration) cycle. The magnetic field modulation device 6 and the heat transport device 7 operate synchronously.

  The magnetic field modulation device 6 applies an external magnetic field to the MCE element 4 and modulates the external magnetic field so as to increase or decrease the strength of the external magnetic field. An external magnetic field is provided along the thickness direction TD. The magnetic field modulation device 6 periodically switches between an excitation state in which the MCE element 4 is in a strong magnetic field and a demagnetization state in which the MCE element 4 is in a weak magnetic field or a zero magnetic field. The magnetic field modulation device 6 modulates the external magnetic field so as to periodically repeat an excitation period in which the MCE element 4 is placed in a strong external magnetic field and a demagnetization period in which the MCE element 4 is placed in an external magnetic field weaker than the excitation period. Do. The magnetic field modulator 6 can comprise a magnetic source, for example a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, for generating an external magnetic field.

  The magnetic field modulation device 6 includes a magnetic member 6a including a permanent magnet. The magnetic member 6 a can apply an external magnetic field to the entire MCE element 4. The total length of the magnetic member 6 a is longer than the total length of the MCE element 4. The magnetic member 6 a is disposed to overlap the MCE element 4. The magnetic member 6 a is disposed so as to overlap the element bed 2. The magnetic member 6 a is disposed so as to overlap the central region of the element bed 2 in which the MCE element 4 is disposed. Furthermore, the magnetic member 6 a is disposed to overlap the high temperature end 11. The magnetic member 6 a and the high temperature end 11 overlap by an overlapping distance PL. The magnetic member 6 a also gives a change of the external magnetic field to the high temperature end 11. The magnetic member 6 a is disposed to overlap the low temperature end 12. The magnetic member 6 a and the low temperature end 12 overlap by an overlapping distance PL. The magnetic member 6 a also gives a change of the external magnetic field to the low temperature end 12. Thus, the magnetic field modulation device 6 exerts a change in the external magnetic field also on the end area provided by the element bed. According to the magnetic field modulation device 6, since the external magnetic field is also applied to the end region, a strong magnetic field can be applied to the entire MCE element 4.

  The magnetic field modulation device 6 is provided by a mechanism that moves the element bed 2 and / or the permanent magnet, and periodically and relatively changes the distance between the element bed 2 and the permanent magnet. The magnetic field modulation device 6 can include, for example, a rotation mechanism that rotationally moves the permanent magnet with respect to the fixed element bed 2.

  The heat transport device 7 includes a fluid device for flowing the heat transport medium 5 for transporting the heat released or absorbed by the MCE element 4. The heat transport device 7 is a device that causes the heat transport medium 5 in heat exchange with the MCE element 4 to flow along the MCE element 4. The heat transport device 7 flows the heat transport medium 5 so as to generate the high temperature end and the low temperature end in the MCE element 4. The heat transport device 7 causes the heat transport medium 5 to flow back and forth synchronously with, for example, the change of the external magnetic field by the magnetic field modulation device 6. The heat transport device 7 can include a pump for flowing the heat transport medium 5. The heat transport device 7 can include a plurality of passages for controlling the flow of the heat transport medium 5 and a valve mechanism.

  The MHP device 1 has an air conditioner 8 (HVAC) for providing a vehicle air conditioner. The air conditioner 8 is also called a unit for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. The air conditioner 8 utilizes the high temperature obtained at the high temperature end 11 and / or the low temperature obtained at the low temperature end 12. The high temperature and / or the low temperature may be extracted from the MCE element 4 or may be extracted from the heat transport medium 5.

  The element bed 2 has an auxiliary element 14. The auxiliary element 14 is disposed in the working chamber 3a. The auxiliary element 14 is disposed outside the end of the MCE element 4. The auxiliary element 14 is arranged at the hot end 11 in the element bed 2. The auxiliary element 14 is arranged at the cold end 12 in the element bed 2. The auxiliary element 14 is disposed at both the high temperature end 11 and the low temperature end 12 in the element bed 2. The auxiliary element 14 is made of a material having no or very small magnetocaloric effect compared to the MCE element 4. The auxiliary element 14 is a material which does not have a so-called giant magnetocaloric effect. Thus, the auxiliary element 14 can be provided without excessive cost. The auxiliary element 14 has a predetermined volume. The auxiliary element 14 has a predetermined heat capacity. The auxiliary element 14 receives high temperature or low temperature from the heat transport medium 5 by heat exchange with the heat transport medium 5. The auxiliary element 14 temporarily stores the high or low temperature received from the heat transport medium 5. In addition, the auxiliary element 14 passes high temperature or low temperature to the heat transport medium 5 by heat exchange with the heat transport medium 5.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows a cross section of the element bed 4. The container 3 is cylindrical. The container 3 defines a working chamber 3 a that accommodates the MCE element 4. The container 3 defines a working chamber 3 a for flowing the heat transport medium 5. The work chamber 3a provides a cross-sectional area A3 in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LD, that is, a cross section perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat transport medium 5.

