JP2024048521A - Refrigeration equipment and refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To make the force field density in a solid refrigerant material uniform. [Solution] A force field concentrating member (13) is provided through which a force field passes more easily than a solid refrigerant material (11). The force field concentrating member (13) is arranged in a position in which the length in a first direction in which a force field is applied by a force field application section (20) is shorter than the length in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and is sandwiched between the solid refrigerant material (11) in the first direction. [Selected Figure] Figure 2

Description

This disclosure relates to a refrigeration device and a refrigerator.

Patent document 1 discloses a heat exchanger that includes a cylindrical case that contains a magnetocaloric effect material and a ferromagnetic body that is attached so as to be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the case.

In the invention of Patent Document 1, the ferromagnetic body is configured to have a first opposing surface that extends along the surface of one magnet, and a second opposing surface that extends along the surface of the other magnet. This reduces the space between the cylindrical case and the magnet, and increases the magnetic flux density applied to the magnetocaloric effect material.

JP 2020-071007 A

However, in the invention of Patent Document 1, the magnetic gap becomes small at both ends in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction in which the magnetic field is applied, so magnetic flux mainly flows through both ends in the second direction in the magnetocaloric effect material. As a result, there is a problem in that the magnetic flux density near the center of the magnetocaloric effect material in the second direction does not increase.

The objective of this disclosure is to make it possible to homogenize the force field density in a solid refrigerant material.

A first aspect of the present disclosure is a refrigeration device including a solid refrigerant material (11) having a calorific effect, and a force field application unit (20) that applies a force field to the solid refrigerant material (11) to induce a phase transition in the solid refrigerant material (11), and includes a force field focusing member (13) through which the force field passes more easily than the solid refrigerant material (11), and the force field focusing member (13) is arranged in a position in which the length in a first direction in which the force field is applied by the force field application unit (20) is smaller than the length in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and is sandwiched between the solid refrigerant material (11) in the first direction.

In the first embodiment, the flow of the force field expanding to pass through the outside of the solid refrigerant material (11) is suppressed, thereby increasing the force field density (magnetic flux density if the force field is a magnetic field, and electric flux density if the force field is an electric field) in the solid refrigerant material (11) and making the force field density uniform.

In a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the refrigeration device according to the first aspect, the force field focusing members (13) are arranged at intervals in the first direction.

In the second aspect, by arranging multiple force field focusing members (13) in the first direction and narrowing the apparent magnetic gap, it is possible to prevent the force field in the solid refrigerant material (11) from becoming non-uniform due to the force spreading outward and passing through the solid refrigerant material (11), and to homogenize the force field density in the solid refrigerant material (11).

A third aspect of the present disclosure is a refrigeration device according to the first or second aspect, in which the force field in the first direction is less likely to pass through the center of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction than through the end of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction.

In the third aspect, the force field density at the end of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction can be increased and brought closer to the force field density at the center.

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a refrigeration device according to the third aspect, in which the thickness of the center of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction is smaller than the thickness of the end portions in the second direction.

In the fourth aspect, the force field density at the end of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction can be increased and brought closer to the force field density at the center.

In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the refrigeration device according to the third aspect, a hole (25) penetrating in the first direction is formed in the center of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction.

In the fifth aspect, the force field density at the end of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction can be increased and brought closer to the force field density at the center.

In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in the refrigeration device according to the third aspect, the force field focusing member (13) has a plurality of holes (25) penetrating in the first direction and spaced apart in the second direction, and the inner diameter of the hole (25) formed in the center of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction is larger than the inner diameter of the hole (25) formed at the end of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction.

In the sixth aspect, the force field density at the end of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction can be increased and brought closer to the force field density at the center.

In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the refrigeration device according to the third aspect, the force field focusing member (13) has a plurality of holes (25) penetrating in the first direction and spaced apart in the second direction, and the spacing between adjacent holes (25) in the center of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction is smaller than the spacing between adjacent holes (25) at the ends in the second direction.

In the seventh aspect, the force field density at the end of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction can be increased and brought closer to the force field density at the center.

The eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a refrigeration device according to the first or second aspect, in which the end of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction is positioned more inward in the second direction than the end of the solid refrigerant material (11) in the second direction.

In the eighth aspect, the force field directed outward from the end of the solid refrigerant material (11) in the second direction can be attracted toward the end of the force field concentrating member (13) in the second direction, thereby increasing the force field density at the end of the solid refrigerant material (11) in the second direction.

A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a refrigeration device according to the first or second aspect, further comprising a container (12) for storing the solid refrigerant material (11), and the force field focusing member (13) divides the solid refrigerant material (11) into a plurality of layers within the container (12).

In the ninth aspect, the solid refrigerant material (11) can be prevented from being unevenly positioned within the container (12).

A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the refrigeration device according to the ninth aspect, wherein the plurality of layers includes a first layer (61) and a second layer (62), and the Curie temperature of the solid refrigerant material (11) in the first layer (61) is different from the Curie temperature of the solid refrigerant material (11) in the second layer (62).

In the tenth aspect, the temperature of the fluid can be changed in stages by circulating a heat medium that exchanges heat with the solid refrigerant material (11) through the first layer (61) or the second layer (62).

The eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is the refrigeration device according to the tenth aspect, in which the force field focusing member (13) is provided with a flow path (28) for circulating a heat medium that exchanges heat with the solid refrigerant material (11) in the first direction.

In the eleventh aspect, the heat medium that exchanges heat with the solid refrigerant material (11) is circulated through the flow path (28) between the first layer (61) and the second layer (62), thereby gradually changing the temperature of the heat medium.

A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a refrigeration device according to the first or second aspect, further comprising a container (12) for storing the solid refrigerant material (11), the containers (12) being arranged in a plurality of locations along the first direction, and the force field focusing member (13) being arranged between adjacent containers (12).

