KR101819521B1 - Magnetic cooling system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a magnetic cooling system, and specifically comprises: a plurality of magnetic heat exchangers connected in parallel, and formed to be penetrated by a heat transfer fluid; a magnetocaloric material provided within each of the magnetic heat exchangers, and formed to heat exchange with the heat transfer fluid; a magnetic field authorization portion formed to selectively authorizing magnetic field to a plurality of magnetocaloric material; a flux adjusting valve provided in an entrance end of each of the magnetic heat exchangers; and a control portion for controlling a pump, the magnetic field authorization portion, and a flux adjusting valve, thereby capable of improving heat exchange ability through the magnetic heat exchangers connected in parallel.

Description

[0001] Magnetic cooling system [0002]

The present invention relates to a self-cooling system, and more particularly, to a self-cooling system that adjusts a flow rate of heat transfer fluid passing through each of a plurality of magnetic heat exchangers connected in parallel with each other, To a self cooling system capable of improving efficiency.

Generally, a self cooling system includes a system that utilizes the amount of heat generated from the magnetocaloric material when applying a magnetic field to the magnetocaloric material, and the amount of heat absorbed by the magnetocaloric material when the magnetic field applied to the magnetocaloric material is erased .

That is, magnetic refrigeration is a phenomenon in which a magnetic field is applied to a specific magnetic calorie material (or magnetic material) to generate heat, and when the magnetic field is removed, the temperature is lowered (ie, magnetic calorie effect, MCE, Magnetocaloric Effect). Such self-cooling does not use Freon or Flon, so it is attracting attention as an environment-friendly refrigeration technology.

The magnetocaloric material may be configured to exchange heat with the heat transfer fluid passing through the magnetocaloric material.

When a magnetic field is applied to the magnetocaloric material, the magnetocaloric material undergoes an exothermic reaction, and the heat transfer fluid passing through the magnetocaloric material may be heated.

Alternatively, when erasing the magnetic field applied to the magnetocaloric material, the magnetocaloric material undergoes an endothermic reaction, and the heat transfer fluid passing through the magnetocaloric material may be cooled.

1 is a view showing a conventional self cooling system (Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2013-0108765).

Referring to FIG. 1, when the magnet 2 moves to the magnetic regenerator 1 and applies a magnetic field to the magnetic regenerator 1, the heat transfer fluid circulates counterclockwise by the fluid transfer device 5. The heat transfer fluid introduced into the magnetic regenerator 1 absorbs the heat generated by the magnetic regenerator 1 to which the magnetic field is applied and then reaches the high temperature side heat exchanger 3 to heat the heat absorbed from the magnetic regenerator 1 Lt; / RTI > The heat transfer fluid that has released heat to the surroundings in the high temperature side heat exchanger (3) flows into the magnetic regenerator (1) through the low temperature side heat exchanger (4).

On the other hand, when the magnet 2 leaves the magnetic regenerator 1 and the magnetic field of the magnetic regenerator 1 is removed, the heat transfer fluid circulates clockwise by the fluid transfer device 5. The heat transfer fluid flowing into the magnetic regenerator 1 transfers heat to the magnetic regenerator 1 from which the magnetic field has been removed, and reaches the low temperature side heat exchanger 4 in a cooled state to absorb the heat of the surroundings. The heat transfer fluid absorbing the surrounding heat in the low temperature side heat exchanger 4 flows into the magnetic regenerator 1 via the high temperature side 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.

As a kind of the fluid transfer device 5 for switching the circulation direction of the heat transfer fluid, a combination of a pump for generating a flow rate and a valve for switching the direction of the flow rate can be used.

The operation of the fluid transportation device 5 can be controlled based on the application of the magnetic field by the magnet 2 and the removal period of the magnetic field.

For example, when the magnetic field is applied by the magnet 2, the fluid transportation device 5 is controlled so that the heat transfer fluid circulates counterclockwise, and when the magnetic field is removed, The transfer device 5 can be controlled.

On the other hand, the conventional self-cooling system has a problem in that heat exchange ability (heating or cooling ability) is limited because the heat transfer fluid is heat-exchanged with the magnetocaloric material through one magnetic regenerator (magnetic heat exchanger).

Further, if the length of the magnetic regenerator 1 is increased to increase the heat exchange efficiency of the heat transfer fluid and the magnetic calorific material, if the amount of the magnetic calorie material is increased, the pressure drop of the heat transfer fluid passing through the magnetic regenerator 1 The efficiency of the entire system deteriorates.

Further, even if a plurality of magnetic regenerators are simply connected in parallel, there is a problem that the heat exchange efficiency between the heat transfer fluid and the magnetocaloric material may be lowered depending on the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid flowing through each magnetic regenerator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a self cooling system capable of improving heat exchange performance through a plurality of magnetic heat exchangers connected in parallel.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a self cooling system capable of increasing the heat exchange efficiency by controlling the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid passing through each of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heat exchanger comprising: a plurality of magnetic heat exchangers connected in parallel to each other and configured to allow a heat transfer fluid to pass therethrough; A magnetocaloric material provided in each of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers and configured to exchange heat with the heat transfer fluid; A magnetic field applying unit configured to selectively apply a magnetic field to the plurality of magnetocaloric materials; A pump configured to supply a heat transfer fluid to the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers; A flow control valve provided at an inlet end of each of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers; And a controller for controlling the pump, the magnetic field application unit, and the flow rate control valve.