  The MCE elements 4 are cascaded along the longitudinal direction LD. The number of elements shown is exemplary. The MCE element 4 is provided by a plurality of grains 4a. The plurality of grains 4 a providing the MCE element 4 provide a flow path cross-sectional area A 4 in the container 3.

  The auxiliary element 14 is provided by a plurality of grains 14a. The plurality of particles 14 a are filled in the container 3. The plurality of grains 14 a provide a flow path for the heat transport medium 5 therebetween. The auxiliary element 14 is disposed substantially uniformly in the installation area (end area). As a result, the auxiliary element 14 and the flow path are distributed substantially uniformly in the installation area. The uniform and dispersive arrangement of the auxiliary element 14 and the flow channels provides good heat exchange between the auxiliary element 14 and the heat transport medium 5. The auxiliary element 14 may be provided in various shapes such as a plate shape or a block shape forming a plurality of microchannels for flowing the heat transport medium 5.

  The hot end 11 and the cold end 12 are filled with the heat transport medium 5 and the auxiliary element 14. The heat transport medium 5 and the auxiliary element 14 fill the area adjacent to the MCE element 4. The auxiliary element 14 may be disposed only in the region adjacent to the MCE element 4. Therefore, at both end portions of the element bed 2, there may be a region filled only with the heat transport medium 5.

  The plurality of grains 14 a providing the auxiliary element 14 provide a flow path cross-sectional area A 14 in the container 3. The channel cross-sectional area A14 is the sum of a plurality of dispersed channels in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LD. The flow passage cross-sectional area A14 is larger than the flow passage cross-sectional area A4 (A4 <A14). However, the flow passage cross-sectional area A14 is smaller than the cross-sectional area A3 of the working chamber 3a (A14 <A3). Therefore, the flow path cross-sectional area A14 for the heat transport medium 5 provided by the auxiliary element 14 is smaller than the cross-sectional area A3 of the working chamber 3a, and the flow path cut for the heat transport medium 5 provided by the MCE element 4 It is larger than the area A4 (A4 <A14 <A3).

  The hot end 11 provides a predetermined volume as an end area at one end of the working chamber 3a. The auxiliary element 14 occupies a predetermined volume at the hot end 11. The auxiliary element 14 occupies a partial volume at the high temperature end 11 instead of the heat transport medium 5. The volume at the hot end 11 is filled by the heat transport medium 5 and the auxiliary element 14. The cold end 12 provides a predetermined volume as an end area at the other end of the working chamber 3a. Auxiliary element 14 occupies a predetermined volume at cold end 12. The auxiliary element 14 occupies a portion of the volume at the cold end 12 instead of the heat transport medium 5. As a result, the volume at the hot end 11 is filled with the heat transport medium 5 and the auxiliary element 14. Thus, the auxiliary element 14 is arranged in the end area provided by the element bed 2. The auxiliary element 14 reduces the amount of heat transport medium 5 in the end region. The end area provided by the element bed 2 is filled with the relatively flowable heat transport medium 5 and the non-flowable auxiliary element 14. Thus, the auxiliary element 14 suppresses the amount of the heat transport medium 5 in the end region. As a result, sudden changes in hydrodynamic conditions at the end of the MCE element 4 are suppressed.

  The auxiliary element 14 provides a flow path for the heat transport medium 5. As a result, the heat transport medium 5 can enter the MCE element 4 from the high temperature end 11 through the flow path of the auxiliary element 14. The heat transport medium 5 can enter the hot end 11 from the inside of the MCE element 4 through the flow path of the auxiliary element 14. The heat transport medium 5 can enter the MCE element 4 from the cold end 12 through the flow path of the auxiliary element 14. The heat transport medium 5 can enter the cold end 12 from inside the MCE element 4 through the flow path of the auxiliary element 14. The channel cross-sectional area A14 provided by the auxiliary element 14 is larger than the channel cross-sectional area A4 provided by the MCE element 4 (A4 <A14). The channel cross-sectional area A14 provided by the auxiliary element 14 is smaller than the cross-sectional area A3 provided by the working chamber 3a (A14 <A3). The flow passage cross-sectional area provided by the auxiliary element 14 is a part of the flow passage cross-sectional area provided by the container 3. Thus, the auxiliary element 14 suppresses a rapid change in the flow passage cross-sectional area in the end region. As a result, sudden changes in hydrodynamic conditions at the end of the MCE element 4 are suppressed.