In the twelfth aspect, the force field focusing member (13) can be sandwiched between the solid refrigerant material (11) simply by disposing the force field focusing member (13) between the containers (12) adjacent in the first direction.

A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a refrigeration device according to the twelfth aspect, in which a chamfered portion or a fillet portion (26) is provided at the corner of the container (12), and the force field focusing member (13) is also disposed in the gap between the chamfered portion or the fillet portion (26) of the adjacent container (12).

In the thirteenth aspect, the force field focusing member (13) is also disposed in the gaps between the chamfered or filleted portions of the adjacent containers (12) to increase the thickness of the end portion in the second direction of the force field focusing member (13), thereby increasing the force field density at the end portion in the second direction and bringing it closer to the force field density in the center.

A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a refrigeration device according to the first or second aspect, in which the solid refrigerant material (11) is a magnetic working material (11), the force field application unit (20) is a magnetic field application unit (20) that applies a magnetic field to the magnetic working material (11), and the force field focusing member (13) is a soft magnetic material having a higher magnetic permeability than the magnetic working material (11).

In the fourteenth aspect, the magnetic flux density in the magnetic working material (11) can be increased and made uniform.

A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a refrigeration device according to the fourteenth aspect, further comprising a container (12) for storing the magnetic working material (11), the container (12) being made of a soft magnetic material, a plurality of the containers (12) being arranged along the first direction, and the force field focusing member (13) being made of the wall of the adjacent containers (12).

In the fifteenth aspect, the container (12) is made of a soft magnetic material, so that the wall of the container (12) can be used as a force field focusing member (13).

In a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the refrigeration device according to the fourteenth aspect, the magnetic field application unit (20) has a permanent magnet (21) and a moving mechanism (15) that moves the position of the permanent magnet (21), and the moving mechanism (15) moves the permanent magnet (21) relative to the magnetic working material (11) to apply or remove a magnetic field to the magnetic working material (11).

In the sixteenth aspect, the magnetic working material (11) can be heated or cooled by applying or removing a magnetic field to the magnetic working material (11).

A seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure is a refrigeration device according to the fourteenth aspect, in which the magnetic field application unit (20) has a coil (50) that generates a magnetic flux when energized, and a control unit (8) that controls the energization of the coil (50), and the control unit (8) applies or removes a magnetic field to the magnetic working material (11) by turning on or off the energization of the coil (50).

In the seventeenth aspect, the magnetic working material (11) can be heated or cooled by applying or removing a magnetic field to the magnetic working material (11).

In an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the refrigeration device according to the first or second aspect, the solid refrigerant material (11) is an electrocaloric material (11) having an electrocaloric effect, the force field application unit (20) is an electric field application unit (20) that applies an electric field to the electrocaloric material (11), and the force field focusing member (13) is an electric conductor having a higher conductivity than the electrocaloric material (11).

In the eighteenth aspect, the electric flux density in the electrocaloric material (11) can be increased and made uniform.

A nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a refrigerator including the refrigeration device (10) according to the first or second aspect and a heat medium circuit (2) that exchanges heat with the refrigeration device (10).

In a nineteenth aspect, a refrigerator equipped with a refrigeration device (10) can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a piping diagram of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device. FIG. 4 is a diagram comparing the flow of magnetic flux with and without a force field concentrating member. FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a magnetic refrigeration apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a magnetic refrigeration apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a magnetic refrigeration apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a magnetic refrigeration apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a magnetic refrigeration apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a magnetic refrigeration apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a magnetic refrigeration apparatus according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a magnetic refrigeration apparatus according to the ninth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a plan sectional view showing the shape of the flow path. FIG. 14 is a plan sectional view showing another shape of the flow channel. FIG. 15 is a plan sectional view showing another shape of the flow channel. FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a magnetic refrigeration apparatus according to the tenth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a refrigeration device according to an eleventh embodiment.

First Embodiment
As shown in Fig. 1, a chiller (1) includes a heat medium circuit (2). The chiller (1) is applied to, for example, an air conditioner. The heat medium circuit (2) is filled with a heat medium. The heat medium includes, for example, a refrigerant, water, brine, etc.

The refrigerator (1) includes a low-temperature heat exchanger (3), a high-temperature heat exchanger (4), a pump (5), and a magnetic refrigeration device (10). The magnetic refrigeration device (10) adjusts the temperature of the heat medium by utilizing the magnetocaloric effect.

The heat medium circuit (2) is formed in a closed loop. The heat medium circuit (2) is connected in this order to a pump (5), a low-temperature side heat exchanger (3), a magnetic refrigeration device (10), and a high-temperature side heat exchanger (4).

The heat medium circuit (2) includes a low-temperature side flow path (2a) and a high-temperature side flow path (2b). The low-temperature side flow path (2a) connects the temperature control flow path (10a) of the magnetic refrigeration device (10) to the first port (6a) of the pump (5). The high-temperature side flow path (2b) connects the temperature control flow path (10a) of the magnetic refrigeration device (10) to the second port (6b) of the pump (5).

<Low temperature side heat exchanger and high temperature side heat exchanger>
The low-temperature side heat exchanger (3) exchanges heat between the heat medium cooled in the magnetic refrigeration device (10) and a predetermined object to be cooled (e.g., secondary refrigerant, air, etc.). The high-temperature side heat exchanger (4) exchanges heat between the heat medium heated in the magnetic refrigeration device (10) and a predetermined object to be heated (e.g., secondary refrigerant, air, etc.).

<pump>
The pump (5) alternately and repeatedly performs a first operation and a second operation. In the first operation, the heat medium in the heat medium circuit (2) is transported clockwise in Fig. 1. In the second operation, the heat medium in the heat medium circuit (2) is transported counterclockwise in Fig. 1. The pump (5) constitutes a transport mechanism that causes the heat medium in the heat medium circuit (2) to flow reciprocally.