And a temperature sensor provided at an outlet end of each of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers, wherein the controller can adjust the opening degree of the flow control valve based on a signal from the temperature sensor.

The control unit adjusts the opening degree of the flow control valve provided at the inlet end of the specific magnetic heat exchanger when the temperature of the outlet end of the specific magnetic heat exchanger to which the magnetic field is applied is lower than a predetermined high temperature among the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers .

The control unit may adjust the opening degree of the flow control valve provided at the inlet end of the specific magnetic heat exchanger when the temperature of the outlet end of the specific magnetic heat exchanger from which the magnetic field is removed is higher than a preset low temperature, have.

The control unit may adjust the opening degree of the flow control valve based on the difference between the temperature values at the outlet end of each of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers.

The controller may adjust the opening of the flow control valve such that the difference is less than a predetermined value if the difference is greater than a predetermined value.

More specifically, the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers include a first magnetic heat exchanger and a second magnetic heat exchanger connected in parallel to each other so that magnetic fields are applied or removed simultaneously by the magnetic field applying unit; And a third magnetic heat exchanger and a fourth magnetic heat exchanger connected in parallel to each other so that the magnetic field is simultaneously removed or applied by the magnetic field applying unit.

At this time, the first to fourth magnetic heat exchangers are installed in a support portion in the form of a ring, the first magnetic heat exchanger and the second magnetic heat exchanger are disposed to face each other, and the third magnetic heat exchanger and the fourth magnetic heat exchanger And the magnetic field applying unit may include permanent magnets of predetermined lengths rotated by a motor inside the support unit.

The pump includes a cylinder and a piston reciprocating in a longitudinal direction of the cylinder in the cylinder, and the heat transfer fluid can be alternately discharged to both sides in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder by the reciprocating motion of the piston.

The self-cooling system according to the present invention is characterized in that the heat transfer fluid heated through the first magnetic heat exchanger and the second magnetic heat exchanger or the third magnetic heat exchanger and the fourth magnetic heat exchanger is guided Heat exchanger; And a heat exchanger for guiding the heat transfer fluid cooled through the first magnetic heat exchanger and the second magnetic heat exchanger or the third magnetic heat exchanger and the fourth magnetic heat exchanger based on the operation of the magnetic field applying portion have.

The heat exchanger includes a first heat exchanger for guiding the heat transfer fluid heated by the first and second magnetic heat exchangers, and a second heat exchanger for guiding the heat transfer fluid heated through the third and fourth magnetic heat exchangers. 2 heat exchanger.

On the other hand, based on the operation of the pump, the inlet end and the outlet end of each of the first and second magnetic heat exchangers are determined, and the inlet end and the outlet end of the third magnetic heat exchanger and the fourth magnetic heat exchanger The stage can be determined.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a flow rate sensor comprising a flow rate sensor provided at an outlet end of each of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers, wherein the control unit adjusts the opening degree of the flow rate control valve based on a signal from the flow rate sensor .

The control unit may adjust the opening of the flow control valve so that the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid passing through the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers is the same.

According to the third embodiment of the present invention, the heat transfer fluid is guided to the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers through a plurality of branch tubes branched from one guide pipe, respectively, and the plurality of branch pipes are branched toward the flow control valve Wherein the heat transfer fluid guided to the flow control valve through a bypass pipe is supplied to an inlet end of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers through a connection pipe, and the flow control valve may be formed as a three-way valve have.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a self cooling system capable of improving heat exchange performance through a plurality of magnetic heat exchangers connected in parallel.

Also, according to the present invention, the heat exchange efficiency of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers can be increased by controlling the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid passing through each of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers.

1 shows a conventional self-cooling system.
2 is a diagram illustrating a first state of a self-cooling system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a diagram illustrating a second state of a self-cooling system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing a part of the magnetic heat exchangers shown in FIG. 2. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing another part of the magnetic heat exchangers shown in FIG. 2. FIG.
6 is a conceptual diagram showing a main configuration of a self cooling system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a conceptual diagram showing a main configuration of a self cooling system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

In addition, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. For convenience of explanation, the size and shape of each constituent member shown may be exaggerated or reduced have.

2 is a diagram showing a first state of a self cooling system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which the heat transfer fluid circulates the self-cooling cycle in a specific direction by driving the pump.

2, the self cooling system 10 according to the present invention includes a plurality of magnetic heat exchangers 110, 120, 210 and 220, a plurality of magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120, 210 and 220, A magnetic field applying part 400 formed to apply a magnetic field selectively to the plurality of magnetic calorie material 300 and a plurality of magnetic heat exchangers 110, (Not shown).

In the following description, it is assumed that the magnetocaloric material 300 is equally provided in all the magnetic heat exchangers.

The plurality of magnetic heat exchangers (110, 120; 210, 220) may be formed to pass a heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid may exchange heat with the magnetocaloric material 300 as the heat transfer fluid passes through the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers 110, 120, 210 and 220.

The magnetic field applying unit 400 may be configured to selectively apply a magnetic field to the plurality of magnetocaloric materials 300. That is, the magnetic field applying unit 400 may be formed to apply a magnetic field to the plurality of magnetocaloric materials 300, or to remove or erase the magnetic field applied to the plurality of magnetocaloric materials 300.