  The cold end auxiliary element 14 is in direct contact with the heat transport medium 5. The auxiliary element 14 is arranged to provide a flow path for the heat transport medium 5. The auxiliary element 14 exchanges heat with the heat transport medium 5. The auxiliary element 14 stores heat of the heat transport medium 5 by heat exchange with the heat transport medium 5. The heat storage includes both heat storage for storing high temperature and cold storage for storing low temperature. Thereby, also on the outside of the MCE element 4, heat storage is provided by the non-flowing auxiliary element 14 different from the heat transport medium 5.

  The heat transport medium 5 exchanges heat with the auxiliary element 4 immediately after flowing out of the MCE element 4 close to the high temperature end 11 and immediately before flowing into the MCE element 4 close to the high temperature end 11. At this time, the auxiliary element 14 functions as a thermal regenerator. As a result, the temperature fluctuation range of the heat transport medium 5 in contact with the MCE element 4 close to the high temperature end 11 is suppressed. The heat transport medium 5 exchanges heat with the auxiliary element 4 immediately after flowing out of the MCE element 4 near the low temperature end 12 and immediately before flowing into the MCE element 4 near the low temperature end 12. At this time, the auxiliary element 14 functions as a thermal regenerator. As a result, the temperature fluctuation range of the heat transport medium 5 in contact with the MCE element 4 near the low temperature end 12 is suppressed.

  The auxiliary element 14 is provided by a nonmagnetic material. The auxiliary element 14 is provided by a nonmagnetic resin material or a nonmagnetic metal material. For example, the auxiliary element 14 is provided by resin, copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, nonmagnetic stainless steel. The auxiliary element 14 is preferably made of a material having a high thermal conductivity. The material of the auxiliary element 14 desirably has a thermal conductivity higher than that of the heat transport medium 5. From such a point of view, copper, copper alloy, aluminum or aluminum alloy is one of the desirable materials. The heat transfer coefficient between the auxiliary element 14 and the heat transport medium 5 is desirably about the same as the heat transfer coefficient between the MCE element 4 and the heat transport medium 5. However, the heat transfer coefficient between the auxiliary element 14 and the heat transport medium 5 may be lower or higher than the heat transfer coefficient between the MCE element 4 and the heat transport medium 5. The presence of the auxiliary element 14 at the end of the MCE element 4 suppresses the rapid change of the thermal condition at the end of the MCE element 4.

  According to this embodiment described above, the auxiliary element 14 suppresses dead volume in the end region. Dead volume suppression contributes to increase the efficiency at the hot end 11 and / or the cold end 12. For example, thermal transport efficiency can be enhanced. The heat extraction efficiency at the hot end 11 and / or the cold end 12 is enhanced. In one aspect, the auxiliary element 14 provides a hydrodynamic improvement at the hot end 11 and / or the cold end 12. Also, in another aspect, the auxiliary element 14 provides a hydrodynamic improvement at the hot end 11 and / or the cold end 12.

Second Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the MCE element 4 is provided by a plurality of grains 4a. Alternatively, the MCE element 4 can be provided with various shapes.

  In FIG. 3, the MCE element 4 is provided by a plurality of plate members 204a. The plate member 204a extends along the longitudinal direction LD. The plurality of plate members 204a form a plurality of microchannels as a flow path between them. The plurality of plate members 204 a facilitate the handling of the MCE element 4. Further, the plurality of plate members 204 a can be easily positioned in the element bed 2.

Third Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the auxiliary element 14 is provided by a plurality of grains 14a. Alternatively, the auxiliary element 14 can be provided by various shapes.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the auxiliary element 14 is provided by a plurality of plate-like members 314 a. The plate-like member 314 a extends along the longitudinal direction LD. The plurality of plate-like members 314 a form a plurality of microchannels as flow paths therebetween. The plurality of plate members 314 a are disposed only in the area close to the MCE element 4. In the end regions, regions filled with only the heat transport medium 5 are formed at both ends of the working chamber 3a. Thus, the auxiliary element 14 may be biased into the end region. In this case, the auxiliary element 14 is arranged to be close to the MCE element 4. The plurality of plate members 314 a facilitate the handling of the MCE element 4. Also, the plurality of plate members 314 a can be easily positioned in the element bed 2.