The pump (5) is a reciprocating piston pump. The pump (5) includes a pump case (6) and a piston (7).

The piston (7) is arranged inside the pump case (6) so as to be able to move forward and backward. The piston (7) divides the inside of the pump case (6) into a first chamber (S1) and a second chamber (S2). The pump case (6) is provided with a first port (6a) and a second port (6b). The first port (6a) communicates with the first chamber (S1). The first port (6a) is connected to the low-temperature side flow path (2a). The second port (6b) communicates with the second chamber (S2). The second port (6b) is connected to the high-temperature side flow path (2b). The piston (7) is driven by a drive mechanism (not shown).

In the first action, the piston (7) moves toward the first port (6a). In the first action, the volume of the first chamber (S1) decreases and the volume of the second chamber (S2) increases. As a result, the heat medium in the first chamber (S1) is discharged through the first port (6a) to the low-temperature side flow path (2a). At the same time, the heat medium in the high-temperature side flow path (2b) is sucked into the second chamber (S2) through the second port (6b).

In the second action, the piston (7) moves toward the second port (6b). In the second action, the volume of the second chamber (S2) decreases and the volume of the first chamber (S1) increases. As a result, the heat medium in the second chamber (S2) is discharged through the second port (6b) to the high-temperature side flow path (2b). At the same time, the heat medium in the low-temperature side flow path (2a) is sucked into the first chamber (S1) through the first port (6a).

<Control Unit>
The refrigerator (1) includes a control unit (8). The control unit (8) controls the operations of the pump (5) and the magnetic refrigeration device (10) in response to a predetermined operation command. The control unit (8) is configured using a microcomputer and a memory device (specifically, a semiconductor memory) that stores software for operating the microcomputer.

Magnetic Refrigeration Device
Fig. 2 is a plan sectional view showing the configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device. Fig. 3 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the magnetic refrigeration device. The "side" here refers to a surface seen from a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the magnetic flux flowing through the magnetic working material (11). As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the magnetic refrigeration device (10) includes a magnetic working material (11) as a solid refrigerant material having a calorific effect, a force field concentrating member (13), a magnetic field application unit (20) as a force field application unit, and a rotation mechanism (15). Here, the force field is a magnetic field, and the force field density is a magnetic flux density.

The magnetic working material (11) is a solid refrigerant material that has a magnetocaloric effect. The magnetocaloric effect is a phenomenon in which heat is generated or absorbed by, for example, a phase transition from a ferromagnetic material to a paramagnetic material when a magnetic field fluctuates. More specifically, the magnetic working material (11) generates heat when a magnetic field is applied. The magnetic working material (11) absorbs heat when the magnetic field is removed. The magnetic working material (11) also generates heat when the applied magnetic field becomes stronger. The magnetic working material (11) also absorbs heat when the applied magnetic field becomes weaker.

Examples of materials that can be used for the magnetic working substance (11) include _{Gd5 ( Ge0.5Si0.5} ) ₄ , La( _{Fe1- xSix} ) ₁₃ , La(Fe1 _{- xCoxSiy} ) ₁₃ , _La ( _{Fe1 -xSix ) 13Hy} , and Mn( _As0.9Sb0.1 ) _.

The magnetic working material (11) is stored in a container (12). The container (12) extends in an arc shape along the circumferential direction. The container (12) is made of, for example, a non-magnetic material. A plurality of containers (12) storing the magnetic working material (11) are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. The container (12) is part of the temperature control flow path (10a) and is configured so that the heat medium flows in and out. The heat medium in the container (12) flows around the magnetic working material (11). Note that the container (12) is not shown in FIG. 3.

Here, if the thickness of the wall of the container (12) is small enough to suppress leakage magnetic flux passing through the outside of the magnetic working material (11) in the second direction, the container (12) may be made of a soft magnetic material.

A force field focusing member (13) is disposed within the container (12). The force field focusing member (13) is made of a material through which a magnetic field passes more easily than the magnetic working material (11). The force field focusing member (13) is a soft magnetic material having a higher magnetic permeability than the magnetic working material (11). The force field focusing member (13) is made of, for example, iron.

The force field focusing member (13) is arranged in a position in which the length in a first direction (vertical direction in FIG. 2) in which a magnetic field is applied by the magnetic field application unit (20) is smaller than the length in a second direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 2) perpendicular to the first direction, and is sandwiched between the magnetic working material (11) in the first direction.

The force field focusing members (13) are arranged at intervals in the first direction. In the example shown in FIG. 2, two force field focusing members (13) are arranged at intervals in the first direction. The force field focusing members (13) separate the magnetic working material (11) into multiple layers in the container (12). Note that only one force field focusing member (13) may be arranged in the container (12).

The rotation mechanism (15) has a rotating shaft (16) and a motor (17). The rotating shaft (16) is connected to the motor (17). The motor (17) rotates the rotating shaft (16). A magnetic field application unit (20) is connected to the rotating shaft (16).

The magnetic field application unit (20) applies a magnetic field to the magnetic working material (11) to induce a phase transition in the magnetic working material (11). The magnetic field application unit (20) moves in the circumferential direction relative to the magnetic working material (11). Specifically, the magnetic field application unit (20) rotates around the axis together with the rotating shaft (16) as the motor (17) rotates. This causes the magnetic field application unit (20) to rotate relative to the magnetic working material (11).

The magnetic field application unit (20) has a plurality of permanent magnets (21) and a yoke (30). The yoke (30) is made of a soft magnetic material. The yoke (30) is made, for example, by casting or sintering iron. The yoke (30) may also be made of laminated electromagnetic steel sheets.

The yoke (30) has a first core portion (31), a first radial protrusion (32), a first axial protrusion (33), a second core portion (41), a second radial protrusion (42), and a second axial protrusion (43).

