KR101819520B1 - Magnetic cooling system - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a magnetic cooling system using a magnetocaloric effect. The present invention provides the magnetic cooling system, comprising: a magnetic generator configured to generate a magnetic field; an energy generator including a magnetic material having the magnetocaloric effect, and configured to move the magnetic material to the inside and outside of the magnetic field such that the magnetic material can be heated by magnetization and cooled by non-magnetization; a heat exchanger spaced at a predetermined distance from the magnetic material, and configured to heat exchange with the magnetic material; and a connector disposed between the magnetic material and the heat exchanger, and configured to have an adjustable length according to an arrangement within the magnetic field to have heat exchange between the magnetic material and the heat exchanger. Thus, the magnetic cooling system of the present invention includes the heat exchanger capable of heat exchanging with a simpler and more reliable magnetic material.

Description

[0001] MAGNETIC COOLING SYSTEM [0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cooling system for cooling an object, and more particularly, to a self cooling system that uses a magnetic calorimetric effect to cool an object.

Certain materials or materials are magnetized when a magnetic field is applied, and demagnetize when the magnetic field is removed. Such a property is generally called a magnetocaloric effect (MCE), and a material having a magnetic calorie effect is called a magnetic material or a magnetocaloric material. In addition, magnetic refrigeration or magnetic cooling (hereinafter referred to as self-cooling) refers to a method of forming a low temperature by using a magnetic calorific effect, and a magnetic refrigeration or magnetic cooling system Means a device that implements self-cooling to freeze an object.

That is, the self cooling system refers to a system that uses the amount of heat generated from the magnetic material when the magnetic field is applied to the magnetic material and the amount of heat absorbed by the magnetic material when the magnetic field applied to the magnetic material is erased. Unlike conventional gas compression refrigeration systems, such self cooling systems do not use gaseous refrigerants that are harmful to the human body and are compressed at high pressure, and thus have attracted attention as a safe, quiet and environmentally friendly cooling technology. For example, Korean Patent Laid-Open No. 10-2013-0108765 discloses a conventional self-cooling system as described above.

In order to utilize heat generation and endothermic of a magnetic material in the self-cooling system, a device for transferring heat exchanged with the magnetic material and exchanged heat is required. These heat exchangers generally consist of piping using working fluid and have a complicated structure. Also, since the magnetic material is a solid, it can be very difficult to design the piping of the heat exchanger to be connected to the magnetic material. Furthermore, for the same reason, leakage of the working fluid may occur at the connection portion of the piping and the magnetic material of the heat exchanger, and the reliability of the system may be deteriorated. Therefore, in view of these problems, a self cooling system needs to be designed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a magnetic cooling system including a heat exchanger with simpler magnetic material.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a self cooling system including a heat exchange device with a more reliable magnetic material.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention relates to a magnetic generator configured to generate a magnetic field, comprising: a magnetic material having a magnetic calorimetric effect, the magnetic material being heated by magnetization and cooled by non- And an energy generator configured to move outwardly: a heat exchanger spaced a predetermined distance from the magnetic material and configured to heat exchange with the magnetic material; And a connector disposed between the magnetic material and the heat exchanger and configured to have a length that is adjusted depending on whether the magnetic material is disposed in a magnetic field for heat exchange between the magnetic material and the heat exchanger.

The magnetic generator may be formed of a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

The energy generator may be configured to be rotatable to move the magnetic material repeatedly into and out of the magnetic field. More particularly, the energy generator comprises: a body provided with the magnetic material and rotating with the magnetic material passing through the magnetic field; And a driving mechanism for rotating the body. In addition, the body may be wholly or partially formed of the magnetic material, or may be formed of the magnetic material and include segments of a predetermined size attached to the surface of the body.

The heat exchanger comprising: a first heat exchanger configured to heat exchange with a magnetic material heated in the magnetic field; And a second heat exchanger configured to heat exchange with the magnetic material cooled outside the magnetic field.

The connector may be provided on the magnetic material. In addition, the connector may be configured to have different lengths outside and inside the magnetic field. More specifically, the connector has an increased length in the magnetic field, and may have a relatively reduced length outside the magnetic field. The connector may have a predetermined length and may extend longer than the predetermined length to directly contact the heat exchanger in the magnetic field, and may return to the predetermined length outside the magnetic field. Further, the connector has a first length in the magnetic field to directly contact the first exchanger, a second length outside the magnetic field to make direct contact with the second heat exchanger, 2 < / RTI > length.

