JP2021148398A - Solid refrigerant system and method of operating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a solid refrigerant system capable of adjusting capacity by switching a rotation direction.SOLUTION: A solid refrigerant system 1 includes a first unit 3a and a second unit 3b. A power source 2 supplies power in a first rotation direction R1 or power in a second rotation direction R2 opposite to the first rotation direction R1. The first unit 3a receives the power in the first rotation direction R1 or the power in the second rotation direction R2, and exhibits calorific effect. The solid refrigerant system 1 includes a clutch 5. The clutch 5 transmits the power in the first rotation direction R1 and cuts off the power in the second rotation direction R2. As a result, operation by the first unit 3a and the second unit 3b and the operation by the first unit 3a can be switched by switching the rotation direction from the power source 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The disclosure herein relates to solid refrigerant systems and methods of operation thereof.

Patent Document 1 discloses a magnetic heating / cooling device. In this device, a magnetic calorific value effect element is used as a solid refrigerant. This device may or may not transmit the driving force of the outer rotor motor to the lower core by the clutch. Therefore, it is possible to generate cold air and hot air according to the required heating / cooling capacity. Patent Document 2 discloses a thermomagnetic cycle device as an example of a solid refrigerant system. Patent Document 3 discloses a heat pump system utilizing an electric calorific value effect as an example of a solid refrigerant system. The contents of the prior art document are incorporated by reference as an explanation of the technical elements herein.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-185795 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2020-8247 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2020-3082

In Patent Document 1, the capacity of the solid refrigerant system is switched depending only on the clutch. Switching capacities enhances the practicality of solid refrigerant systems. Therefore, various methods for switching abilities may be required. Further improvements are required in the solid refrigerant system and its operating methods in the above-mentioned viewpoints or in other viewpoints not mentioned.

One object disclosed is to provide a solid refrigerant system whose capacity can be adjusted by switching the direction of rotation of power, and a method of operating the system.

The solid refrigerant system disclosed herein is from a power source (2) that supplies power in a first rotation direction (R1) or a second rotation direction (R2) opposite to the first rotation direction. , The first unit (3a) that receives power in both rotation directions and exerts a calorific value effect, and the clutch that transmits the power in the first rotation direction from the power source and shuts off the power in the second rotation direction (3a). 5) and a second unit (3b) that receives power in the first rotation direction from a power source through a clutch and exerts a calorific value effect.

According to the disclosed solid refrigerant system, the operation by the first unit and the operation by the first unit and the second unit are switched depending on the rotation direction supplied from the power source. When power is supplied from the power source in the first rotation direction, the first unit exerts a calorific value effect. At this time, the clutch transmits power to the second unit. Therefore, the second unit also exerts a calorific value effect. When power is supplied from the power source in the second rotation direction, the first unit exerts a calorific value effect. At this time, the clutch shuts off the power supply to the second unit. Therefore, the second unit does not exert a calorific value effect. As a result, the operation by the first unit and the second unit and the operation by the first unit are switched according to the rotation direction supplied from the power source.

The method of operating the solid-state refrigerant system disclosed herein includes a selection step (161) for selecting a first rotation direction (R1) or a second rotation direction (R2) opposite to the first rotation direction. In response to the selection step, the first supply step (163) that supplies the power in the first rotation direction from the power source (2) that supplies the power in the first rotation direction or the power in the second rotation direction. ) And after the first supply step, the power in the first rotation direction is transmitted to the first unit (3a), the calorific value effect is drawn from the first unit, and the power in the first rotation direction is the first. In response to the first operation step (165), which allows the supply to the second unit (3b) and draws the calorific value effect from the second unit, and the selection step, the power in the second rotation direction is supplied from the power source. After the second supply step (167) to supply and the second supply step, the power in the second rotation direction is transmitted to the first unit, the calorific value effect is drawn from the first unit, and the second rotation. It includes a second operating step (169) that cuts off the supply of directional power to the second unit.

According to the disclosed method of operating the solid refrigerant system, the operation by the first unit and the operation by the second unit and the operation by the first unit are switched according to the rotation direction supplied from the power source.

The plurality of forms disclosed herein employ different technical means to achieve their respective objectives. The claims and the reference numerals in parentheses described in this section exemplify the correspondence with the parts of the embodiments described later, and are not intended to limit the technical scope. The objectives, features, and effects disclosed herein will be made clearer by reference to the subsequent detailed description and accompanying drawings.

It is a block diagram of the solid refrigerant system of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of a solid refrigerant system. It is a block diagram of a unit which utilizes a magnetic heat quantity effect. It is sectional drawing of the unit. It is a flowchart which shows the control process. It is a block diagram of a solid refrigerant system. It is a graph which shows the heat output of a solid refrigerant system. It is a block diagram of the solid refrigerant system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a graph which shows the heat output of a solid refrigerant system. It is a block diagram of the solid refrigerant system of 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of a solid refrigerant system. It is a block diagram of the solid refrigerant system of 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram of a solid refrigerant system. It is a block diagram of the solid refrigerant system of 5th Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the unit of the sixth embodiment. It is a block diagram of the solid refrigerant system of 7th Embodiment. It is a block diagram of a solid refrigerant system.

A plurality of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In a plurality of embodiments, functionally and / or structurally corresponding parts and / or related parts may be designated with the same reference code or reference codes having a hundreds or more different digits. References can be made to the description of other embodiments for the corresponding and / or associated parts.

1st Embodiment In FIGS. 1 and 2, the solid refrigerant system 1 includes a power source 2 and a plurality of units 3. The power source 2 is provided by a motor. The motor can switch the direction of rotation. The power source 2 may be provided by an internal combustion engine. The unit 3 receives power from the power source 2. The unit 3 exerts a calorific value effect by modulating external energy. The solid refrigerant system 1 as a whole provides a heat pump device. The solid refrigerant system 1 supplies thermal output to the output device 4. The output device 4 is a device that cools or heats air, liquid, or solid matter. The output device 4 provides an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a refrigerator, or a temperature controller.