Fourth Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the auxiliary element 14 of the high temperature end 11 and the auxiliary element 14 of the low temperature end 12 are made of the same material. Alternatively, the auxiliary element 14 at the hot end 11 can be provided by a material that generates heat due to eddy current losses due to magnetic field changes.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the plate-like member 414a which provides the auxiliary element 14 of the high temperature end 11 is provided by a conductive material. The plate-like member 414a is made of a nonmagnetic material. The plate member 414a is made of metal. The plate-like member 414a is made of nonmagnetic stainless steel alloy. The plate member 414a is under the influence of the magnetic field fluctuation by the magnetic member 6a. However, since the plate member 414a is nonmagnetic, it does not draw excessive magnetic flux. The plate-like member 414 a is disposed to interlink with the magnetic flux supplied from the magnetic member 6 a.

  The plate-like member 314a which provides the auxiliary element 14 of the cold end 12 is provided by a non-conductive material. The plate-like member 314a is made of, for example, a resin. The plate member 314a may be a metal material that does not generate significant heat due to eddy current loss. For example, the plate member 314a may be made of a copper alloy having a low electrical resistance.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the plate-like member 414 a generates an eddy current EDC due to electromagnetic induction. An eddy current EDC flows in the plate member 414a due to the fluctuation of the magnetic field MGF (change in linkage flux density). The eddy current EDC causes an eddy current loss to generate Joule heat in the plate member 414a. Joule heat assists the temperature rise at the hot end 11. Also, Joule heat contributes to maintain the temperature of the high temperature end 11. On the other hand, the plate member 314a hardly generates Joule heat. Thus, the low temperature at the cold end 12 is not compromised.

  According to this embodiment, in addition to the hydrodynamic improvement due to the auxiliary element 14 and the thermal improvement, it is possible to generate Joule heat due to eddy current loss in the auxiliary element 14 of the high temperature end 11. . This improves the start-up performance or temperature maintenance performance of the MHP device 1.

Fifth Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the auxiliary element 14 is in contact with the heat transport medium 5 on the surface of the particle 14a or the surface of the plate-like members 214a, 314a, and 414a to perform heat exchange. Alternatively, auxiliary element 14 can have various surface shapes to facilitate heat exchange.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the auxiliary element 14 includes a plate-like member 514 a and a plurality of protrusions 514 b. The plate-like member 514 a and the plurality of protrusions 514 b are integrally formed of a continuous material. The plate-like member 514a extends along the longitudinal direction LD. The plurality of protrusions 514b protrude toward the inside of the working chamber 3a. Also in this embodiment, a flow path for the heat transport medium 5 is formed between the plurality of protrusions 514 b. The plurality of protrusions 514 b may protrude on both sides of the plate member 514 a as the auxiliary element 14 disposed at the high temperature end 11. Further, the plurality of protrusions 514 b may protrude on both sides of the plate member 514 a as the auxiliary element 14 disposed at the low temperature end 12. In this case, the plate member 514 a is disposed along the wall of the container 3.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8, the plurality of protrusions 514 b are formed in a cylindrical shape. The plurality of protrusions 514 b may have a prismatic shape. According to this embodiment, heat exchange between the heat transport medium 5 and the auxiliary element 14 is promoted.

Sixth Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the auxiliary element 14 includes a plate-like member 614 a and a plurality of protrusions 614 b. The plate-like member 614a and the plurality of protrusions 614b are integrally formed of a continuous material. The plurality of protrusions 614 b extend along the longitudinal direction LD. Each of the plurality of protrusions 614 b is fin-shaped. Also in this embodiment, heat exchange between the heat transport medium 5 and the auxiliary element 14 is promoted.

Seventh Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the auxiliary element 14 includes a plate-like member 714a and a protrusion 714b. The plate-like member 714a and the protrusion 714b are separate members and are joined by joining means such as brazing and adhesion. The surface provided by the protrusion 714 b extends along the longitudinal direction LD. The protrusions 714 b can be provided by so-called corrugated fins. Also in this embodiment, heat exchange between the heat transport medium 5 and the auxiliary element 14 is promoted.

Eighth Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the auxiliary element 14 is provided by a solid material. Alternatively, the auxiliary element 14 may be internally provided with fluid.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, the auxiliary element 14 has a plate-like member 814a and a plurality of protrusions 814b. The auxiliary element 14 accommodates the heat medium 814c in the internal cavity. The heat medium 814 c is enclosed inside the auxiliary element 14. The heat medium 814c is a fluid. The heat medium 814 c is fixed to the auxiliary element 14 even if the hot-pouring medium 5 flows relative to the auxiliary element 14. Thus, the heat medium 814 c can also be considered as part of the non-flowing auxiliary element 14. According to this embodiment, the thermal medium 814 c can adjust the thermal properties of the auxiliary element 14. The auxiliary element 14 can accommodate, for example, a heat medium 814c having high heat storage performance. In this case, the heat storage performance of the auxiliary element 14 can be adjusted.