When a magnetic field is applied to the magnetocaloric material 300 by the magnetic field application unit 400, the magnetocaloric material 300 exerts an exothermic reaction, and the heat transfer fluid absorbs heat from the magnetocaloric material 300 do. That is, when a magnetic field is applied to the magnetocaloric material 300 by the magnetic field applying unit 400, the heat transfer fluid is heated.

In contrast, when the magnetic field applied to the magnetocaloric material 300 is removed by the magnetic field application unit 400, the magnetocaloric material 300 undergoes an endothermic reaction, and the magnetocaloric material 300 is heated by the heat transfer fluid Thereby absorbing heat. That is, when the magnetic field applied to the magnetocaloric material 300 is removed by the magnetic field applying unit 400, the heat transfer fluid is cooled.

The pump 500 may be configured to supply a heat transfer fluid to each of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers 110, 120, 210 and 220.

The pump 500 may include a cylinder 510 and a piston 520 reciprocating in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 510 inside the cylinder 510. The heat transfer fluid can be alternately discharged to both sides in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 510 by the reciprocating motion of the piston 520. [

For example, in FIG. 2, the cylinder 510 is formed to extend in the vertical direction, and the piston 520 moves downward. At this time, the heat transfer fluid in the cylinder 510 is pressed toward the lower side of the cylinder 510, so that the heat transfer fluid can circulate in the magnetic cooling system 10 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3, the direction of motion of the piston 520 and the direction of circulation of the heat transfer fluid may be reversed to those of FIG.

Flow control valves 610, 620, 650 and 660 may be provided at inlet ends of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers 110, 120, 210 and 220, respectively. That is, a plurality of the flow control valves 610, 620, 650, 660 may be provided corresponding to the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers 110, 120, 210, 220. The opening of the flow control valves 610, 620, 650 and 660 may be controlled to control the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid flowing into each of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers 110, 120, 210 and 220.

Therefore, the amount of the heat transfer fluid flowing into each of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers 110, 120, 210 and 220 may be different from each other.

The pump 500, the magnetic field applying unit 400 and the flow control valves 610, 620, 650 and 660 may be controlled by a control unit (not shown).

The opening degrees of the flow control valves 610, 620, 650 and 660 may be adjusted based on the heat exchange efficiency or the heat exchange ability of each of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers 110, 120, 210 and 220.

The heat exchange efficiency or the heat exchange ability of each of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers 110, 120, 210 and 220 is determined based on the temperature of the heat transfer fluid passing through the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers 110, 120, 210 and 220 Can be judged.

The magnetic cooling system 10 according to the present invention may further include temperature sensors 710, 720, 750, and 760 provided at the outlet ends of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers 110, 120, have.

A controller (not shown) may adjust the opening of the flow control valves 610, 620, 650, and 660 based on signals from the temperature sensors 710, 720, 750, and 760. Therefore, the efficiency of heat exchange between the heat of magnetocaloric material 300 and the heat transfer fluid in each of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers 110, 120 (210, 220) is improved and the performance of the entire self cooling system 10 is improved .

For example, the opening degree of the flow control valves 610, 620, 650, 660 may be determined based on a comparison between a temperature value sensed from the temperature sensors 710, 720, 750, 760 and a predetermined high temperature or predetermined low temperature Lt; / RTI >

Specifically, when the temperature of the outlet end of the specific magnetic heat exchanger to which the magnetic field is applied is lower than a predetermined high temperature among the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers 110, 120 (210, 220, 220) The opening degree of the flow control valve provided in the stage can be adjusted. At this time, the controller may increase the opening degree of the flow control valve provided at the inlet end of the specific magnetic heat exchanger until the temperature of the outlet end of the specific magnetic heat exchanger rises above the predetermined high temperature.

For example, when the temperature of the outlet end of one of the magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120 to which the magnetic field is applied is lower than a predetermined high temperature in FIG. 2, the opening of the flow control valve provided at the inlet end of the corresponding magnetic heat exchanger Can be adjusted.

If the temperature of the outlet end of the specific magnetic heat exchanger from which the magnetic field is removed from the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers (110, 120; 210, 220) is higher than a predetermined low temperature, It is possible to adjust the opening degree of the flow control valve. At this time, the control unit may reduce the opening degree of the flow control valve provided at the inlet end of the specific magnetic heat exchanger until the temperature of the outlet end of the specific magnetic heat exchanger falls below the predetermined low temperature.

For example, if the temperature of the outlet end of one of the magnetic heat exchangers 210 and 220 whose magnetic field is removed in FIG. 2 is higher than a preset low temperature, the opening of the flow control valve provided at the inlet end of the corresponding magnetic heat exchanger Lt; / RTI >

Alternatively, the opening of the flow control valves 610, 620, 650, 660 may be adjusted based on the difference between the temperature values at the outlet ends of each of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers 110, 120, 210, 220 have. That is, the opening degrees of the flow control valves 610, 620, 650 and 660 can be adjusted based on the difference between the temperature values sensed by the temperature sensors 710, 720, 750 and 760.