In this specification, the term solid refrigerant is used in a broad sense. That is, the term solid refrigerant is a term that is contrasted with the refrigerant in a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle. Solid refrigerants are often provided as solids. In addition, the solid refrigerant may be provided as a liquid. In addition, the solid refrigerant may be provided in a state called gel, colloid.

In this specification, the term heat pump device is used in a broad sense. That is, the term heat pump device includes both a device that utilizes the cold heat obtained by the heat pump device and a device that utilizes the hot heat obtained by the heat pump device. Devices that utilize cold heat are sometimes also referred to as refrigeration cycle devices. Therefore, the term heat pump device is used herein as a concept that includes a refrigeration cycle device.

The solid refrigerant system 1 provides a vehicle air conditioner. The term vehicle is used in this specification 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, or an airplane. Furthermore, the term vehicle includes simulation equipment, amusement equipment, and the like.

The solid refrigerant system 1 includes a plurality of units 3. Each of the plurality of units 3 has a plurality of elements for enabling cumulative operation. Cumulative operation includes operation in a single unit and at least in multiple units. The plurality of units 3 include a plurality of components corresponding to each other. The unit 3 includes a solid refrigerant 7, an energy modulation device 8, and a heat transport device 9. The unit 3 draws a solid calorific value effect from the solid refrigerant 7 by applying external energy from the outside of the solid refrigerant 7 and modulating the external energy. The solid refrigerant 7 is a refrigerant that exerts a calorific value effect. In this embodiment, the solid refrigerant 7 is a magnetic calorific value effect element. The solid refrigerant 7 may be an electric calorific value effect element.

The energy modulation device 8 causes the solid refrigerant 7 to act external energy from the outside. Further, the energy modulation device 8 strongly or weakly modulates the external energy applied to the solid refrigerant 7. The solid refrigerant 7 exerts a calorific value effect in synchronization with the modulation of external energy. Specifically, the solid refrigerant 7 periodically repeats endothermic and heat generation in synchronization with the periodic modulation of external energy. In other words, the energy modulation device 8 modulates the external energy so that the solid refrigerant 7 exerts a calorific value effect. The modulation of the external energy may be performed by utilizing the power of the power source 2. Therefore, the power source 2 can supply power to at least a part of the elements of the energy modulation device 8. The power source 2 can supply power to, for example, a movable member of the energy modulation device 8.

The heat transport device 9 thermally transports the calorific value effect exerted by the solid refrigerant 7. The heat transport device 9 transports the heat quantity effect in synchronization with the modulation of the external energy by the energy modulation device 8. The transport of the calorific value effect may be realized by moving a heat transport medium that exchanges heat with the solid refrigerant 7. The movement of the heat transport medium is carried out by utilizing the power of the power source 2. Therefore, the power source 2 can supply power to at least a part of the heat transport device 9. The power source 2 can supply power to, for example, the pump of the heat transport device 9 or the valve device. The transport of the calorific value effect may be realized by moving the solid refrigerant 7 itself. The movement of the solid refrigerant 7 is executed by utilizing the power of the power source 2.

The plurality of units 3 have at least a first unit 3a and a second unit 3b. The first unit 3a includes a solid refrigerant 7a, an energy modulation device 8a, and a heat transport device 9a. The first unit 3a exerts a calorific value effect regardless of whether the power supplied from the power source 2 is in the first rotation direction or in the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. The second unit 3b includes a solid refrigerant 7b, an energy modulation device 8b, and a heat transport device 9b. The second unit 3b exerts a calorific value effect regardless of whether the power supplied from the power source 2 is in the first rotation direction or in the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. Each of the plurality of units 3 is a non-directional unit that exerts a calorific value effect regardless of the direction of power.

The solid refrigerant system 1 includes a clutch 5. The clutch 5 is an meshing type clutch that meshes at the meshing position. The clutch 5 is a one-way clutch. The clutch 5 is arranged between the power source 2 and one of the plurality of units 3 so as to interrupt the power transmission. The clutch 5 enables power transmission without slipping. The first unit 3a is directly connected to the power source 2. The first unit 3a receives power directly from the power source 2. The second unit 3b is indirectly connected to the power source 2 via the clutch 5. The second unit 3b receives power indirectly from the power source 2 through the clutch 5.

The power source 2, the first unit 3a, and the second unit 3b are arranged in series. The clutch 5 is arranged between the first unit 3a and the second unit 3b. Instead, the first unit 3a and the second unit 3b may be arranged in parallel with respect to the power source 2. The clutch 5 can be arranged only between the power source 2 and the second unit 3b.

The clutch 5 has an input member 11 and an output member 12. The input member 11 has a triangular wavy meshing surface 13. The output member 12 has a triangular wavy meshing surface 14. The meshing surface 13 and the meshing surface 14 can mesh with each other without slipping in the direction of power transmission. The input member 11 and the output member 12 can be connected or separated on the meshing surfaces 13 and 14. The meshing surfaces 13 and 14 transmit the rotational power from the power source 2 without slipping. The meshing surfaces 13 and 14 have a vertical surface perpendicular to the rotation direction and an inclined surface. The meshing surfaces 13 and 14 have a shape in which vertical surfaces and slopes are alternately arranged.

In the connected state, the input member 11 and the output member 12 are smoothly connected to each other on the meshing surfaces 13 and 14. In the separated state, the input member 11 and the output member 12 can freely rotate with each other. As for the clutch 5, only one of the input member 11 and the output member 12 may be movable in the axial direction. The input member 11 and the output member 12 provide at least one meshing position. In this embodiment, the input member 11 and the output member 12 provide a plurality of meshing positions.