The first core portion (31) is formed in a cylindrical shape. The rotating shaft (16) is connected to the first core portion (31). The first radial protrusions (32) extend radially outward from the first core portion (31). A plurality of first radial protrusions (32) are provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. The first axial protrusions (33) extend downward from the tip of the first radial protrusions (32).

The second core portion (41) is formed in a cylindrical shape. The second core portion (41) is disposed below the first core portion (31) in FIG. 2. The second core portion (41) is connected to the rotating shaft (16). The second radial protrusions (42) extend radially outward from the second core portion (41). A plurality of second radial protrusions (42) are provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. The second radial protrusions (42) are provided at positions overlapping the first radial protrusions (32) when viewed in the axial direction. The second axial protrusions (43) extend upward from the tip of the second radial protrusions (42).

The permanent magnet (21) is provided on the yoke (30). Specifically, the permanent magnet (21) is disposed at the tip of the first axial protrusion (33) and the second axial protrusion (43) of the yoke (30) and fixed with an adhesive or the like. Note that magnet holes (not shown) may be formed in the first axial protrusion (33) and the second axial protrusion (43) and the permanent magnet (21) may be inserted into the magnet holes.

The permanent magnet (21) is formed, for example, in an arc shape. The material of the permanent magnet (21) may be, for example, an Nd-Fe-B magnet or an SmCo magnet. The permanent magnet (21) passes magnetic flux through the yoke (30).

The permanent magnet (21) on the first axial protrusion (33) side and the permanent magnet (21) on the second axial protrusion (43) side face each other in the axial direction. The pair of opposing permanent magnets (21) form the magnetic poles of the magnetic field application unit (20). A gap (27) is provided between the pair of permanent magnets (21) as a magnetic gap. A magnetic working material (11) is placed in the gap (27).

When a pair of permanent magnets (21) are axially opposed to the magnetic working material (11), magnetic flux flows in the axial direction of the magnetic working material (11). The flow of magnetic flux is indicated by imaginary arrows. Here, the size of the magnetic working material (11) will be explained. In the radial direction, it is desirable that the outer diameter and inner diameter are approximately the same as the radial width of the permanent magnet (21). In the circumferential direction, it is desirable that the outer diameter and inner diameter are larger than the circumferential width of the permanent magnet (21). In the case where the magnetic working material (11) does not face the permanent magnet (21) but faces the yoke (30), the radial width and circumferential width of the permanent magnet (21) are interpreted as the radial width and circumferential width of the yoke (30) at the portion facing the magnetic working material (11).

In the magnetic refrigeration device (10), magnetic flux flows from the permanent magnet (21) on the first axial protrusion (33) side to the permanent magnet (21) on the second axial protrusion (43) side. This causes the magnetic working material (11) to which the magnetic field is applied to generate heat.

Then, the magnetic field application unit (20) is rotated to make the pair of permanent magnets (21) face the adjacent magnetic working material (11) in the axial direction. As a result, the magnetic working material (11) to which the magnetic field was first applied absorbs heat when the magnetic field is removed. On the other hand, the adjacent magnetic working material (11) generates heat when the magnetic field is applied.

The rotation mechanism (15) constitutes a movement mechanism that moves the position of the permanent magnet (21) relative to the magnetic working material (11). The rotation mechanism (15) applies or removes a magnetic field to the magnetic working material (11) by moving the permanent magnet (21) relative to the magnetic working material (11).

(On the flow of magnetic flux in magnetic materials)
The effect of the force field concentrating member (13) on the flow of magnetic flux will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. In Fig. 4, the flow of magnetic flux is indicated by imaginary arrows. As shown in Fig. 4, when the force field concentrating member (13) is not disposed in the container (12), the magnetic flux flowing from the upper permanent magnet (21) to the lower permanent magnet (21) tends to expand so as to pass through the outside of the magnetic working material (11). In other words, the magnetic flux flowing in the center of the magnetic working material (11) in the second direction is less than that at both ends in the second direction, and the magnetic flux density is reduced.

On the other hand, when a force field focusing member (13) is placed inside the container (12) as in this embodiment, the flow of magnetic flux that expands to pass through the outside of the magnetic working material (11) is suppressed, and the magnetic flux can be made to flow throughout the entire second direction of the magnetic working material (11). This increases the magnetic flux density in the magnetic working material (11) and makes the magnetic flux density uniform.

- Refrigeration equipment operation -
The basic operation of the refrigerator (1) will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The refrigerator (1) alternately and repeatedly performs a heating operation and a cooling operation. The cycle for switching between the heating operation and the cooling operation is set to, for example, about 0.1 to 1 second.

<Heating Operation>
In the heating operation, the pump (5) performs a first operation, and the magnetic field application unit (20) performs a first magnetic field application operation. That is, in the heating operation, the heat medium is discharged from the first port (6a) of the pump (5). At the same time, a magnetic field is applied to the magnetic working material (11).

When the heat medium is discharged from the first chamber (S1) of the pump (5) to the low-temperature side flow path (2a), the heat medium in the low-temperature side flow path (2a) flows into the temperature control flow path (10a) of the magnetic refrigeration device (10). In the refrigerator (1) during the first magnetic field application operation, heat is released from the magnetic working material (11) to the surrounding heat medium. Therefore, the heat medium flowing through the temperature control flow path (10a) is heated by the magnetic working material (11). The heat medium heated in the temperature control flow path (10a) flows out into the high-temperature side flow path (2b) and flows through the high-temperature side heat exchanger (4). In the high-temperature side heat exchanger (4), a predetermined heating target (e.g., secondary refrigerant, air, etc.) is heated by the high-temperature heat medium. The heat medium in the high-temperature side flow path (2b) is sucked into the second chamber (S2) from the second port (6b) of the pump (5).