The temperature sensors 710, 720, 750 and 760 are provided at the outlet end of the first temperature sensor 710 and the second magnetic heat exchanger 120 provided at the outlet end of the first magnetic heat exchanger 110 A fifth temperature sensor 750 provided at the outlet end of the third magnetic heat exchanger 210 and a sixth temperature sensor 760 provided at the outlet end of the fourth magnetic heat exchanger 220 ).

2, the opening of the corresponding flow control valves 610 and 620 can be adjusted based on the difference between the temperature values at the outlet ends of the two magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120 connected in parallel and facing each other . Also, the opening of the corresponding flow control valves 650, 660 can be adjusted based on the difference between the temperature values at the outlet ends of the two other magnetic heat exchangers 210, 220 connected in parallel and facing each other.

The controller may adjust the opening of the flow control valves 610, 620, 650, and 660 such that the difference is less than or equal to a predetermined value if the difference is greater than a predetermined value.

Accordingly, when the discharge temperatures of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers 110, 120 (210, 220) connected in parallel become equal through the opening degree control of the flow control valves 610, 620, 650, 660, The efficiency of the system 10 can be maximized.

The flow control valves 610, 620, 650 and 660 are provided at the inlet end of the first magnetic flow control valve 610 and the second magnetic heat exchanger 120 provided at the inlet end of the first magnetic heat exchanger 110 A fifth flow control valve 650 provided at the inlet end of the third magnetic heat exchanger 210 and a sixth flow control valve 650 provided at the inlet end of the fourth magnetic heat exchanger 220. [ And may include an adjustment valve 660.

2, the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers 110, 120, 210 and 220 are connected to a first magnetic heat exchanger (not shown) connected in parallel to each other to apply or remove a magnetic field by a magnetic field applying unit 400 A third magnetic heat exchanger 210 and a fourth magnetic heat exchanger 220 connected in parallel to each other so that a magnetic field is simultaneously removed or applied by the magnetic field applying unit 400 and the second magnetic heat exchanger 110, . ≪ / RTI >

The magnetic field applying unit 400 may include a permanent magnet 420 of a predetermined length rotated by a motor 410. [ When a magnetic field is applied to or removed from the first magnetic heat exchanger 110 and the second magnetic heat exchanger 120 based on the rotation of the permanent magnet 420, 4 Magnetic field can be removed or applied to the magnetic heat exchanger 220.

More specifically, the first to fourth magnetic heat exchangers 110, 120, 210 and 220 may be installed in the support S in the form of a circular ring. The first magnetic heat exchanger 110 and the second magnetic heat exchanger 120 may be disposed to face each other. The third magnetic heat exchanger 210 and the fourth magnetic heat exchanger 220 may be disposed to face each other.

That is, the first imaginary line connecting the center of the first magnetic heat exchanger 110 and the center of the second magnetic heat exchanger 120 is the center of the third magnetic heat exchanger 210 and the fourth magnetic heat exchanger And may be orthogonal to a second virtual line connecting the center of the base 220.

The permanent magnet 420 may be rotated inside the support S. That is, the permanent magnet 420 may be rotated radially inward of the support S in the form of a circular ring. At this time, the permanent magnet 420 may be rotated based on the operation of the pump 500 described above.

When the piston 520 of the pump 500 moves to one end of the cylinder 510, both ends of the permanent magnet 420 in the longitudinal direction are connected to the first magnetic heat exchanger 110 and the second magnetic heat exchanger (See FIG. 2). At this time, a magnetic field may be applied toward the first magnetic heat exchanger 110 and the second magnetic heat exchanger 120.

Alternatively, when the piston 520 of the pump 500 moves to the other end of the cylinder 510, the permanent magnets 420 may be arranged such that both ends of the permanent magnet 420 in the longitudinal direction thereof are connected to the third magnetic heat exchanger 210, 4 magnetic heat exchanger 220 as shown in FIG. At this time, a magnetic field may be applied toward the third magnetic heat exchanger 210 and the fourth magnetic heat exchanger 220.

On the other hand, the self-cooling system 10 shown in FIG. 2 may include one or more heat exchangers 810 and 820 through which a heated heat transfer fluid is guided, and a heat exchanger 830 through which a cooled heat transfer fluid is guided. The heat of the heat transfer fluid in the heat exchangers 810 and 820 can be transferred to an external facility requiring heat. Here, the external equipment may be a facility requiring heat such as a heater or a hot water heater. The cold heat of the heat transfer fluid in the cold heat exchanger 830 can be transferred to an external facility requiring cold heat. Here, the external equipment may be a facility requiring cold heat such as an air conditioner, a cooler, or a freezer.

The heat transfer fluid heated through the first magnetic heat exchanger 110 and the second magnetic heat exchanger 120 or the heat transfer fluid heated through the third magnetic heat exchanger 210 and the second magnetic heat exchanger 120, 4 heat transfer fluid heated through the magnetic heat exchanger 220 can be guided to the heat exchangers 810 and 820. [

The heat exchangers 810 and 820 include a first heat exchanger 810 (see FIG. 2) through which the heat transfer fluid heated by the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120 is guided, And a second heat exchanger 820 (see FIG. 3) through which the heat transfer fluid heated through the third magnetic heat exchanger 210 and the fourth magnetic heat exchanger 220 is guided.