The clutch 5 has a movable connecting portion 15. The movable connecting portion 15 allows the output member 12 to move in the axial direction and limits the movement in the rotational direction. The movable connecting portion 15 can be provided by a positioning mechanism by fitting a key and a key groove, or a positioning mechanism by fitting a spline. The clutch 5 may have a movable coupling portion for the input member 11. The output member 12 has a predetermined play angle with respect to the output shaft in the rotation direction. The play angle is provided by the movable connecting portion 15 that connects the output member 12 and the output shaft. The play angle allows the output member 12 to be finely adjusted in the rotational direction at the meshing position. The play angle allows a minute error between the input member 11 and the output member 12, and enables the transition to the separated state or the transition to the connected state. Both the input member 11 and the output member 12 may have a play angle.

The clutch 5 has a switch 17. The switch 17 is also called a cage that holds the clutch 5 in the engaged state. The switch 17 is also called a cage that holds the clutch 5 in a separated state. The switch 17 holds the connected state or the separated state by limiting and holding the axial movement of the input member 11 or the axial movement of the output member 12. Therefore, the switch 17 has at least a function of holding the output member 12 in the connected state or the separated state. The switch 17 may switch the clutch 5 between the connected state and the separated state by moving the input member 11 or the output member 12 along the axial direction.

The clutch 5 has a load member 19 that gives an urging force in the meshing direction. The load member 19 urges the output member 12 from the separated state to the connected state. The load member 19 shifts the clutch 5 from the separated state to the connected state by bringing the input member 11 and the output member 12 close to each other so that the meshing surfaces 13 and 14 mesh with each other. The load member 19 bends and contracts due to the axial thrust generated on the slopes of the meshing surfaces 13 and 14, thereby allowing the input member 11 and the output member 12 to be separated from each other and separating the clutch 5 from the connected state. Move to the state. The load member 19 keeps the clutch 5 in the connected state by keeping the input member 11 and the output member 12 in close contact with each other against the axial thrust generated by the slopes of the meshing surfaces 13 and 14. May be done. The load member 19 can be provided by a spring or an elastic member such as rubber.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the clutch 5 is a one-way clutch. Therefore, the clutch 5 automatically and selectively provides the connected state and the separated state in response to the first rotation direction R1 of the power supplied from the power source 2. The clutch 5 provides a transition from the separated state to the connected state and maintenance of the connected state in response to the second rotation direction R2 of the power supplied from the power source 2. The thrust for the transition is supplied by the axial thrust generated on the slopes of the meshing surfaces 13 and 14 and the urging force supplied by the load member described later. The relationship between the rotation direction of the power supplied from the power source 2 and the state of the clutch 5 may be reversed. That is, in this embodiment, the connected state is provided in the first rotation direction R1 and the separated state is provided in the second rotation direction R2. On the other hand, the separated state may be provided in the first rotation direction R1 and the connected state may be provided in the second rotation direction R2.

FIG. 1 shows a connected state (ON). The power provided by the power source 2 is shown as the power in the rotation direction R1. The rotation direction R1 is power in the counterclockwise direction. The power in the rotation direction R1 is supplied to the first unit 3a. As a result, the first unit 3a exerts a calorific value effect. The calorific value effect is supplied to the output device 4. The power in the rotation direction R1 is also supplied to the clutch 5. The clutch 5 provides a connected state in the first rotation direction R1. In the connected state, the power in the rotation direction R1 is supplied from the input member 11 to the output member 12. As a result, the power in the rotation direction R1 is supplied to the second unit 3b through the clutch 5. As a result, the second unit 3b exerts a calorific value effect. The calorific value effect is supplied to the output device 4.

At this time, the calorific value effect of the first unit 3a and the calorific value effect of the second unit 3b can be placed in a thermal series relationship or a thermal parallel relationship. The thermal series relationship provides, for example, a first temperature by the first unit 3a and a second temperature that is higher or lower than the first temperature by the second unit 3b. The thermal parallel relationship provides, for example, a first temperature by the first unit 3a and at the same time a first temperature by the second unit 3b.

FIG. 2 shows a separated state (OFF). The power provided by the power source 2 is shown as the power in the rotation direction R2. The rotation direction R2 is the opposite of the rotation direction R1. The rotation direction R2 is power in the clockwise direction. The power in the rotation direction R2 is supplied to the first unit 3a. As a result, the first unit 3a exerts a calorific value effect. The calorific value effect is supplied to the output device 4. The power in the rotation direction R2 is also supplied to the clutch 5. The clutch 5 provides a separated state in the second rotation direction R2. In the separated state, the power in the rotation direction R2 is not transmitted from the input member 11 to the output member 12. The power in the rotation direction R2 is not supplied to the second unit 3b. As a result, the second unit 3b does not exert a calorific value effect.

The first unit 3a is also called a constantly driven basic unit or a directly driven direct unit. The second unit 3b is also referred to as an additional unit that is additionally driven, a unit that is selectively driven, or an indirect unit that is indirectly driven.

The power source 2 can supply the power in the rotation direction R1 and the power in the rotation direction R2. The power source 2 may reverse the operating state of the power source 2 itself. When the power source 2 is, for example, an electric motor, the reversal of the rotation direction is performed electrically. The power source 2 may reverse the rotation direction of the power by the power transmission mechanism. The power source 2 may reverse the rotation direction by, for example, a gear mechanism. The power source 2 may include an internal combustion engine that rotates in one direction. The power source 2 may include a power transmission mechanism for switching the rotation direction of the output of the internal combustion engine. In this case, the power transmission mechanism enables switching of the rotation direction while maintaining the rotation direction of the internal combustion engine. The power transmission mechanism is provided by, for example, a gear mechanism, a belt mechanism, or the like.

The solid refrigerant system 1 includes a control device 6. The control device 6 controls the power source 2 and the switch 17. The control device 6 controls the power source 2 so as to switch the rotation direction. The control device 6 in this specification may also be referred to as an electronic control unit (ECU: Electronic Control Unit). The control device or control system is provided by (a) an algorithm as a plurality of logics called if-then-else form, or (b) a trained model tuned by machine learning, for example, an algorithm as a neural network. ..

The control device is provided by a control system that includes at least one computer. The control system may include multiple computers linked by data communication equipment. A computer includes at least one processor (hardware processor) which is hardware. The hardware processor can be provided by (i), (ii), or (iii) below.