<Cooling operation>
In the cooling operation, the pump (5) performs the second operation, and the magnetic field applying unit (20) performs the second magnetic field applying operation. That is, in the heating operation, the magnetic field of the magnetic working material (11) is removed at the same time as the heat medium is discharged from the second port (6b) of the pump (5).

When the heat medium is discharged from the second chamber (S2) of the pump (5) to the high-temperature side flow path (2b), the heat medium in the high-temperature side flow path (2b) flows into the temperature control flow path (10a) of the magnetic refrigeration device (10). In the refrigerator (1) during the second magnetic field application operation, the magnetic working material (11) takes heat from its surroundings. Therefore, the heat medium flowing through the temperature control flow path (10a) is cooled by the magnetic working material (11). The heat medium cooled in the temperature control flow path (10a) flows out into the low-temperature side flow path (2a) and flows through the low-temperature side heat exchanger (3). In the low-temperature side heat exchanger (3), a predetermined cooling target (e.g., secondary refrigerant, air, etc.) is cooled by the low-temperature heat medium. The heat medium in the low-temperature side flow path (2a) is sucked into the first chamber (S1) from the first port (6a) of the pump (5).

--Effects of the First Embodiment--
According to a feature of the present embodiment, a force field focusing member (13) is provided through which a force field passes more easily than through the solid refrigerant material (11), and the force field focusing member (13) is positioned such that the length of the force field focusing member (13) in a first direction in which the force field is applied by the force field application unit (20) is shorter than the length of the force field focusing member (13) in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the force field focusing member (13) is sandwiched between the solid refrigerant material (11) in the first direction.

This prevents the force field in the solid refrigerant material (11) from becoming non-uniform due to the air spreading outside the solid refrigerant material (11), and increases and uniforms the force field density in the solid refrigerant material (11).

According to the features of this embodiment, by arranging multiple force field focusing members (13) in the first direction and narrowing the apparent magnetic gap, it is possible to prevent the force field in the solid refrigerant material (11) from becoming non-uniform due to the force spreading outward and passing through the solid refrigerant material (11), and to homogenize the force field density in the solid refrigerant material (11).

According to the features of this embodiment, the force field focusing member (13) divides the solid refrigerant material (11) into multiple layers in the container (12), thereby preventing the solid refrigerant material (11) from being unevenly positioned in the container (12).

In addition, the temperature of the fluid can be adjusted by circulating a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the solid refrigerant material (11) through each of the multiple layers.

According to the features of this embodiment, the force field focusing member (13) is made of a soft magnetic material having a higher magnetic permeability than the magnetic working material (11), thereby increasing the magnetic flux density in the magnetic working material (11) and making the magnetic flux density uniform.

According to the features of this embodiment, the magnetic working material (11) can be heated or cooled by applying or removing a magnetic field to the magnetic working material (11).

According to the features of this embodiment, a refrigerator (1) can be provided that includes a magnetic refrigeration device (10) and a heat medium circuit (2) that exchanges heat with the magnetic refrigeration device (10).

Second Embodiment
Hereinafter, the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the differences will be described.

As shown in FIG. 5, the magnetic working material (11) is stored in a container (12). The container (12) is made of a soft magnetic material. A plurality of containers (12) are arranged along a first direction in which a magnetic field is applied by the magnetic field application unit (20). In the example shown in FIG. 5, two containers (12) are arranged.

The two containers (12) are arranged with the walls of the containers (12) abutting against each other. The walls of the containers (12) are made of a soft magnetic material, so the force field focusing member (13) is made of the wall of the adjacent container (12).

--Effects of the second embodiment--
According to a feature of this embodiment, by forming the container (12) from a soft magnetic material, the wall of the container (12) can be used as the force field focusing member (13).

Third Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 6, the magnetic refrigeration device (10) includes a magnetic working material (11), a magnetic field application unit (20), and a control unit (8).

The magnetic field application unit (20) has a permanent magnet (21), a yoke (30), a coil (50), and a power source (55). The yoke (30) has a first core portion (31), a first radial protrusion (32), a first axial protrusion (33), a second core portion (41), a second radial protrusion (42), and a second axial protrusion (43).

The first radial protrusion (32) extends radially outward from the first core portion (31). The first axial protrusion (33) extends downward from the tip of the first radial protrusion (32).

The second core portion (41) is disposed below the first core portion (31) in FIG. 6. The second radial protrusion (42) extends radially outward from the second core portion (41). The second radial protrusion (42) is provided at a position overlapping the first radial protrusion (32) when viewed from the axial direction. The second axial protrusion (43) extends upward from the tip of the second radial protrusion (42).

A gap (27) is provided between the first axial protrusion (33) and the second axial protrusion (43) as a magnetic gap. A magnetic working material (11) is placed in the gap (27). The first axial protrusion (33) and the second axial protrusion (43) may be in close contact with a container (12) for the magnetic working material (11).

The permanent magnet (21) is disposed midway through the magnetic path formed by the yoke (30). Specifically, the permanent magnet (21) is disposed between the first core portion (31) and the second core portion (41). The permanent magnet (21) is a magnet whose amount of magnetization can be changed. Various magnets can be used for the permanent magnet (21). As an example, the permanent magnet (21) can be a rare earth magnet (neodymium magnet) that does not contain heavy rare earth elements, an alnico magnet, an iron-nickel magnet, an iron nitride magnet, a samarium-cobalt magnet, or the like.

The coil (50) generates a magnetic flux in the yoke (30) when electricity is applied. The coil (50) is formed by winding a conductor around the yoke (30) in the vicinity of the permanent magnet (21). When a current is applied to the coil (50), a magnetic field can be applied to the permanent magnet (21) via the yoke (30).

The power source (55) supplies current to the coil (50). The power source (55) outputs a pulse current. The power source (55) can change the direction of the current it outputs. The power source (55) can switch between supplying and not supplying a pulse current to the coil (50) according to the control of the control unit (8). The control unit (8) controls the current flow through the coil (50).