The first magnetic heat exchanger 110 and the second magnetic heat exchanger 120 or the third magnetic heat exchanger 210 and the fourth magnetic heat exchanger 220 based on the operation of the magnetic field applying unit The heat transfer fluid may be guided to the cold heat exchanger 830. [

On the other hand, the positions of the inlet end and the outlet end of the first to fourth magnetic heat exchangers 110, 120, 210 and 220 can be determined based on the operation of the pump 500.

That is, the inlet end and the outlet end of each of the first to fourth magnetic heat exchangers 110, 120, 210, and 220 may be reversed based on the operation of the pump 500.

For example, the flow direction of the heat transfer fluid due to the operation of the pump 500 in FIG. 2 may be opposite to the flow direction of the heat transfer fluid due to the operation of the pump 500 in FIG. 2 and 3, the inlet and outlet ends of the first through fourth magnetic heat exchangers 110, 120, 210, and 220, respectively, may be opposite to each other.

Referring now to Figure 2, the overall flow of heat transfer fluid as a function of the pump 500 will be described.

When the piston 520 in the pump 500 moves to one side of the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 510, the magnetic field applying unit 400 applies a magnetic field to the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120, The fourth magnetic heat exchanger (210, 220) removes the magnetic field.

At this time, the heat transfer fluid may be guided in parallel to the third and fourth magnetic heat exchangers 210 and 220 through the second heat exchanger 820. The heat transfer fluid cooled through the third and fourth magnetic heat exchangers (210, 220) is guided to the cold / heat exchanger (830).

The heat transfer fluid passing through the heat and cold exchanger 830 is guided in parallel to the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120. The heat transfer fluid heated through the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120 may be guided to the pump 500 through the first heat exchanger 810.

3 is a diagram showing a second state of the self cooling system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 3 shows a state in which the heat transfer fluid circulates the self-cooling cycle in a direction opposite to that of FIG. 2 by driving the pump.

The overall configuration of the self cooling system 10 is the same as that described in Fig. 2, and therefore, the following description will focus on the differences.

Referring to FIG. 3, the inlet and outlet ends of each of the first to fourth magnetic heat exchangers 110, 120, 210 and 220 are opposite to those of FIG. 2 as the circulation direction of the heat transfer fluid is opposite to that of FIG.

Specifically, the plurality of flow control valves include a third flow control valve 630 provided at the inlet end of the first magnetic heat exchanger 110, a fourth flow control valve 630 provided at the inlet end of the second magnetic heat exchanger 120, A seventh flow control valve 670 provided at an inlet end of the third magnetic heat exchanger 210 and an eighth flow control valve 670 provided at an inlet end of the fourth magnetic heat exchanger 220, 680 < / RTI >

The plurality of temperature sensors include a third temperature sensor 730 provided at the outlet end of the first magnetic heat exchanger 110, a fourth temperature sensor 740 provided at the outlet end of the second magnetic heat exchanger 120, A seventh temperature sensor 770 provided at the outlet end of the third magnetic heat exchanger 210 and an eighth temperature sensor 780 provided at the outlet end of the fourth magnetic heat exchanger 220.

Referring to Figure 3, the overall flow of heat transfer fluid as a function of the pump 500 will be described.

When the piston 520 in the pump 500 moves to the other side in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 510, the magnetic field applying unit 400 applies a magnetic field to the third and fourth magnetic heat exchangers 210 and 220, The second magnetic heat exchanger (110, 120) removes the magnetic field.

At this time, the heat transfer fluid may be guided in parallel to the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120 through the first heat exchanger 810. The heat transfer fluid cooled through the first and second magnetic heat exchangers (110, 120) is guided to the cold heat exchanger (830).

The heat transfer fluid passing through the heat and cold exchanger 830 is guided in parallel to the third and fourth magnetic heat exchangers 210 and 220. The heat transfer fluid heated through the third and fourth magnetic heat exchangers 210 and 220 may be guided to the pump 500 again through the second heat exchanger 820.

On the other hand, in the circulation process of the heat transfer fluid, as described with reference to FIG. 2, on the basis of the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor provided at the outlet end of each magnetic heat exchanger, The opening degree of the flow control valve can be adjusted.

Hereinafter, with reference to other drawings, a temperature sensor and a flow rate control valve provided at both ends (inlet and outlet ends) of the magnetic heat exchangers connected in parallel will be described in more detail.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual view schematically showing a part of the magnetic heat exchangers shown in FIG. 2. FIG. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows a state in which the heat transfer fluid passes through the first and second magnetic heat exchangers in a state where a magnetic field is applied.

Referring to FIG. 4, the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120 may be connected to each other in parallel. At this time, the heat transfer fluid may pass through the first and second magnetic heat exchangers (110, 120) with a magnetic field applied to the first and second magnetic heat exchangers (110, 120).

At this time, a first flow control valve 610 and a third temperature sensor 730 may be provided at an inlet end of the first magnetic heat exchanger 110, and a first temperature sensor 710 and a third flow sensor A regulating valve 630 may be provided. The third temperature sensor 730 and the third flow rate control valve 630 are configured for switching the flow direction of the heat transfer fluid in a direction opposite to that of FIG. That is, the third temperature sensor 730 and the third flow rate control valve 630 are configured to circulate the heat transfer fluid in the same direction as in FIG.