In addition, the connector may be made of a magnetic fluid having strong magnetism in the magnetic field and flowing along the magnetic field. In addition, the connector may include a container that is configured to extend while receiving the magnetic fluid and is attached to the magnetic material. On the other hand, the connector may include a recess formed on the magnetic material and receiving the magnetic fluid.

In the self-cooling system according to the present invention, the heat exchanger and the magnetic material may be connected by a connector using a magnetic fluid for heat exchange. Such a connector can thermally and physically and stably connect the heat exchanger and moving magnetic material without additional drive. Therefore, the structure of the self-cooling system according to the present invention can be simplified, thereby reducing the productivity and the production cost.

Further, since the pipe of the heat exchanger is not directly connected to the magnetic material due to the use of the connector, leakage of the working fluid due to breakage can be prevented. Therefore, the reliability of the self cooling system according to the present invention is greatly improved, and the performance can also be improved.

Furthermore, the connector can stably connect the heat exchanger and the magnetic material, such as magnetic material, while moving. Therefore, the magnetic cooling system according to the present invention can move the magnetic material at a high speed in place of the magnet or the equivalent magnetic field generating device. For this reason, the self cooling system of the present invention can ensure a high operating frequency and performance.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, such as the preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

1 is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of a self cooling system according to the present invention.
2 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of a self cooling system according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the magnetic generator, energy generator and connector of the self cooling system of FIG. 2 in more detail; FIG.
4 is a perspective view showing the magnetic material included in the energy generator in more detail.
5 is a perspective view showing the energy generator in more detail.
6 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the connector and its operation and structure in more detail.
7 is a cross-sectional view showing another modification of the connector.

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description of the embodiments of the present invention, a detailed description of related arts will be omitted when it is determined that the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein may be obscured. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. , ≪ / RTI > equivalents, and alternatives.

The same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and redundant explanations thereof will be omitted. In addition, for convenience of explanation, the size and shape of each constituent member shown may be exaggerated or reduced.

Terms including ordinals, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited to these terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. It is to be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected or connected to the other element, . On the other hand, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another element, it should be understood that there are no other elements in between. The singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present application, the terms "comprises", "having", and the like are used to specify that a feature, a number, a step, an operation, an element, a component, But do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

The self-cooling system described herein may include a conventional refrigerator, an air conditioner, or the like. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiments described herein may be applied to all such devices that implement and utilize cooling as well as these conventional devices. Further, such a self-cooling system utilizes the reversible reaction of the magnetic material, that is, the magnetic calorific effect, as described below, so that it can include conventional heating devices and can be applied to all devices using heating.

1 is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of a self cooling system according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a self cooling system may include a generator 1 for receiving magnetic material and generating energy, and a magnet 2 for generating a magnetic field. Further, the magnet 2 can be moved close to or away from the fixed generator 1 in order to selectively generate heat due to the self-heating effect by selectively applying the magnetic field.

First, when the magnet 2 moves to the generator 1 and applies a magnetic field to the generator 1, the heat transfer fluid (or working fluid) circulates counterclockwise by the pump 5. The working fluid introduced into the generator 1 absorbs the heat generated in the magnetic material in the generator 1 to which the magnetic field is applied and then reaches the high temperature heat exchanger 3 to heat the heat absorbed from the generator 1 Release. The working fluid that has released heat to the surroundings in the high temperature heat exchanger (3) flows into the generator (1) through the low temperature heat exchanger (4).

Conversely, when the magnet 2 is removed from the generator 1 and the magnetic field of the generator 1 is removed, the working fluid is circulated by the pump 5 in the opposite direction, i.e. clockwise. The working fluid introduced into the generator 1 emits heat to the magnetic material cooled in the generator 1 from which the magnetic field is removed and reaches the low temperature heat exchanger 4 in a cooled state to absorb the surrounding heat. The working fluid having absorbed the surrounding heat in the low temperature heat exchanger 4 flows into the generator 1 through the high temperature heat exchanger 3, and the heat exchange cycle is completed once by this process. Such a heat exchange cycle is continuously repeated to obtain a high temperature or a low temperature necessary for heating or cooling.