The control unit (8) applies or removes a magnetic field to the magnetic working material (11) by turning on or off the current flow to the coil (50). Specifically, the amount of magnetization can be changed by applying a magnetic field to the permanent magnet (21) or removing the applied magnetic field.

In the magnetization process, when a magnetic field is applied to the permanent magnet (21), the amount of magnetization of the permanent magnet (21) increases, and a magnetic field is applied from the permanent magnet (21) to the magnetic working material (11). When a magnetic field is applied to the magnetic working material (11), the magnetic working material (11) generates heat.

On the other hand, if the direction of the magnetic field applied to the permanent magnet (21) in the demagnetization process is reversed from the direction of the magnetic field in the magnetization process, the amount of magnetization of the permanent magnet (21) decreases. When the amount of magnetization of the permanent magnet (21) decreases, the magnetic field applied to the magnetic working material (11) weakens. When the magnetic field applied to the magnetic working material (11) weakens, the magnetic working material (11) absorbs heat.

In this embodiment, the magnetization amount of the permanent magnet (21) is changed by passing a current through the coil (50) and applying a magnetic field to the permanent magnet (21) via the yoke (30), but this is not limited to the embodiment. For example, the permanent magnet (21) may not be provided on the yoke (30). In this case, the current through the coil (50) may be turned on or off to generate a magnetic flux in the coil (50), thereby applying or removing a magnetic field to the magnetic working material (11).

--Effects of the Third Embodiment--
According to the feature of this embodiment, the magnetic working material (11) can be heated or cooled by applying or removing a magnetic field to the magnetic working material (11).

Fourth Embodiment
As shown in Fig. 7, a force field focusing member 13 is disposed within the container 12. The force field focusing member 13 is made of a material through which a magnetic field passes more easily than the magnetic working material 11. The force field focusing member 13 is a soft magnetic material having a higher magnetic permeability than the magnetic working material 11.

The thickness of the center of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction is smaller than that of the ends in the second direction. Specifically, the force field focusing member (13) has an inclined shape such that the thickness of the force field focusing member (13) gradually decreases from the ends in the second direction toward the center. This makes it more difficult for the magnetic field in the first direction to pass through the center of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction than through the ends in the second direction.

--Effects of the fourth embodiment--
According to the feature of this embodiment, the force field density at the end portion in the second direction of the force field concentrating member (13) can be increased and made closer to the force field density at the central portion.

Fifth embodiment
As shown in Fig. 8, a force field focusing member 13 is disposed within the container 12. The force field focusing member 13 is made of a material through which a magnetic field passes more easily than the magnetic working material 11. The force field focusing member 13 is a soft magnetic material having a higher magnetic permeability than the magnetic working material 11.

The thickness of the force field focusing member (13) at the center in the second direction is smaller than that at the ends in the second direction. Specifically, the force field focusing member (13) has an inclined shape such that the thickness of the force field focusing member (13) gradually decreases from the ends in the second direction toward the center. Furthermore, a hole (25) penetrating in the first direction is formed in the center in the second direction of the force field focusing member (13).

--Effects of the fifth embodiment--
According to the feature of this embodiment, the force field density at the end portion in the second direction of the force field concentrating member (13) can be increased and made closer to the force field density at the central portion.

Sixth Embodiment
As shown in Fig. 9, a force field focusing member 13 is disposed within the container 12. The force field focusing member 13 is made of a material through which a magnetic field passes more easily than the magnetic working material 11. The force field focusing member 13 is a soft magnetic material having a higher magnetic permeability than the magnetic working material 11.

The force field focusing member (13) has a plurality of holes (25) penetrating in the first direction and spaced apart in the second direction. The inner diameter of the hole (25) formed in the center of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction is larger than the inner diameter of the hole (25) formed at the end in the second direction.

Furthermore, the spacing between adjacent holes (25) in the center of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction is smaller than the spacing between adjacent holes (25) at the ends in the second direction.

--Effects of the Sixth Embodiment--
According to the feature of this embodiment, the force field density at the end portion in the second direction of the force field concentrating member (13) can be increased and made closer to the force field density at the central portion.

Seventh embodiment
As shown in FIG. 10 , the magnetic working material (11) is stored in a container (12). The container (12) is made of a non-magnetic material. A plurality of containers (12) are arranged along a first direction in which a magnetic field is applied by the magnetic field application unit (20). In the example shown in FIG. 10 , two containers (12) are arranged. A fillet portion (26) is provided at the corner of the container (12). Note that a chamfered portion may be provided at the corner of the container (12).

The force field focusing member (13) is disposed between the walls of adjacent containers (12). A portion of the force field focusing member (13) is also disposed in the gap between the fillet portions (26) of the adjacent containers (12).

The force field focusing member (13) is made of a material through which a magnetic field passes more easily than the magnetic working material (11). The force field focusing member (13) is a soft magnetic material that has a higher magnetic permeability than the magnetic working material (11).

--Effects of the Seventh Embodiment--
According to the features of this embodiment, by simply disposing the force field focusing member (13) between the containers (12) adjacent to each other in the first direction, the force field focusing member (13) can be sandwiched between the solid refrigerant material (11).

Furthermore, by disposing a force field focusing member (13) in the gap between the chamfered or filleted portions (26) of adjacent containers (12) and increasing the thickness of the end portion in the second direction of the force field focusing member (13), the force field density at the end portion in the second direction can be increased and brought closer to the force field density at the center.

Eighth embodiment
11, a temperature control flow path (10a) is provided in the container (12). Water as a heat medium flowing through the temperature control flow path (10a) exchanges heat with the magnetic working material (11).

A force field focusing member (13) is disposed within the container (12). Two force field focusing members (13) are disposed at an interval in the first direction. The force field focusing members (13) divide the magnetic working material (11) within the container (12) into a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers includes a first layer (61), a second layer (62), and a third layer (63).