(I) The hardware processor may be at least one processor core that executes a program stored in at least one memory. In this case, the computer is provided by at least one memory and at least one processor core. The processor core is called a CPU: Central Processing Unit, a GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, RISC-CPU, or the like. Memory is also called a storage medium. Memory is a non-transitional and substantive storage medium that non-temporarily stores "programs and / or data" that can be read by a processor. The storage medium is provided by a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or the like. The program may be distributed by itself or as a storage medium in which the program is stored.

(Ii) The hardware processor may be a hardware logic circuit. In this case, the computer is provided by a digital circuit that includes a large number of programmed logic units (gate circuits). The digital circuit is a logic circuit array, for example, ASIC: Application-Special Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, SoC: System on a Chip, PGA: Programbulable Cable. Digital circuits may include memory for storing programs and / or data. Computers may be provided by analog circuits. Computers may be provided by a combination of digital and analog circuits.

(Iii) The hardware processor may be a combination of the above (i) and the above (ii). (I) and (ii) are arranged on different chips or on a common chip. In these cases, the part (ii) is also called an accelerator.

Control devices, signal sources, and controlled objects provide various elements. At least some of those elements can be called blocks, modules, or sections. Moreover, the elements contained in the control system are called functional means only when intentionally.

In FIG. 3, a magnetic heat effect type heat pump device 103 (MHP: Magneto-caloric effect heat pump) as a unit 3 is shown. The MHP device 103 provides a thermomagnetic cycle device. The MHP apparatus 103 can be introduced by reference to Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-185795, Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-8247, and the like. The MHP device 103 includes a magnetic heat quantity effect element 107 (MCE: Magneto-Caloric Effect) as a solid refrigerant 7. The MHP device 103 utilizes the magnetic heat effect of the MCE element 107. The MHP device 103 generates a high temperature end and a low temperature end by the MCE element 107. The MCE element 107 is provided between the high temperature end and the low temperature end.

The MCE element 107 receives an external magnetic field as external energy and exerts a calorific value effect. The MCE element 107 generates heat and endothermic in response to changes in the strength of the external magnetic field. The MCE element 107 generates heat when an external magnetic field is applied, and absorbs heat when the external magnetic field is removed. When the electron spins of the MCE element 107 are aligned in the magnetic field direction by applying an external magnetic field, the magnetic entropy decreases and the temperature rises by releasing heat. Further, when the electron spin of the MCE element 107 becomes disordered due to the removal of the external magnetic field, the magnetic entropy increases and the temperature of the MCE element 107 decreases by absorbing heat. The MCE element 107 is made of an MCE material that exhibits a high magnetic calorific value effect in the normal temperature range. The MCE material exhibits properties as a magnetic material in a temperature range in which a high magnetic calorific value effect is exhibited. For example, a gadolinium-based material or a lanthanum-iron-silicon compound can be used. In addition, a mixture of manganese, iron, phosphorus and germanium can be used. For the MCE element 107, an MCE material that absorbs heat by applying an external magnetic field and generates heat by removing the external magnetic field may be used.

The MCE element 107 includes a plurality of cascaded partial elements. The MCE element 107 is also called a cascade connection element. The plurality of partial elements exert a magnetic calorific value effect with high efficiency in different temperature zones. The plurality of partial elements are arranged so as to share the temperature difference between the high temperature end and the low temperature end. The MCE element 107 is arranged so as to exchange heat with a heat transport medium responsible for heat transport. In other words, the heat transport medium exchanges heat with the MCE element 107. The heat transport medium provides a heat storage element that stores heat and transports heat. The heat transport medium is called the primary medium. The primary medium can be provided by a fluid such as antifreeze, water, oil.

The MHP device 103 includes a magnetic field modulation device 108 as an energy modulation device 8 and a heat transport device 109. The magnetic field modulator 108 and the heat transport device 109 cause the MCE element 107 to function as an element of an AMR (Active Magnetic Refrigeration) cycle.

The magnetic field modulator 108 applies a periodically fluctuating magnetic field to the MCE element 107. The MCE element 107 is arranged in a magnetic field and exerts a magnetic heat quantity effect. The magnetic field modulator 108 applies an external magnetic field to the MCE element 107 and increases or decreases the strength of the external magnetic field. The magnetic field modulator 108 periodically switches between an exciting state in which the MCE element 107 is placed in a strong magnetic field and a degaussing state in which the MCE element 107 is placed in a weak magnetic field or a zero magnetic field. The magnetic field modulator 108 modulates the external magnetic field so as to periodically repeat the excitation period and the degaussing period. The magnetic field modulator 108 includes a movable mechanism that periodically changes the distance between the MCE element 107 and the magnetic field source. The movable mechanism moves either the MCE element 107 or the magnetic force source with respect to the other.

The heat transport device 109 is a device that reciprocally flows a heat transport medium that exchanges heat with the MCE element 107 along the MCE element 107. The heat transport device 109 reciprocates the heat transport medium in synchronization with the fluctuation of the magnetic field. The heat transport device 109 causes a relative reciprocating movement between the MCE element 107 and the heat transport medium. The heat transport device 109 may include a pump that pumps the heat transport medium and a valve that controls the flow.

The heat transport device 109 outputs the heat output exerted by the MCE element 107 to the output device 4. The heat transport device 109 may use a secondary medium for heat output to the output device 4. The secondary medium exchanges heat with, for example, the primary medium. One of the output devices 4 utilizes the high temperature obtained at the high temperature end of the MHP device 103. One of the output devices 4 utilizes the low temperature obtained at the low temperature end of the MHP device 103.

In FIG. 4, the MHP device 103 has a plurality of MCE elements 107. The plurality of MCE elements 107 are arranged along the rotation direction RD of the rotor 31. The plurality of MCE elements 107 are arranged at equal intervals with each other.