On the other hand, magnetic fields of sufficient intensity and range must be formed in order to effectively obtain heating and cooling of the intended magnetic material. Therefore, the magnet 2 has a large size and weight, and is difficult to move quickly. For this reason, the single heat exchange cycle as described above takes a relatively long time, so that the magnetic refrigeration system of Fig. 1 operates at a low operating frequency. On the other hand, the magnetic material in the generator 1 can achieve the intended performance with a relatively small size as compared with the magnet 2. Thus, if a compact generator comprising a magnetic material instead of a magnet is configured to move, the magnetic refrigeration system can be operated at a higher frequency and can improve cooling performance. For this reason, another embodiment of the magnetic cooling system of FIG. 2 includes a movable magnetic material and a generator incorporating the same, and is described in more detail below with reference to the related drawings.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of a self-cooling system according to the present invention, and Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the magnetic generator, the energy generator and the connector of the self-cooling system of Fig. 2 in more detail. 4 is a perspective view showing the magnetic material included in the energy generator in more detail, and Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the energy generator in more detail.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the self-cooling system may include a magnetic generator 100 configured to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic generator 100 may be composed of various mechanisms capable of generating a magnetic field. For example, the magnetic generator 100 may be made of a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, and the permanent magnet and the electromagnet may form a magnetic field having a desired strength and range while having a simple structure. Magnetic generator 100 may include two faces or ends 100a and 100b that are spaced apart and opposed to each other with a predetermined distance therebetween and may be disposed between these faces or ends 100a and 100b A magnetic field can be formed.

In addition, to cooperate with the generated magnetic field, a self cooling system may include an energy generator 200 disposed adjacent to the magnetic generator 100. The energy generator 200 may include a magnetic material (or a magnetic calorimetric material) 240 to obtain heat generation and endothermic effect by the effect of the magnetic calorimetric effect. The magnetic material 240 refers to a material having a magnetic calorific effect as already briefly described above. More specifically, in the magnetic calorimetric effect, when a magnetic field is applied to the magnetic material 240 near the Curie temperature, the magnetic material 240 is magnetized, and electrons are parallel to the magnetic field . Entropy is reduced due to the increase in magnetic order, and the temperature of the magnetic material 240 is increased to compensate for this loss. On the other hand, when the magnetic field is removed from the magnetic material 240, the magnetic material 240 is demagnetized and electrons are irregularly arranged again. Therefore, entropy is again increased, and the temperature of the magnetic material 240 relatively decreases. Due to the magnetic calorific effect, the magnetic material 240 emits heat or absorbs heat depending on the presence or absence of a magnetic field. The energy generator 200 generates energy for heating and cooling a desired object by this heat generation and endotherm Lt; / RTI >

This exothermic and endothermic is accomplished by the application of a magnetic field to the magnetic material 240 and the removal of the magnetic field from the magnetic material 240 and the application and removal of the magnetic field is performed by the relative motion of the magnetic field and the magnetic material 240 . More specifically, a magnetic field, that is, a magnetic generator 100 (magnet) is configured to be relatively movable with respect to the magnetic material 240, or a magnetic material 240 is configured to move relative to the magnetic generator 100, As shown in FIG. As already described above, due to the relatively small size and weight, moving the magnetic material 240 may be advantageous for high operating frequency and performance. Thus, the energy generator 200 may be configured to move the magnetic material 240 relative to the magnetic generator 100 and its magnetic field. On the other hand, the magnetic generator 100 and its magnetic field may be stationary or fixed. More specifically, the energy generator 200 may move the magnetic material 240 toward the magnetic field of the stationary magnetic generator 100 and place the magnetic material 240 in the magnetic field. As described above, Can induce heat generation by the heat source. Thereafter, the energy generator 200 can move the magnetic material 240 in the magnetic field from the magnetic field and place it outside the magnetic field, and can induce cooling by non-magnetization of the magnetic material 240.