Here, the Curie temperature of the magnetic working material (11) in the first layer (61), the Curie temperature of the magnetic working material (11) in the second layer (62), and the Curie temperature of the magnetic working material (11) in the third layer (63) are different.

The force field focusing member (13) is provided with a flow path (28) that allows the heat medium to flow in the first direction. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the force field focusing member (13) that separates the first layer (61) and the second layer (62) is provided with a flow path (28) at the right end in FIG. 11. Also, the force field focusing member (13) that separates the second layer (62) and the third layer (63) is provided with a flow path (28) at the left end in FIG. 11.

As a result, the heat medium flows into the container (12) from the inlet side of the temperature control flow path (10a) that opens at the upper left in FIG. 11, and then flows in a zigzag pattern through the first layer (61), the second layer (62), and the third layer (63) in that order, and then flows out from the outlet side of the temperature control flow path (10a) that opens at the lower right in FIG. 11.

--Effects of the eighth embodiment--
According to the feature of the present embodiment, the heat transfer medium, which exchanges heat with the solid refrigerant material (11), is caused to flow through the flow path (28) between the first layer (61) and the second layer (62), so that the temperature of the heat transfer medium can be gradually changed.

《Embodiment 9》
12, a temperature control flow path (10a) is provided in a container (12). Water as a heat medium flowing through the temperature control flow path (10a) exchanges heat with a magnetic working material (11).

A force field focusing member (13) is disposed within the container (12). Two force field focusing members (13) are disposed at an interval in the first direction. The force field focusing members (13) divide the magnetic working material (11) within the container (12) into a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers includes a first layer (61), a second layer (62), and a third layer (63).

Here, the Curie temperature of the magnetic working material (11) in the first layer (61), the Curie temperature of the magnetic working material (11) in the second layer (62), and the Curie temperature of the magnetic working material (11) in the third layer (63) are different.

The force field focusing member (13) is provided with a flow path (28) that allows the heat medium to flow in the first direction. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the force field focusing member (13) is provided with a plurality of flow paths (28) that penetrate in the first direction and are spaced apart in the second direction (see also FIG. 13).

As a result, the heat medium flows into the container (12) from the inlet side of the temperature control flow path (10a) that opens at the upper left in FIG. 12, and then passes through the first layer (61), the second layer (62), and the third layer (63) in that order, and then flows out from the outlet side of the temperature control flow path (10a) that opens at the lower right in FIG. 12.

The flow path (28) provided in the force field focusing member (13) is not limited to this form. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, only one flow path (28) may be provided in the center of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction.

Also, as shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of slit-shaped flow paths (28) extending in the depth direction of the container (12) may be provided at intervals in the second direction.

In the examples shown in Figures 13 to 15, the shape of the container (12) is described as being substantially rectangular in plan view, but the shape of the container (12) may be, for example, arc-shaped in plan view.

--Effects of the 9th embodiment--
According to the feature of the present embodiment, the heat transfer medium, which exchanges heat with the solid refrigerant material (11), is caused to flow through the flow path (28) between the first layer (61) and the second layer (62), so that the temperature of the heat transfer medium can be gradually changed.

Tenth Embodiment
As shown in Fig. 16, a force field focusing member 13 is disposed in the container 12. The force field focusing member 13 is made of a material through which a magnetic field passes more easily than the magnetic working material 11. The force field focusing member 13 is a soft magnetic material having a higher magnetic permeability than the magnetic working material 11.

The end of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction is positioned inside the end of the magnetic working material (11) in the second direction. Since the magnetic flux density is high at the end of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction, the leakage magnetic flux outside the magnetic working material (11) is attracted to the inside of the magnetic working material (11) (see the phantom line in FIG. 16).

--Effects of the Tenth Embodiment--
According to the features of the present embodiment, the force field directed outward from the end of the solid refrigerant material (11) in the second direction can be attracted toward the end of the force field concentrating member (13) in the second direction, thereby increasing the force field density at the end of the solid refrigerant material (11) in the second direction.

Eleventh Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 17, the refrigeration system (10) includes an electrocaloric material (11) serving as a solid refrigerant material having an electrocaloric effect, a force field concentrating member (13), and an electric field application unit (20) serving as a force field application unit.

The electric field application unit (20) applies an electric field to the electrocaloric material (11). The electric field application unit (20) has a pair of electrodes (22) and a power source (55). The electrocaloric material (11) is placed between the pair of electrodes (22). The pair of electrodes (22) is connected to the power source (55). The power source (55) outputs a pulse current as shown in FIG. 17.

The electrocaloric material (11) is stored in a container (12). The container (12) is made of an insulator. A force field focusing member (13) is disposed in the container (12). The force field focusing member (13) is made of a material through which an electric field passes more easily than the electrocaloric material (11). The force field focusing member (13) is a conductor having a higher electrical conductivity than the electrocaloric material (11).

The electric field application unit (20) generates or absorbs heat in the electrocaloric material (11) by inducing an electrocaloric effect in the electrocaloric material (11). Specifically, the electric field application unit (20) applies an electric field fluctuation to the electrocaloric material (11). This causes the electrocaloric material (11) to undergo a phase transition from a ferroelectric to a paraelectric, and the electrocaloric material (11) generates or absorbs heat.

The electric field application unit (20) may also be a type that induces a pressure caloric effect in the electrocaloric material (11). In this case, the electric field application unit (20) applies a pressure fluctuation to the electrocaloric material (11), causing the electrocaloric material (11) to undergo a phase transition and generate or absorb heat.

The electric field application unit (20) may also be a type that induces an elastic caloric effect in the electrocaloric material (11). In this case, the electric field application unit (20) applies a stress fluctuation to the electrocaloric material (11), causing the electrocaloric material (11) to undergo a phase transition and generate or absorb heat.