Other Embodiments The disclosure in this specification is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. The disclosure includes the illustrated embodiments and variations based on them by those skilled in the art. For example, the disclosure is not limited to the combination of parts and / or elements shown in the embodiments. The disclosure can be implemented in various combinations. The disclosure can have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The disclosure includes those in which parts and / or elements of the embodiments have been omitted. The disclosure includes replacements or combinations of parts and / or elements between one embodiment and another embodiment. The disclosed technical scope is not limited to the description of the embodiments. It is to be understood that the technical scopes disclosed herein are indicated by the description of the scope of the claims, and further include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the descriptions of the scope of the claims.

  In the above embodiment, the auxiliary element 14 is disposed at both the high temperature end 11 and the low temperature end 12. Alternatively, the auxiliary element 14 may be disposed only at either the hot end 11 or the cold end 12. The auxiliary element 14 can be arranged in at least one of the two end regions in the working chamber 3a. The element bed 2 may include, for example, a plate-like member 414 a for providing the auxiliary element 14 only at the high temperature end 11 and may not include the auxiliary element 14 at the low temperature end 12.

  In the above embodiment, the auxiliary elements 14 are uniformly arranged. Alternatively, the auxiliary elements 14 may be arranged with a gradually changing density along the longitudinal direction LD. The auxiliary element 14 may be disposed, for example, so that the flow path cross-sectional line A14 increases continuously or stepwise toward the end of the working chamber 3a. Also, the auxiliary element 14 may be arranged such that, for example, the flow path cross-sectional line A 14 increases continuously or stepwise as the distance from the wall of the container 3 is increased, ie, closer to the center of the working chamber 3a.

1 magnetocaloric heat pump system (MHP system),
2 element bed, 3 containers, 3a work room,
4 magnetocaloric effect element (MCE element), 5 heat transport medium,
6 Magnetic Field Modulator (MGFM), 6a Magnetic member,
7 heat transport equipment (FLDM), 8 air conditioner (HVAC),
11 hot end, 12 cold end, 14 auxiliary elements,
4a MCE element grain, 204a MCE element plate member,
14a Grains of auxiliary elements,
314a-814a plate member of auxiliary element,
514b-814b auxiliary element protrusion,
814c heat medium, EDC eddy current,
A3 Cross section of work room, A4 MCE flow path cross section,
A14 Channel cross section of auxiliary element,
PL overlap range, LD length direction, TD thickness direction.

Claims (10)

A container (3) defining a working chamber (3a) for flowing the heat transport medium (5);
The magnetocaloric effect element (4) is disposed between the high temperature end (11) which is an end region at one end of the working chamber and the low temperature end (12) which is an end region at the other end of the working chamber. ,
A magnetocaloric effect device bed comprising an auxiliary element (14) arranged in at least one of the end regions in the work chamber and having no or very small magnetocaloric effect.   The magneto-caloric effect element bed according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary element occupies a predetermined volume in the end area and suppresses the amount of the heat transport medium in the end area.   The magneto-caloric effect element bed according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the auxiliary element is in contact with the heat transport medium so as to exchange heat with the heat transport medium in the end region.   The magneto-caloric effect device bed according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the auxiliary device is a thermal regenerator.   The channel cross-sectional area (A14) for the heat transport medium provided by the auxiliary element is smaller than the cross-sectional area (A3) of the working chamber, and for the heat transport medium provided by the magnetocaloric effect element The magnetocaloric effect device bed according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is larger than the flow passage cross-sectional area (A4) (A4 <A14 <A3). The heat transport medium can flow in the end region,
A magnetocaloric effect device bed according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary element is non-flowable in the end region.   The magnetocaloric effect device bed according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the auxiliary element is made of a nonmagnetic material.   The magneto-caloric effect device bed according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the auxiliary element is made of a conductive material. The auxiliary element is disposed at the high temperature end,
The magneto-caloric effect element bed according to claim 8, wherein the auxiliary element is made of a material that generates Joule heat due to eddy current loss. A magnetocaloric effect device bed (2) according to any of claims 1 to 9,
A magnetic field modulator (6) for modulating an external magnetic field applied to the magnetocaloric effect element;
A heat transport device (7) for flowing a heat transport medium which exchanges heat with the magnetocaloric effect element in synchronization with the change of the external magnetic field;
The magneto-optical cycle system includes the magneto-caloric effect element and a magnetic member (6a) for applying the external magnetic field to the end region.

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