In addition, for the intended high operating frequency, it is necessary to move the magnetic material 240 in the magnetic field within a short time and move it again to the outside of the magnetic field. Various mechanisms may be applied for short periods of movement of the magnetic material 240. For example, a reciprocating motion mechanism or a rotational motion mechanism may be applied to the energy generator 200. Among these various mechanisms, the rotational motion mechanism can stably carry out the intended motion with a simple structure. Accordingly, the energy generator 200 can be configured to be rotatable and can repeatedly pass the magnetic field while pivoting the magnetic material 240. That is, the energy generator 200 can repeatedly and continuously perform the processes of moving the magnetic material 240 into the magnetic field while moving the magnetic material 240, and moving the magnetic material 240 to the outside again.

More specifically, as best shown in FIG. 4, the energy generator 200 may include a body 210 of a predetermined size. The energy generator 200 may include a drive mechanism 230 for rotating the body 210. The driving mechanism 230 may be a motor for generating a rotational force. The body 210 may have a rotating shaft 220 and may be connected to the driving mechanism 230 using a rotating shaft 220. The body 210 can have a variety of shapes and, as shown, can be made of thin discs to minimize interference with peripheral devices during rotational movement.

The magnetic material 240 is provided to the body 210 so as to rotate together with the body 210. More specifically, the body 210 may be made entirely of magnetic material 240. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the body 210 may be partially formed of the magnetic material 240. For example, a segment of a magnetic material 240 of a predetermined size may be embedded within the body 210. Further, the segment of the magnetic material 240 may be attached on the surface of the body 210 as a separate member. Thus, according to this configuration, the body 210 rotates while passing through the space between the magnetic field generated by the magnetic generator 100 together with the magnetic material 240, that is, the facing surfaces 100a and 100b of the magnetic generator 100 And may cause the heating and cooling of the intended magnetic material 240 to occur. This operation may also be repeated continuously as the body 210 is rotated to obtain a higher operating frequency. Furthermore, if the number of magnetic materials 240 is increased, a cycle of exothermic and endothermic can be performed in a shorter time, thereby improving the operating frequency and performance. Accordingly, the body 210 may be provided with a plurality of magnetic materials 240, i.e., segments thereof. For example, the magnetic material 240 may include a pair of first and second magnetic materials 240a, 240b that are disposed opposite each other, i. E., Have a phase angle of 180 degrees. If the first magnetic material 240a is disposed in the magnetic field, as shown in the example of FIGS. 2 and 3, the second magnetic material 240b may be disposed in the magnetic field. Thus, while the first magnetic material 240a is heated, the second magnetic material 240b can be cooled. Also, while the body 210 is rotating, the first and second magnetic materials 240a and 240b may be alternately and repeatedly placed in or out of the magnetic field, and may be repeatedly heated or cooled. Such a pair of magnetic materials 240a and 240b can simultaneously perform heating and cooling of the object, and thus can be considered as a basic configuration in the design of the self cooling system. Also, if desired, a greater number of magnetic materials 240 may be provided to the body 210, thereby enabling higher frequencies and performance.

In order to utilize the energy generated in the energy generator 200, that is, the heat generation and the heat absorption of the magnetic material 240 for heating and cooling the subject outside the energy generator 200, May be required in the self cooling system. As described above, since the energy generator 200 generates energy in a thermal form, the self-cooling system may include a heat exchanger 300 configured to heat-exchange with the magnetic material 240. The heat exchanger 300 may include a pipe and a working fluid filled in the pipe. The working fluid first exchanges heat with the magnetic material 240 in the heat exchanger 300 and can transfer heat exchanged to the external object while flowing along the pipe. On the other hand, the heat exchanger 300 may be a heat pipe instead of a conventional piping and accordingly a working fluid circulating in the system. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the self cooling system will be described as using piping and working fluid for heat exchange and heat transfer in the following, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the self cooling system can use heat pipes instead of conventional piping and working fluids. Also, as described above, since the magnetic material 240 rotates with the body 210, the heat exchanger 300 needs to be arranged so as not to interfere with the motion of the magnetic material 240 and the body 210 have. Thus, the heat exchanger 300 may be spaced apart from the magnetic material 240 and the body 210 at predetermined intervals.