-Effects of the 11th embodiment-
According to the features of this embodiment, the electric flux density in the electrocaloric material (11) can be increased and made uniform.

Other Embodiments
The above embodiment may be configured as follows.

In this embodiment, a configuration using a permanent magnet (21) and a rotating mechanism (15) having a rotating shaft (16) and a motor (17) as a moving mechanism for moving the position of the permanent magnet (21) has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a linear motion mechanism having a cylinder and a cylinder rod may be used as the moving mechanism to move the permanent magnet (21) relative to the magnetic working material (11).

Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications of form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the elements of the above embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate. Furthermore, the descriptions "first," "second," "third," etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish the words to which these descriptions are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the words.

As described above, the present disclosure is useful for refrigeration devices and freezers.

1. Refrigeration unit
2 Heat Transfer Medium Circuit
8. Control Unit
10. Magnetic refrigeration equipment (refrigeration equipment)
11 Magnetically active materials, electrocaloric materials (solid refrigerant materials)
12 Containers
13 Force field focusing element
15 Rotation mechanism (movement mechanism)
20 Magnetic field application unit, electric field application unit (force field application unit)
21 Magnet
25 holes
26 Fillet
28 Flow Path
50 Coil
61 First Floor
62 Second Layer
63 Third Layer

Claims (19)

A refrigeration device comprising: a solid refrigerant material (11) having a calorific effect; and a force field application unit (20) that applies a force field to the solid refrigerant material (11) to induce a phase transition in the solid refrigerant material (11),
a force field focusing member (13) through which a force field passes more easily than the solid refrigerant material (11),
The force field concentrating member (13) has a length in a first direction in which a force field is applied by the force field application unit (20) that is shorter than a length in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and is disposed at a position sandwiched between the solid refrigerant material (11) in the first direction. 2. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1,
The refrigeration apparatus includes a plurality of the force field focusing members (13) arranged at intervals in the first direction. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
A refrigeration apparatus in which the force field in the first direction passes less easily through a central portion of the force field concentrating member (13) in the second direction than through the end portions in the second direction. 4. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 3,
A refrigeration apparatus, wherein the thickness of the force field focusing member (13) at a central portion in the second direction is smaller than the thickness of the end portions in the second direction. 4. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 3,
The refrigeration apparatus has a hole (25) formed in a central portion of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction, the hole (25) penetrating in the first direction. 4. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 3,
The force field focusing member (13) has a plurality of holes (25) penetrating in the first direction and spaced apart in the second direction,
A refrigeration apparatus, wherein the inner diameter of the hole (25) formed in the center of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction is larger than the inner diameter of the hole (25) formed at the end of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction. 4. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 3,
The force field focusing member (13) has a plurality of holes (25) penetrating in the first direction and spaced apart in the second direction,
A refrigeration apparatus, wherein the interval between adjacent holes (25) in a central portion of the force field focusing member (13) in the second direction is smaller than the interval between adjacent holes (25) at an end portion in the second direction. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
A refrigeration apparatus, wherein an end portion in the second direction of the force field concentrating member (13) is arranged more inward in the second direction than an end portion in the second direction of the solid refrigerant material (11). In the refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
a container (12) for storing the solid refrigerant material (11),
The force field focusing member (13) divides the solid refrigerant material (11) into a plurality of layers within the container (12). 10. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 9,
The plurality of layers includes a first layer (61) and a second layer (62),
A refrigeration apparatus, wherein the Curie temperature of the solid refrigerant material (11) in the first layer (61) is different from the Curie temperature of the solid refrigerant material (11) in the second layer (62). 11. The refrigeration system according to claim 10,
The refrigeration apparatus, wherein the force field concentrating member (13) is provided with a flow path (28) through which a heat medium for exchanging heat with the solid refrigerant material (11) flows in the first direction. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
a container (12) for storing the solid refrigerant material (11),
The container (12) is arranged in a plurality of portions along the first direction,
The force field focusing member (13) is disposed between adjacent vessels (12) in the refrigeration apparatus. 13. The refrigeration system according to claim 12,
The container (12) has a corner portion provided with a chamfer or fillet portion (26),
The force field focusing member (13) is also disposed in the gap between the chamfered portion or the fillet portion (26) of the adjacent container (12). The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The solid refrigerant material (11) is a magnetic working material (11),
the force field application unit (20) is a magnetic field application unit (20) that applies a magnetic field to the magnetic working material (11),
The force field focusing member (13) is a soft magnetic material having a higher magnetic permeability than the magnetic working substance (11). 15. The refrigeration system of claim 14,
A container (12) for storing the magnetic working material (11),
The container (12) is made of a soft magnetic material,
The container (12) is arranged in a plurality of portions along the first direction,
The force field focusing member (13) is formed by a wall of the adjacent vessel (12). 15. The refrigeration system of claim 14,
The magnetic field application unit (20) includes a permanent magnet (21) and a moving mechanism (15) that moves the position of the permanent magnet (21),
The movement mechanism (15) moves the permanent magnet (21) relatively to the magnetic working material (11) to apply or remove a magnetic field to the magnetic working material (11) in the refrigeration apparatus. 15. The refrigeration system of claim 14,
The magnetic field applying unit (20) includes a coil (50) that generates a magnetic flux when energized, and a control unit (8) that controls energization of the coil (50),
The control unit (8) applies or removes a magnetic field to the magnetic working material (11) by turning on or off the current supply to the coil (50). The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The solid refrigerant material (11) is an electrocaloric material (11) having an electrocaloric effect,
the force field application unit (20) is an electric field application unit (20) that applies an electric field to the electrocaloric substance (11),
The force field focusing member (13) is an electrical conductor having a higher electrical conductivity than the electrocaloric material (11). A refrigeration system (10) according to claim 1 or 2;
The refrigerator includes a heat medium circuit (2) for exchanging heat with the refrigeration device (10).