A second flow rate control valve 620 and a fourth temperature sensor 740 may be provided at an inlet end of the second magnetic heat exchanger 120. A second temperature sensor 720 and a fourth flow rate sensor A regulating valve 640 may be provided. The fourth temperature sensor 740 and the fourth flow control valve 640 are configured for switching the flow direction of the heat transfer fluid in a direction opposite to that of FIG. That is, the fourth temperature sensor 740 and the fourth flow rate control valve 640 are configured for circulating the heat transfer fluid in the same direction as in FIG.

 As shown in FIG. 4, the heat transfer fluid passing through the heat and cold exchanger 830 is guided in parallel to the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120. The heat transfer fluid may be heated while passing through the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120, and then supplied to the heat exchanger 810.

The controller C controls the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120 based on signals from the first and second temperature sensors 710 and 720 provided at the outlet ends of the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120, 2 opening degree of the first and second flow rate control valves 610 and 620 provided at the inlet end of each of the self heat exchangers 110 and 120 can be adjusted.

3, when the heat transfer fluid flows in the direction shown in FIG. 3 by the driving of the pump 500, the controller C controls the signals from the third and fourth temperature sensors 730 and 740 The opening degree of the third and fourth flow rate control valves 630 and 640 can be adjusted.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing another part of the magnetic heat exchangers shown in FIG. 2. FIG. Specifically, FIG. 5 shows a state in which the heat transfer fluid passes through the third and fourth magnetic heat exchangers in a state where the magnetic field is removed.

Referring to FIG. 5, the third and fourth magnetic heat exchangers 210 and 220 may be connected in parallel with each other. At this time, the heat transfer fluid may pass through the third and fourth magnetic heat exchangers 210 and 220 while the magnetic field is removed from the third and fourth magnetic heat exchangers 210 and 220.

At this time, a fifth flow rate control valve 650 and a seventh temperature sensor 770 may be provided at the inlet end of the third magnetic heat exchanger 210, and a fifth temperature sensor 750 and a seventh flow rate sensor A regulating valve 670 may be provided. The seventh temperature sensor 770 and the seventh flow rate regulating valve 670 are configured for when the flow direction of the heat transfer fluid is switched in the direction opposite to that of Fig. That is, the seventh temperature sensor 770 and the seventh flow rate regulating valve 670 are configured for circulating the heat transfer fluid in the same direction as in Fig.

A sixth flow rate control valve 660 and an eighth temperature sensor 780 may be provided at an inlet end of the fourth magnetic heat exchanger 220. A sixth temperature sensor 760 and an eighth flow rate sensor A regulating valve 680 may be provided. The eighth temperature sensor 780 and the eighth flow rate control valve 680 are configured for switching the flow direction of the heat transfer fluid in the direction opposite to that of FIG. That is, the eighth temperature sensor 780 and the eighth flow rate control valve 680 are configured for circulating the heat transfer fluid in the same direction as in FIG.

 As shown in FIG. 5, the heat transfer fluid passing through the heat exchanger 820 is guided in parallel to the third and fourth magnetic heat exchangers 210 and 220. The heat transfer fluid may be cooled while passing through the third and fourth magnetic heat exchangers 210 and 220, and then supplied to the cold heat exchanger 830.

The controller C controls the third and fourth magnetic heat exchangers 210 and 220 based on signals from the fifth and sixth temperature sensors 750 and 760 provided at the outlet ends of the third and fourth magnetic heat exchangers 210 and 220, 4 opening degree of the fifth and sixth flow rate control valves 650 and 660 provided at the inlet ends of the respective magnetic heat exchangers 210 and 220, respectively.

3, when the heat transfer fluid flows in the direction shown in FIG. 3 by driving the pump 500, the controller C controls the signals from the seventh and eighth temperature sensors 770 and 780 The opening degree of the seventh and eighth flow control valves 670 and 680 can be adjusted.

Hereinafter, with reference to other drawings, the main configuration of a self cooling system according to another embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention will be described.

6 is a conceptual diagram showing a main configuration of a self cooling system according to another embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention.

In describing the self-cooling system according to the second embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the configurations not described are regarded as the same as the first embodiment.

For convenience of explanation, the first magnetic heat exchanger 110 and the second magnetic heat exchanger 120 connected in parallel to each other will be mainly described, but the third magnetic heat exchanger 210 and the fourth magnetic heat exchanger The same can be applied to the device 220 as well.

Referring to FIG. 6, flow sensors 910, 920, 930 and 940 may be provided at the outlet end of each of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers connected in parallel. At this time, the controller C may adjust the opening of the flow control valves 610, 620, 630, and 640 based on signals from the flow sensors 910, 920, 930, and 940.

The self-cooling system according to the second embodiment may include flow sensors 910, 920, 930, and 940 instead of the above-described temperature sensors.

The flow sensors 910, 920, 930, and 940 may be disposed at both ends of the first magnetic heat exchanger 110 and the second magnetic heat exchanger (not shown) so that the flow direction of the heat transfer fluid can be switched based on the drive of the pump 500. Therefore, And may be provided at both ends of the substrate 120, respectively.