More specifically, the heat exchanger 300 may include a first heat exchanger 310 configured to heat exchange with the magnetic material 240 heated in the magnetic field. Since the magnetic material 240 emits heat in the magnetic field, the first heat exchanger 310 can actually receive heat from the magnetic material 240. The first heat exchanger 310 may be disposed adjacent to the heated magnetic material 240 to effect heat exchange with the heated magnetic material 240. As described above, since the magnetic material 240 is heated in the magnetic field, the first heat exchanger 310 can be disposed in the magnetic field, as best shown in FIGS. For example, the first heat exchanger 310 may be disposed between the mutually facing surfaces 100a, 100b of the magnetic generator 100. The first heat exchanger 210 is disposed between the opposing surfaces 100a and 100b of the magnetic generator 100 so as not to interfere with the rotating magnetic material 240 of the energy generator 200 and the body 210. [ May be disposed above the material 240 and / or the body 210.

The heat exchanger 300 may also include a second heat exchanger 320 configured to heat exchange with the magnetic material 240 cooled outside the magnetic field. The magnetic material 240 can be cooled outside the magnetic field to absorb heat, so that the second heat exchanger 320 can actually transfer heat to the magnetic material 240. The second heat exchanger 320 may be disposed adjacent to the cooled magnetic material 240 to effect heat exchange with the cooled magnetic material 240. Since the magnetic material 240 is cooled outside the magnetic field, the second heat exchanger 320 can be disposed outside the magnetic field, as best shown in FIGS. For example, the second heat exchanger 320 may be disposed above the magnetic material 240 and / or the body 210 so as not to interfere with the rotating magnetic material 240 and the body 210 outside the magnetic field. Spaced apart from each other.

As described above, since the magnetic material 240 has a solid state, the heat exchanger 300 must physically contact the magnetic material 240 in order to perform heat exchange. However, it may be difficult to configure the magnetic material 240 to physically contact the magnetic material 240 that is moving the heat exchanger 300 as it continuously moves, i.e. rotates, during operation of the self-cooling system. Further, since the heat exchanger 300 uses a pipe or a heat pipe, when the pipe or the heat pipe is directly connected to the magnetic material 240, the working fluid may leak. For example, the piping or heat pipe may be damaged by repeated rubbing with the magnetic material 240 and leakage of working fluid may be caused. Further, in order to prevent such leakage, a more stable sealing is required for the piping and the heat pipe, so that the structure of the heat exchanger 300 can be complicated. For these reasons, the self-cooling system may include a connector 400 configured to connect the magnetic material 240 and the heat exchanger 300: 310, 320 for heat exchange. The connector 400 is basically disposed between the heat exchangers 310 and 320 and the magnetic material 240 when heat exchange is performed between the heat exchangers 310 and 320 and the magnetic material 240, have.

In the magnetic refrigeration system, the magnetic material 240 performs heat exchange with the different heat exchangers 310 and 320 when placed in the magnetic field or outside the magnetic field, and the magnetic material 240 and the heat exchangers 310 and 320 perform heat exchange They need to be connected or contacted with each other only during execution. That is, whether or not the magnetic material 240 is disposed in the magnetic field may have a direct correlation with the connection between the magnetic material 240 and the different heat exchangers 310 and 320. Similarly, in order to connect the magnetic material 240 to the heat exchangers 310 and 320, it is advantageous that the connector 400 is also physically disposed inside the magnetic field or outside the magnetic field. Further, the length of the connector 400 needs to be adjusted to more reliably contact the magnetic material 240 and the heat exchangers 310, 320. Thus, for connection of the magnetic material 240 with the heat exchangers 310 and 320, the connector 400 may be configured to have a length that is adjusted depending on whether the connector 400 is disposed within a magnetic field or outside the magnetic field . That is, the length of the connector 400 can be adjusted based on whether or not the connector 400 is disposed in the magnetic field.