The MHP device 103 has a magnetic field modulation device 108. The magnetic field modulator 108 is provided by a rotor 31 as a movable member. The movable member is driven by the power source 2. The rotor 31 has a plurality of permanent magnets 32, a plurality of yokes 33, and a rotation shaft 34. In the rotor 31, the plurality of permanent magnets 32 and the plurality of yokes 33 are arranged in a Halbach array. The rotor 31 provides a plurality of magnetic poles. The rotor 31 keeps the MCE element 107 in an excited state in the exciting angle range AMG. The rotor 31 keeps the MCE element 107 in a non-excited state in the non-excited angle range DMG. The rotor 31 is driven by the power source 2. As a result, the rotor 31 rotates in the rotation direction RD. The rotor 31 provides a rotating magnetic field by moving the magnetic poles in the direction of rotation RD. The rotating magnetic field modulates the external magnetic field applied to the MCE element 107. Therefore, the magnetic field modulator 108 includes a movable member (rotor 31) that applies an external magnetic field to the plurality of MCE elements 107 and receives power from the power source 2 to modulate the external magnetic field.

Since the MCE element 107 has magnetism, the rotor 31 is subjected to torque fluctuation due to a magnetic field. As a result, the rotor 31 provides a stable stop position at a position where the magnetic poles face the MCE element 107 directly in front of it. The MCE element 107 and the magnetic field modulator 108 have a plurality of stable stop positions ST1 and ST2 in the rotation direction. When the power supply from the power source 2 is cut off, the rotor 31 stops at the stable stop position ST1 and the stable stop position ST2 in the rotation direction. In the illustrated example, the plurality of MCE elements 107 are arranged at intervals of 90 degrees from each other. The rotor 31 provides a plurality of magnetic poles at 180 degree intervals. As a result, the rotor 31 stops at the stable stop positions ST1 and ST2 at 90 degree intervals. Therefore, the magnetic field modulator 108 includes a movable member (rotor 31) that stops at a stable stop position.

In FIG. 5, the control process 160 executed by the control device 6 is shown. The control device 6 selects the operation mode in step 161. Step 161 is performed in the early stages of activating the solid refrigerant system 1. Here, it is executed before the power source 2 supplies power. The operation mode is selected depending on whether the clutch 5 is in the engaged state or the separated state. The connected state corresponds to, for example, a transient operation state in which the heat load is large at the initial stage of the start of operation. The separated state corresponds to, for example, a steady operation state in which the heat load is small after the operation is continued. When the clutch 5 is switched to the engaged state, the process branches to YES. When the clutch 5 is switched to the separated state, the process branches to NO.

In step 162, the clutch 5 is switched from the separated state to the connected state. This switching is mechanically executed as a result of setting the rotation direction of the power supplied from the power source 2 to the first rotation direction R1. The clutch 5 shifts from the separated state to the connected state in response to the first rotation direction R1. As a result, by setting the first rotation direction R1, the clutch 5 is automatically switched to the engaged state. The switching of the clutch 5 is not executed by the control by the control device 6.

In step 163, the control device 6 sets the rotation direction of the power supplied from the power source 2 to the first rotation direction R1. The first rotation direction R1 is supplied by controlling the power source 2 or by controlling the power transmission mechanism. The control device 6 holds the clutch 5 in the engaged state (ON) by controlling the switch 17 in step 164.

The control device 6 executes the operation control in the connected state in step 165. In step 165, the solid refrigerant system 1 is operated so as to supply thermal output to the output device 4 by operating both of the two units 3a and 3b. The control device 6 controls the power source 2 so as to provide a relatively large torque for operating both of the two units 3a and 3b.

In step 166, the clutch 5 is switched from the engaged state to the separated state. This switching is mechanically executed as a result of setting the rotation direction of the power supplied from the power source 2 to the second rotation direction R2. The clutch 5 shifts from the connected state to the separated state in response to the second rotation direction R2. As a result, by setting the second rotation direction R2, the clutch 5 is automatically switched to the separated state. The switching of the clutch 5 is not executed by the control by the control device 6.

In step 167, the control device 6 sets the rotation direction of the power supplied from the power source 2 to the second rotation direction R2. The second rotation direction R2 is supplied by controlling the power source 2 or by controlling the power transmission mechanism. The control device 6 holds the clutch 5 in the separated state (OFF) by controlling the switch 17 in step 168.

The control device 6 executes the operation control in the separated state in step 169. In step 169, the solid refrigerant system 1 is operated so as to supply thermal output to the output device 4 by operating only the first unit 3a. The control device 6 controls the power source 2 so as to provide a relatively small torque for operating only the first unit 3a.

In this embodiment, a method of operating a solid refrigerant system is provided. The driving method includes a selection step. The selection step selects the first rotation direction R1 or the second rotation direction R2 opposite to the first rotation direction R1. The selection step is provided by step 161.

The operation method includes a first supply step and a first operation step. The first supply step is executed when the first rotation direction R1 is selected in the selection step. The first supply step supplies the power in the first rotation direction R1 from the power source 2 that supplies the power in the first rotation direction R1 or the power in the second rotation direction R2 in response to the selection step. do. The first supply step is provided by step 163. The first run step is performed after the first supply step. In the first operation step, the power in the first rotation direction R1 is transmitted to the first unit 3a, the calorific value effect is drawn from the first unit 3a, and the second unit of the power in the first rotation direction R1. Allows supply to 3b and draws a calorific value effect from the second unit 3b. The first operation step is provided by step 165.

The operation method includes a second supply step and a second operation step. The second supply step is executed when the second rotation direction R2 is selected in the selection step. The second supply step supplies power in the second rotation direction R2 from the power source 2 in response to the selection step. The second supply step is provided by step 167. The second operation step is executed after the second supply step. In the second operation step, the power in the second rotation direction R2 is transmitted to the first unit 3a, the calorific value effect is drawn from the first unit 3a, and the second unit of the power in the second rotation direction R2. Shut off the supply of 3b to. As a result, the second unit 3b does not exert a calorific value effect. The second operation step is provided by step 169. The tolerance in the first operation step and the interruption in the second operation step are executed according to the rotation direction of the power.