Specifically, a first flow control valve 610 and a third flow sensor 930 are provided at the inlet end of the first magnetic heat exchanger 110, and a third flow control valve 630 and a first flow control valve A sensor 910 may be provided. The third flow sensor 930 and the third flow control valve 630 are configured to circulate the heat transfer fluid in a direction opposite to the illustrated direction.

A second flow rate control valve 620 and a fourth flow rate sensor 940 are provided at an inlet end of the second magnetic heat exchanger 120 and a fourth flow rate control valve 640 and a second flow rate sensor (Not shown). The fourth flow sensor 940 and the fourth flow control valve 640 are configured for circulation of the heat transfer fluid in a direction opposite to the illustrated direction.

As shown in FIG. 6, the heat transfer fluid passing through the cold heat exchanger 830 is guided in parallel to the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120. When a magnetic field is applied to the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120, the heat transfer fluid is heated while passing through the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120, (810).

At this time, the flow rates of the heat transfer fluid passing through the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120 may be different from each other based on the pressure drop occurring in the course of passing through each magnetic heat exchanger.

If the flow rates of the heat transfer fluid passing through the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120 are different from each other, the heat exchange efficiencies of the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120 may be different from each other. If the heat exchange efficiencies of the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120 are different from each other, the efficiency of the entire self-cooling system may be reduced. That is, the flow rates of the heat transfer fluids passing through the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120 are preferably equal to each other.

Therefore, the control unit C can control the flow rate of the refrigerant in the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120 based on the signals from the first and second flow sensors 910 and 920 provided at the outlet ends of the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120, The opening degree of the first and second flow control valves 610 and 620 provided at the inlet end of each of the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120 can be adjusted.

That is, the controller C may control the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid passing through the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120 to be equal to the flow rates of the first and second flow rate control valves 610 and 620, One opening can be adjusted.

3, when the heat transfer fluid flows in the direction shown in FIG. 3 by the driving of the pump 500, the control unit C controls the signals from the third and fourth flow sensors 930 and 940 The opening degree of the third and fourth flow rate control valves 630 and 640 can be adjusted.

Hereinafter, a self cooling system according to another embodiment (third embodiment) of the present invention will be described with reference to other drawings.

7 is a conceptual diagram showing a main configuration of a self cooling system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

In describing the self-cooling system according to the third embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment described above will be mainly described, and the configurations that are not described are regarded as the same as the first embodiment.

For convenience of explanation, the first magnetic heat exchanger 110 and the second magnetic heat exchanger 120 connected in parallel to each other will be mainly described, but the third magnetic heat exchanger 210 and the fourth magnetic heat exchanger The same can be applied to the device 220 as well.

7, the first temperature sensor 710 and the second temperature sensor 720 are provided at the outlet end of each of the plurality of the magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120 connected in parallel, same.

In the third embodiment, the flow control valve may be formed of a three-way valve.

Specifically, in a state where a magnetic field is applied to the first magnetic heat exchanger 110 and the second magnetic heat exchanger 120, the heat transfer fluid passes through the first magnetic heat exchanger 110 and the second magnetic heat exchanger 120 State is assumed.

Even when the magnetic flux is removed from the first magnetic heat exchanger 110 and the second magnetic heat exchanger 120 and the heat transfer fluid passes through the first magnetic heat exchanger 110 and the second magnetic heat exchanger 120, It is obvious that the following description can be equally applied.

The heat transfer fluid passing through the heat and cold exchanger 830 is guided in parallel to the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120. The heat transfer fluid may be heated while passing through the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120, and then supplied to the heat exchanger 810.

Since the same magnetic calorie material is provided in the first magnetic heat exchanger 110 and the second magnetic heat exchanger 120, the first temperature value detected by the first temperature sensor 710 and the first temperature value detected by the second temperature sensor 720 The heat exchange efficiency of one of the first magnetic heat exchanger 110 and the second magnetic heat exchanger 120 may be relatively low.

That is, in order to maximize the efficiency of the self-cooling system, it is preferable that the temperature of the heat transfer fluid passing through the first magnetic heat exchanger 110 and the temperature of the heat transfer fluid passing through the second magnetic heat exchanger 120 are equal to each other.

Therefore, the control unit C controls the temperature of the first and second heat exchangers 110 and 120 based on the signals from the first and second temperature sensors 710 and 720 provided at the outlet ends of the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120, The flow control valve 690 provided at the inlet end of each of the first and second magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120 can be controlled.

7, the heat transfer fluid passing through the heat and cold exchanger 830 flows through a plurality of branch pipes L1, L2, L3 branching from one guide pipe L to a plurality of heat exchangers 110, 120 Respectively.

The plurality of branch tubes L1, L2, and L3 may include a first branch pipe L1 connected to the first magnetic heat exchanger 110, a second branch pipe L1 connected to the second magnetic heat exchanger 120, And a bypass pipe L3 directed toward the branch pipe L3 and the flow rate control valve 690. [

The heat transfer fluid guided to the flow control valve 690 through the bypass pipe L3 may be supplied to the inlet ends of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120 through the connection pipes L5 and L6.

More specifically, the connection pipes L5 and L6 include a first connection pipe L5 connected to the first branch pipe L1 at the inlet end of the first magnetic heat exchanger 110, And a second connection pipe (L6) connected to the second branch pipe (L2) at the inlet end of the second branch pipe (120).