The connector 400 may employ a variety of mechanisms to achieve this length. Of these many mechanisms, the connector 400 may be made of, for example, a magnetic fluid. A magnetic fluid (ferrofluid or magnetic fluid) is made by stabilizing and dispersing a magnetic powder in a liquid in a liquid. Further, a surfactant may be added to the magnetic fluid to prevent the magnetic powder from collecting or aggregating. These magnetic fluids are magnetized in the magnetic field and can have strong caustic. Thus, the magnetic fluid can flow along the magnetic field. Due to the nature of being moved by the magnetic field, the connector 400 made of a magnetic fluid can change its length only by the addition or removal of a magnetic field. Accordingly, the connector 400 using the magnetic fluid is highly advantageous for the simple structure of the connector 400 and the self-cooling system, since it can perform the intended operation without additional driving devices. Also, when the magnetic material 240 moves and contacts the heat exchanger 300 by the connector 400, the connector 400 using the magnetic fluid may cause the magnetic material 240 and the heat exchanger 300, Even under the relative motion with respect to the support member 300, it is possible to generate little friction with these members. Therefore, the magnetic material 240 can smoothly rotate, and the connector 400 may not be damaged. As described above, since the heat exchangers 310 and 320 are already fixed inside and outside the magnetic field, in order to connect the magnetic material 240 and the heat exchangers 310 and 320, the connector 400 is formed of the magnetic material 240, In the magnetic field or outside the magnetic field. Thus, the connector 400 may be provided or mounted on the magnetic material 240, as shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 5. In particular, the magnetic fluid has a high viscosity, and the magnetic material 240 itself has magnetism. Thus, the connector 400 made of a magnetic fluid can be firmly attached while maintaining a predetermined shape on the magnetic material 240. As described in detail with reference to FIG. 4, when the body 210 is provided with a plurality of magnetic materials 240, the magnetic materials 240 may each be provided with a connector 400. 5, when the energy generator 200 has a pair of first and second magnetic materials 240a, 240b attached to the body 210, a pair of first and second Connectors 400a and 400b may be provided to the first and second magnetic materials 240a and 240b, respectively.

In adjusting the length for connection of the magnetic material 240 and the heat exchanger 300, the length of the connector 400 may first be changed by the magnetic field. As described above, the magnetic fluid can flow along the magnetic field by strong magnetism in the magnetic field. As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 6, this flow results in extending the magnetic fluid (i.e., connector 400) toward the heat exchanger (i.e., first heat exchanger 310) , And finally the connector 400 may be in direct contact with the heat exchanger 310. More specifically, the connector 400 may have a predetermined length L2 when no magnetic field is applied. If the connector 400 is disposed in a magnetic field (see first connector 400a in Figures 2, 3 and 6), the connector 400 is in direct contact with the first heat exchanger 310 in the magnetic field (L2), that is, the length (L1). On the other hand, if the connector 400 is disposed outside the magnetic field (see second connector 400b in Figures 2, 3 and 6), the magnetic fluid will lose magnetism and the flow or mobility due to the magnetic field will be removed . The connector 400 may be returned to the predetermined length L2 from the outside of the magnetic field and may be in direct contact with the second heat exchanger 320 arranged to fit the predetermined length L2. Thus, the connector 400 has basically different lengths L1 and L2 in and out of the magnetic field so as to contact the heat exchanger 300. In addition, the connector 400 may extend in the magnetic field and thus have an increased length. Also, the connector 400 may be relatively shrink (compress or retreat) outside the magnetic field and thus have a relatively reduced length. That is, the length of the connector 400 in the magnetic field may be greater than the length of the connector 400 outside the magnetic field.

More specifically, the connector 400 has a first length L1 in the magnetic field and can be in direct contact with the first heat exchanger 310 by this first length L1. The connector 400 also has a second length L2 that is different from the first length L1 outside the magnetic field and can be in direct contact with the second heat exchanger 320 by this second length L2 . That is, the first heat exchanger 310 is spaced apart from the magnetic fluid 420 or the body 210 by a predetermined first length L1, and the second heat exchanger 320 is spaced apart from the magnetic fluid 420 or the body 210 by a predetermined second length L2 It is separated. Also, since the connector 400 extends only in the magnetic field, the first length L1 is formed to be larger than the second length L2. Considering these lengths L1 and L2, the second heat exchanger 320 may be disposed closer to the magnetic material 240 than the first heat exchanger.

The magnetic fluid forming the connector 400 can be stably fixed on the magnetic material 240, as described above. Nevertheless, taking into account the physical properties of the fluid itself, the connector 400 can be configured to more reliably place the magnetic fluid in the magnetic material 240. This modified connector 400 is described next with reference to the related drawings. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the connector and its operation and structure in more detail, and Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another modification of the connector.

First, as shown in FIG. 7, the connector 400 may include a recess 430 formed on the magnetic material 240. The magnetic fluid 420 may be received in the recess 430 so that the magnetic material 240 can be stably operated to be connected to the heat exchanger 300 while rotating.