In FIG. 6, the calorific value effect capacity Q2 exerted by the second unit 3b is set to be larger than the calorific value effect capacity Q1 exerted by the first unit 3a (Q2> Q1). This configuration provides two modes of operation. In the first mode, only the first unit 3a is operated. The first mode is called a low output mode or a steady mode. In the second mode, both the first unit 3a and the second unit 3b are operated. The second mode is called a high output mode or a transient mode.

FIG. 7 illustrates the thermal output Q (W) provided by the plurality of operating modes. The rotation speed REV (rpm) of the power source 2 can be adjusted in a variable range between the first rotation speed REV1 and the second rotation speed REV2. The second rotation speed REV2 is the maximum rotation speed.

The first unit 3a provides the capacity Q1 at an arbitrary rotation speed. In the first mode, the solid refrigerant system 1 provides the capacity Qs at the second revolution REV2. The capacity Qs can be used, for example, for steady output such that stable temperature maintenance is performed.

The second unit 3b provides the capability Q2 at any number of revolutions. The ability Q2 is larger than the ability Q1 (Q2> Q1). In the second mode, the solid refrigerant system 1 provides the capacity Qd1 at the second revolution REV2. The ability Qd1 is greater than twice the ability Qs. Since the capacity Qd1 is larger than the capacity Qs, it can be used for a high load output, for example. Further, since the capacity Qd1 is larger than twice the capacity Qs, it can be used for a transient output such as during a cool-down or a warm-up. In this embodiment, two stages of capacity switching are provided. The capacity Q1 + Q2 in the second stage operation mode brings about a dramatic increase exceeding the proportional increase with respect to the capacity Q1 in the first stage operation mode.

The capacity Q1 and the capacity Q2 are set according to the use of the solid refrigerant system 1. The capacities Q1 and Q2 are set so as to be able to meet the heat load assumed for the application of the solid refrigerant system 1. The capacity Q1 is set so that it can be easily used at a steady state when the temperature of the controlled object is stable in the vicinity of the target temperature. The capacity Q2 is set so that it can be easily used as the sum of the capacity Q1 and the capacity Q2 at the time when the temperature to be controlled is away from the target temperature and changes toward the target temperature. The absolute values of the capacity Q1 and the capacity Q2 are such that the efficiency of the solid refrigerant system 1 is suitable for long-term operation in the steady state, and the solid refrigerant system 1 can respond to the heat load in the transient time. Is set up.

The capacities Q1 and Q2 can be set according to the amount of the solid refrigerant 7. The capacities Q1 and Q2 can be set by the energy intensity given by the energy modulation device 8. In the case of the MHP device 103, the capacities Q1 and Q2 can be set by the weight of the MCE element 107 or the magnetic flux density supplied by the magnetic field modulation device 108. The magnetic flux density supplied by the magnetic field modulator 108 can be set by the weight of the permanent magnet 32. Therefore, the weight of the MCE element 107 or the weight of the permanent magnet is set so as to be able to supply the capacities Q1 and Q2 that can cope with the heat load assumed for the use of the solid refrigerant system 1.

According to this embodiment, the power transmission to the second unit 3b can be interrupted by switching the rotation direction of the power supplied from the power source 2. As a result, a solid refrigerant system whose capacity can be adjusted by switching the rotation direction of the power, and an operation method thereof are provided.

Second Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the ability Q1 is smaller than the ability Q2 (Q2> Q1). Instead, the ability Q1 can be set to be equal to or approximately equal to the ability Q2 (Q2 = Q1).

In FIG. 8, the heat quantity effect capacity Q2 exerted by the second unit 3b is set to be equal to the heat quantity effect capacity Q1 exerted by the first unit 3a (Q2 = Q1).

In FIG. 9, the thermal output Q (W) provided by the plurality of operating modes is illustrated. This embodiment also provides two stages of capacity switching. In the first mode, the solid refrigerant system 1 provides a capacity Q1 and a maximum capacity Qs. In the second mode, the solid refrigerant system 1 provides capacity Q1 + Q2, with a maximum capacity Qd2. The capacity Q1 + Q2 in the second stage operation mode brings about a proportional increase with respect to the capacity Q1 in the first stage operation mode. As a result, in this embodiment, the capacity and the power consumption increase proportionally. Moreover, the decrease in efficiency is suppressed to a proportional decrease.

Third Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the clutch 5 has triangular wavy meshing surfaces 13 and 14. Instead, the clutch 5 can be provided by various types of one-way clutches. Various types of one-way clutches are known. In this embodiment, a cam type one-way clutch is used. Also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the preceding embodiment can be obtained.

In FIGS. 10 and 11, the clutch 5 is a cam type one-way clutch. The clutch 5 has an input member 361 and an output member 362. In the illustrated example, the input member 361 provides an outer race. The output member 362 provides an inner race. The clutch 5 includes a roller cam 363 that responds to a rotation difference between the input member 361 and the output member 362. The roller cam 363 is housed in a cam chamber 364 which is partitioned between the input member 361 and the output member 362. The roller cam 363 is provided by a ball or a cylinder. The roller cam 363 is urged by the urging member 365 toward a position where the rotational force is transmitted. The urging member 365 is provided by an elastic member such as a spring.

FIG. 10 shows a rotation transmission state by the one-way clutch. At this time, the power source 2 supplies the power in the rotation direction R1. The input member 361 receives power in the rotation direction R1 from the power source 2. In the illustrated example, the rotation direction R1 is the clockwise direction. In the rotation transmission state, the roller cam 363 is pressed against both the input member 361 and the output member 362 in the cam chamber 364. As a result, the rotation of the input member 361 is transmitted to the output member 362 through the roller cam 363. Therefore, the power source 2 drives the first unit 3a and the second unit 3b. As a result, an operation mode in which both the first unit 3a and the second unit 3b are operated is provided.