The bypass pipe L3 may be communicated with the first connection pipe L5 and the second connection pipe L6 through the flow rate control valve 690. [ At this time, the flow control valve 690 may be formed as a three-way valve.

Therefore, the controller C may control the first and second temperature sensors 710 and 720 so that the difference of the temperature values sensed by the first and second temperature sensors 710 and 720 does not deviate from the predetermined range. The flow rate control valve 690 can be controlled based on the signal of the flow rate control valve 690.

That is, the controller C controls the flow rate control valve 690 to control the amount of the heat transfer fluid guided to the first connection pipe L5 and the second connection pipe L6, respectively.

Therefore, the amount of the heat transfer fluid passing through the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers 110 and 120 connected in parallel can be varied based on the temperature value sensed by the first and second temperature sensors 710 and 720.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, And additions should be considered as falling within the scope of the following claims.

110 first magnetic heat exchanger 120 second magnetic heat exchanger
210 Third magnetic heat exchanger 220 Fourth magnetic heat exchanger
300 magnetocaloric material 400 magnetic field application part
500 pump
610 ~ 680 Flow control valve 710 ~ 780 Temperature sensor

Claims (15)

A plurality of magnetic heat exchangers connected in parallel to each other and configured to allow a heat transfer fluid to pass therethrough;
A magnetocaloric material provided in each of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers and configured to exchange heat with the heat transfer fluid;
A magnetic field applying unit configured to selectively apply a magnetic field to the plurality of magnetocaloric materials;
A pump configured to supply a heat transfer fluid to the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers;
A flow control valve provided at an inlet end of each of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers for dividing a flow rate of the heat transfer fluid based on the heat exchange efficiency or the heat exchange ability of each of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers; And
And a control unit for controlling the pump, the magnetic field applying unit, and the flow rate control valve. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a temperature sensor provided at an outlet end of each of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers,
Wherein the controller adjusts the opening of the flow control valve based on a signal from the temperature sensor. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the control unit controls the opening degree of the flow control valve provided at the inlet end of the specific magnetic heat exchanger when the temperature of the outlet end of the specific magnetic heat exchanger to which the magnetic field is applied is lower than a predetermined high temperature among the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers Cooling system. 3. The method of claim 2,
The control unit adjusts the opening degree of the flow control valve provided at the inlet end of the specific magnetic heat exchanger when the temperature of the outlet end of the specific magnetic heat exchanger from which the magnetic field is removed is higher than a predetermined low temperature, Wherein the self cooling system is a self cooling system. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the control unit adjusts the opening degree of the flow control valve based on the difference between the temperature values at the outlet end of each of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the controller adjusts the opening of the flow control valve such that the difference is less than a predetermined value if the difference is greater than a predetermined value. 3. The method of claim 2,
The plurality of magnetic heat exchangers may include:
A first magnetic heat exchanger and a second magnetic heat exchanger connected in parallel to each other to apply or remove a magnetic field by the magnetic field applying unit; And
And a third magnetic heat exchanger and a fourth magnetic heat exchanger connected in parallel to each other so that the magnetic field is simultaneously removed or applied by the magnetic field applying unit. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the first to fourth magnetic heat exchangers are installed in a support portion in the form of a circular ring,
Wherein the first magnetic heat exchanger and the second magnetic heat exchanger are disposed to face each other, the third magnetic heat exchanger and the fourth magnetic heat exchanger are disposed to face each other,
Wherein the magnetic field applying section includes a permanent magnet having a predetermined length and rotated by a motor inside the support section. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the pump includes a cylinder and a piston reciprocating in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder in the cylinder,
And a heat transfer fluid is alternately discharged to both sides of the cylinder in the longitudinal direction by the reciprocating motion of the piston. 8. The method of claim 7,
A heat exchanger for guiding a heat transfer fluid heated through the first magnetic heat exchanger and the second magnetic heat exchanger or the third magnetic heat exchanger and the fourth magnetic heat exchanger based on operation of the magnetic field applying unit; And
And a cold heat exchanger for guiding the heat transfer fluid cooled through the first magnetic heat exchanger and the second magnetic heat exchanger or the third magnetic heat exchanger and the fourth magnetic heat exchanger based on the operation of the magnetic field applying section . 11. The method of claim 10,
The heat exchanger includes a first heat exchanger for guiding the heat transfer fluid heated by the first and second magnetic heat exchangers, and a second heat exchanger for guiding the heat transfer fluid heated through the third and fourth magnetic heat exchangers. 2 < / RTI > heat exchanger. 8. The method of claim 7,
And an inlet end and an outlet end of each of the first to fourth magnetic heat exchangers are determined based on the operation of the pump. The method according to claim 1,
The heat transfer fluid is guided to the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers through a plurality of branch tubes branched from one guide pipe, respectively,
Wherein the plurality of branch tubes include bypass piping branched toward the flow control valve,
The heat transfer fluid guided to the flow control valve through the bypass pipe is supplied to the inlet end of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers through the connection pipe,
Wherein the flow control valve is formed by a three-way valve. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a flow rate sensor provided at an outlet end of each of the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers,
Wherein the control unit adjusts the opening of the flow control valve based on a signal from the flow sensor. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the controller adjusts the opening of the flow control valve so that the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid passing through the plurality of magnetic heat exchangers is the same.

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