6, the connector 400 may include a container 410 that receives the magnetic fluid 420. As shown in FIG. Such a container 410 may be attached on the magnetic material 240 to provide a magnetic fluid 420 to the magnetic material 240. As described above, since the magnetic fluid 420 extends in the magnetic field, the container 410 can also be configured so as not to interfere with the extension of the magnetic fluid 420. For example, the container 410 may include a body 410a that is attached on the magnetic material 240 and receives the magnetic fluid 420. In addition, the container 410 may include a cover 410b covering the open top of the body 410a. The cover 410b may be movably coupled to the body 410a. For stable movement of the cover 410b, a guide structure including a groove and a projection may be applied between the body 410a and the cover 410b.

6, the magnetic fluid 420 in the container 410 may extend toward the first heat exchanger 310 while flowing along the magnetic field, as indicated by the arrows . As the magnetic fluid 420 extends, the cover 410b is lifted to have a first length L1 and comes into contact with the first heat exchanger 310. [ Accordingly, the magnetic material 240 is connected to the first heat exchanger 310 through the body 410a, the magnetic fluid 420, and the cover 410b, and can perform heat exchange. On the other hand, when the connector 400 is disposed outside the magnetic field, the extension of the magnetic fluid 420 is removed by the loss of magnetism, so that the cover 410b is in contact with the second heat exchanger 320, (L2). Accordingly, the magnetic material 240 is connected to the second heat exchanger 320 through the body 410a, the magnetic fluid 420, and the cover 410b to perform heat exchange, even outside the magnetic field.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the self-cooling system may include a hot heat ex- changer 500 coupled to the first heat exchanger 310. The hot- The high temperature heat exchanger 500 is connected to the first heat exchanger 310 through a pipe and the working fluid heated by the magnetic material 240 in the first heat exchanger 310 flows through the pipe to the high temperature heat exchanger 500, As shown in FIG. Accordingly, the high temperature heat exchanger 500 transfers heat from the heated working fluid to an external object, i.e., outside air or an external object, thereby heating the external object. That is, heat generated in the magnetic material 240 to heat the external object may be transferred to the external object through the first heat exchanger 310 and the high temperature heat exchanger 500. For example, the high-temperature heat exchanger 500 may be a condenser, which can transfer more heat to an external object by phase-changing the working fluid heated by the hot gas to liquid. In addition, the self-cooling system may include a hot heat ex- changer 700 connected to the second heat exchanger 320. The low temperature heat exchanger 700 is connected to the second heat exchanger 320 through a pipe and the working fluid cooled by the magnetic material 240 in the second heat exchanger 320 flows through the pipe to the low temperature heat exchanger 700, As shown in FIG. Therefore, the low temperature heat exchanger 700 can transfer heat from the external object to the cooled working fluid, i.e., absorb the heat from the external object using the cooled working fluid, thereby cooling the external object. That is, the heat of the external object may be transferred to the magnetic material 240 through the low-temperature heat exchanger 700 and the second heat exchanger 320 to cool the external object. For example, the low-temperature heat exchanger 700 may be composed of an evaporator, which can effectively transfer more heat from an external object by phase-changing a low-temperature liquid to a high-temperature gas. Further, the self-cooling system may include a pump 600 installed on the piping. The pump 600 may circulate the working fluid along the pipe for the series of heat transfer processes described above.

Following construction of the self-cooling system of the present invention described above, the operation of the self-cooling system with reference to the associated drawings is described in detail below for a better understanding of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, when the self cooling system starts operating, the driving unit 230 of the energy generator 200 can rotate the body 210 connected to the rotation shaft 220. As the body 210 rotates, the magnetic material 240 (240a, 240b) provided on the body 210 may rotate together. In addition to the operation of the driving device 230, the magnetic generator 100 may also be operated to generate a magnetic field. Accordingly, the magnetic material 240 (240a, 240b) can sequentially move in the magnetic field while rotating, and then move out of the magnetic field again, and such movement and disposition can be repeatedly performed. Further, when a plurality of magnetic materials 240a and 240b are provided in the body 210, some of the magnetic materials may be disposed inside the magnetic field, and other magnetic materials may be disposed outside the magnetic field.