FIG. 11 shows a rotation cutoff state by the one-way clutch. At this time, the power source 2 supplies power in the rotation direction R2. The input member 361 receives power in the rotation direction R2 from the power source 2. In the illustrated example, the rotation direction R2 is a counterclockwise direction. In the rotation cutoff state, the roller cam 363 rotates with respect to the input member 361 or the output member 362 in the cam chamber 364. As a result, the rotation of the input member 361 is blocked without being transmitted to the output member 362. Therefore, the power source 2 only drives the first unit 3a. As a result, an operation mode in which only the first unit 3a is operated is provided.

Fourth Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment as a basic embodiment. In this embodiment, a sprag type one-way clutch is used. Also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the preceding embodiment can be obtained.

In FIGS. 12 and 13, the clutch 5 is a sprag type one-way clutch. The clutch 5 has an input member 461 and an output member 462. In the illustrated example, the input member 461 provides an outer race. The output member 462 provides an inner race. The clutch 5 includes a sprag 463 that responds to a rotation difference between the input member 461 and the output member 462. The sprag 463 is arranged between the input member 461 and the output member 462. The sprag 463 may be urged in a direction for transmitting a rotational force by an urging member. The urging member is provided by an elastic member such as a ring-shaped spring.

FIG. 12 shows a rotation transmission state by the one-way clutch. At this time, the power source 2 supplies the power in the rotation direction R1. The input member 461 receives power in the rotation direction R1 from the power source 2. In the illustrated example, the rotation direction R1 is the clockwise direction. In the rotation transmission state, the sprag 463 comes into contact with both the input member 461 and the output member 462. As a result, the rotation of the input member 461 is transmitted to the output member 462 through the sprag 463. Therefore, the power source 2 drives the first unit 3a and the second unit 3b. As a result, an operation mode in which both the first unit 3a and the second unit 3b are operated is provided.

FIG. 13 shows a rotation cutoff state by the one-way clutch. At this time, the power source 2 supplies power in the rotation direction R2. The input member 461 receives power in the rotation direction R2 from the power source 2. In the illustrated example, the rotation direction R2 is a counterclockwise direction. In the rotation cutoff state, the sprag 463 separates from the input member 461 or the output member 462. As a result, the rotation of the input member 461 is blocked, and the output member 462 does not rotate. Therefore, the power source 2 only drives the first unit 3a. As a result, an operation mode in which only the first unit 3a is operated is provided.

Fifth Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment as a basic embodiment. In the above embodiment, the power source 2, the first unit 3a, the clutch 5, and the second unit 3b are arranged in series both mechanically and in the order of power transmission. Alternatively, the first unit 3a and the second unit 3b may be arranged in parallel with the power source 2.

As shown in FIG. 14, the clutch 5 has a power transmission mechanism 518. The power transmission mechanism 518 makes it possible to arrange the first unit 3a and the second unit 3b in parallel. The power transmission mechanism 518 can be provided by a belt mechanism, a gear train, or the like. The first unit 3a is directly driven by the power source 2. The second unit 3b is indirectly driven from the power source 2 via the clutch 5. The clutch 5 is a one-way clutch. As a result, the power transmission to the second unit 3b can be interrupted by switching the rotation direction of the power supplied from the power source 2. Also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the preceding embodiment can be obtained.

Sixth Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the unit 3 utilizes the magnetic heat quantity effect. Instead, in this embodiment, the unit 3 utilizes the electrocaloric effect.

In FIG. 15, the unit 3 is provided by an electrocaloric effect heat pump device 603. The unit 3 includes an electric calorific value effect element 607 as a solid refrigerant 7. As the electric calorific value effect element 607, an element that controls the electric dipole moment by an external electric field is known. The electrocaloric effect element 607 can be provided by, for example, ceramics or a resin material. The unit 3 includes an electric field modulation device 608 as an energy modulation device 8. The electric field modulator 608 modulates the strength of the electric field applied to the electrocaloric effect element 607.

The unit 3 includes a heat transport device 609 driven by a power source 2. The heat transport device 609 may provide heat transfer by moving the electric heat quantity effect element 607 by the power supplied from the power source 2. The heat transport device 609 generates a flow of the heat transport medium by the power supplied from the power source 2, exchanges heat between the heat transport medium and the electric heat quantity effect element 607, and moves the heat transport medium to transfer heat. May be provided. In either case, the unit 3 stops at the stable stop position due to the torque fluctuation of the consumed power.

Also in this embodiment, the solid refrigerant system 1 includes a first unit 3a and a second unit 3b. A clutch 5 is arranged in the power transmission path from the power source 2 to the second unit 3b. As a result, the power transmission to the second unit 3b can be interrupted by switching the rotation direction of the power supplied from the power source 2.

Seventh Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment as a basic embodiment. In the above embodiment, the clutch 5 is a mechanical one-way clutch that transmits the power in the first rotation direction R1 and shuts off the power in the second rotation direction R2. The clutch 5 is a mechanical one-way clutch that mechanically senses the direction of rotation and switches between a connected state and a separated state. Instead, in this embodiment, the clutch 5 is a controllable clutch that switches between a connected state and a separated state in response to a rotational direction. The direction of rotation can be electrically sensed. The controllable clutch can be electrically controlled by the control device 6.

In FIGS. 16 and 17, the clutch 5 is a friction type clutch. The input member 11 has a frictional engagement surface 713. The output member 12 has a frictional engagement surface 714. The frictional engagement surface 713 and the frictional engagement surface 714 exert an engaging force that transmits power in the rotation direction R1.

The solid refrigerant system 1 includes a rotation sensor 720 that senses the direction of rotation. The rotation sensor 720 is installed in a power transmission path including the clutch 5. The rotation sensor 720 senses the rotation direction of the power supplied from the power source 2. The rotation sensor 720 is provided by a sensor that electrically detects the direction of rotation by an electromagnetic action. The control device 6 switches the clutch 5 between the engaged state and the separated state by controlling the switch 17 according to the rotation direction sensed by the rotation sensor 720. The switch 17 is provided by an electric actuator such as an electromagnet that moves the output member 12.