When the magnetic material 240 (e.g., the first magnetic material 240a of FIG. 2) is placed in a magnetic field, the connector 400 (the first connector 400a of FIG. 2 extends as described above, The first heat exchanger 310 is physically and thermally connected to the magnetic material 240 by the connector 400 so that heat exchange with the magnetic material 240 is performed (Second magnetic material 240b of FIG. 2) is disposed outside the magnetic field, the connector 400 (second connector 400b of FIG. 2) The second heat exchanger 320 is physically and thermally connected to the magnetic material 240 by the connector 400 and the second heat exchanger 320 is in contact with the second heat exchanger 320. [ Heat exchange with material 240 may be performed.

The heat of the magnetic material 240 heated in the magnetic field is transferred to the first heat exchanger 310 and the working fluid in the first heat exchanger 310 can be heated. The heated working fluid may flow along the piping and be supplied to the high temperature heat exchanger 500. The heated working fluid conveys heat to the external object in the high temperature heat exchanger 500, so that the external object can be heated. The low-temperature working fluid cooled by such heat transfer may be supplied to the second open-air vent 320 along the piping. The working fluid in the second heat exchanger 320 transfers additional heat to the magnetic material 240 cooled outside the magnetic field, and thus can be further cooled. The cooled working fluid may be supplied to the low temperature heat exchanger 700 along the piping. The heat of the external object is transferred to the working fluid cooled in the low temperature heat exchanger 700, that is, the working fluid cooled from the external object absorbs heat, so that the external object can be cooled. The working fluid heated in the low temperature heat exchanger 700 may again be supplied to the first heat exchanger 310 and the series of cycles described above may be repeated. Thus, by repeating this cycle, the self cooling system can heat and cool the desired object.

The foregoing detailed description should not be construed in all aspects as limiting and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by rational interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the scope of equivalents of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

100: magnetic generator 200: energy generator
300: heat exchanger 400: connector
500: high temperature heat exchanger 600: pump
700: Low temperature heat exchanger

Claims (15)

A magnetic generator configured to generate a magnetic field:
An energy generator comprising a magnetic material having a magnetic calorific effect and configured to move the magnetic material into and out of the magnetic field to be heated by magnetization and cooled by non-magnetization;
A heat exchanger spaced apart from the magnetic material by a predetermined distance and configured to exchange heat with the magnetic material; And
And a connector disposed between the magnetic material and the heat exchanger for connecting the magnetic material and the heat exchanger for heat exchange,
The length of the connector is adjusted depending on whether the connector is disposed in the magnetic field,
Wherein the heat exchanger comprises:
A first heat exchanger disposed within the magnetic field and configured to heat exchange with the heated first magnetic material; And
And a second heat exchanger disposed outside the magnetic field and configured to exchange heat with the cooled second magnetic material,
The connector comprising:
A first connector disposed between the first magnetic material and the first heat exchange article and having a first length in the magnetic field for coupling the first heat exchanger and the first magnetic material; And
A second connector disposed between the second magnetic material and the second heat exchange element and having a second length less than the first length outside the magnetic field to couple the second heat exchanger and the second magnetic material,
Wherein the first connector connects the first magnetic material and the first heat exchanger and the second connector connects the second magnetic material and the second heat exchanger so that heating and cooling are performed simultaneously in the first and second heat exchangers, Self cooling system to connect the machine. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the magnetic generator comprises a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the energy generator is configured to be rotatable to move the magnetic material repeatedly into and out of the magnetic field. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the energy generator comprises:
A body provided with the magnetic material and rotating with the magnetic material passing through the magnetic field; And
And a drive mechanism for rotating the body. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the body comprises a segment of a predetermined size formed entirely or partially of the magnetic material or made of the magnetic material and attached to the surface of the body. delete The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the connector is provided on the magnetic material. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the connector is configured to have different lengths outside and inside the magnetic field. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the connector has an increased length in the magnetic field and a length that is relatively reduced outside the magnetic field. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the connector has a predetermined length and extends longer than the predetermined length to come into direct contact with the heat exchanger within the magnetic field. 11. The method of claim 10,
And the connector returns to the predetermined length outside the magnetic field. delete The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the connector is made of a magnetic fluid having strong magnetism in the magnetic field and flowing along the magnetic field. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the connector comprises a container that is configured to extend while receiving the magnetic fluid and is attached to the magnetic material. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the connector comprises a recess formed on the magnetic material and receiving the magnetic fluid.

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