As shown in FIG. 16, when the first rotation direction R1 is sensed, the control device 6 controls the input member 11 and the output member 12 in a connected state by the switch 17. As a result, the power in the first rotation direction R1 is transmitted by the clutch 5 and is also supplied to the second unit 3b. At this time, both the first unit 3a and the second unit 3b exert a calorific value effect.

As shown in FIG. 17, when the second rotation direction R2 is sensed, the control device 6 controls the input member 11 and the output member 12 in a separated state by the switch 17. As a result, the power in the second rotation direction R2 is cut off by the clutch 5 and is not supplied to the second unit 3b. At this time, only the first unit 3a exerts the calorific value effect.

Other Embodiments The disclosure in this specification, drawings and the like is not limited to the exemplified embodiments. Disclosures include exemplary embodiments and modifications by those skilled in the art based on them. For example, disclosure is not limited to the parts and / or element combinations shown in the embodiments. Disclosure can be carried out in various combinations. The disclosure can have additional parts that can be added to the embodiment. Disclosures include those in which the parts and / or elements of the embodiment are omitted. Disclosures include the replacement or combination of parts and / or elements between one embodiment and another. The technical scope disclosed is not limited to the description of the embodiments. Some technical scopes disclosed are indicated by the claims description and should be understood to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims statement.

Disclosure in the description, drawings, etc. is not limited by the description of the scope of claims. The disclosure in the description, drawings, etc. includes the technical ideas described in the claims, and further covers a wider variety of technical ideas than the technical ideas described in the claims. Therefore, various technical ideas can be extracted from the disclosure of the description, drawings, etc. without being bound by the description of the claims.

In the above embodiment, the power source 2 and the first unit 3a are directly connected, and the clutch 5 is arranged between the power source 2 and the second unit 3b. Alternatively, a clutch may be arranged between the power source 2 and the first unit 3a. The first unit 3a provides a direct unit driven directly, but does not deny the existence of a clutch. The terms direct and indirect are relative and mean that the first unit 3a is more commonly used than the second unit 3b.

In the above embodiment, the power source 2 and the first unit 3a are directly connected, and the clutch 5 is arranged between the power source 2 and the second unit 3b to realize two-step capacity switching. .. Instead of this, by arranging the clutch 5 between more units 3 and the power source 2, it is possible to realize multi-step capacity switching such as 3 steps, 4 steps, and 5 steps. In any configuration, the solid refrigerant system 1 includes at least a first unit 3a and a second unit 3b.

1 solid refrigerant system, 2 power source, 3, 3a, 3b units,
4 output devices, 5 clutches, 6 control devices,
7,7a, 7b solid refrigerant, 8,8a, 8b energy modulator,
9, 9a, 9b heat transport device, 11 input members, 12 output members,
13, 14 meshing surface, 15, 16 movable connecting part, 17 switch,
31 rotor, 32 permanent magnet, 33 yoke, 34 rotating shaft,
103 Magnetic heat effect type heat pump device, 107 Magnetic heat effect element,
108 magnetic field modulator, 109 heat transport device, Q1, Q2 capability,
ST1, ST2 stable stop position, MS1, MS2 meshing position,
R1 first rotation direction, R2 second rotation direction,
203a, 203b unit,
313, 314 meshing surface,
413, 414 meshing surface,
518 Power transmission mechanism,
603 Electric heat effect type heat pump device, 607 Electric heat effect element,
608 Electric Field Modulator, 609 Heat Transporter,
713, 714 friction engagement surface, 720 rotation sensor.

Claims (10)

Receives power in both rotation directions from a power source (2) that supplies power in the first rotation direction (R1) or power in a second rotation direction (R2) opposite to the first rotation direction. The first unit (3a), which exerts a calorific value effect,
A clutch (5) that transmits power in the first rotation direction from the power source and shuts off the power in the second rotation direction.
A solid refrigerant system including a second unit (3b) that receives power in the first rotational direction from the power source through the clutch and exerts a calorific value effect. The solid refrigerant system according to claim 1, wherein the power source is an electric motor capable of switching the rotation direction. The solid refrigerant system according to claim 1, wherein the power source includes an internal combustion engine that rotates in one direction and a power transmission mechanism that switches the rotation direction of the output of the internal combustion engine. The solid refrigerant system according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a control device (6) that controls the power source so as to switch the rotation direction. The solid refrigerant system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the clutch is a mechanical one-way clutch that transmits power in the first rotational direction and shuts off power in the second rotational direction. .. The solid refrigerant system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the clutch is a controllable clutch that can be switched between a connected state and a separated state in response to a rotation direction. The solid refrigerant system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the clutch is a meshing type clutch that meshes at a meshing position. Each of the first unit and the second unit
A magnetic calorific value effect element (107) that exerts a calorific value effect by receiving an external magnetic field as external energy,
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a magnetic field modulator (108) that applies the external magnetic field to the magnetic heat effect element and receives power from the power source to modulate the external magnetic field. The solid refrigerant system described. A selection step (161) for selecting a first rotation direction (R1) or a second rotation direction (R2) opposite to the first rotation direction.
In response to the selection step, the power source (2) for supplying the power in the first rotation direction or the power in the second rotation direction supplies the power in the first rotation direction. Supply step (163) and
After the first supply step, the power in the first rotation direction is transmitted to the first unit (3a), the heat quantity effect is drawn from the first unit, and the power in the first rotation direction is obtained. The first operation step (165), which allows the supply to the second unit (3b) and draws the heat quantity effect from the second unit,
A second supply step (167) that supplies power in the second rotational direction from the power source in response to the selection step.
After the second supply step, the power in the second rotational direction is transmitted to the first unit, the calorific value effect is drawn from the first unit, and the power in the second rotational direction is said to be the second. A method of operating a solid refrigerant system, comprising a second operating step (169) of shutting off supply to the unit 2. The method of operating a solid refrigerant system according to claim 9, wherein the permissible in the first operation step and the cutoff in the second operation step are executed according to the rotation direction of the power.

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