US20200072509A1 - Thermomagnetic cycle device - Google Patents
Thermomagnetic cycle device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200072509A1 US20200072509A1 US16/543,705 US201916543705A US2020072509A1 US 20200072509 A1 US20200072509 A1 US 20200072509A1 US 201916543705 A US201916543705 A US 201916543705A US 2020072509 A1 US2020072509 A1 US 2020072509A1
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- Prior art keywords
- heat transport
- transport medium
- valve
- pressure
- outlet valve
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- Abandoned
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B21/00—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2321/00—Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
- F25B2321/002—Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects by using magneto-caloric effects
- F25B2321/0021—Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects by using magneto-caloric effects with a static fixed magnet
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B30/00—Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]
Definitions
- thermomagnetic cycle device relates to a thermomagnetic cycle device.
- thermomagnetic cycle device or a magneto-thermal cycle device utilizes the magneto-thermal properties of a magneto-caloric element. These devices include a magnetic field modulation device that periodically changes a magnetic field, and a heat transport device that creates a reciprocating flow of a heat transport medium. There is a need for further improvements in thermomagnetic cycle devices.
- thermomagnetic cycle device comprises: an element bed which provides a plurality of unit channels each containing an MCE element that demonstrates a magneto caloric effect; a magnetic field modulation device which modulates a magnetic field applied to the element bed; and a heat transport device for generating a reciprocating flow of a heat transport medium which exchanges heat with the MCE element.
- the heat transport device includes: a unidirectional pump which flows the heat transport medium; a channel switching mechanism which forms, at one end and/or the other end of the unit channel, an inlet valve which allows the heat transport medium to flow into the unit channel and an outlet valve which allows the heat transport medium to flow out of the unit channel; and a biasing mechanism for applying different biasing forces to the inlet valve and the outlet valve, wherein a magnitude relationship of the biasing forces is the same as the magnitude relationship between the pressure of the heat transport medium acting on the inlet valve and the pressure of the heat transport medium acting on the outlet valve.
- thermomagnetic cycle device different biasing forces are applied to the inlet valve and the outlet valve by the biasing mechanism.
- the magnitude relation of the biasing force is the same as the magnitude relation between the pressure of the heat transport medium acting on the inlet valve and the pressure of the heat transport medium acting on the outlet valve.
- the biasing force applied to the inlet valve is greater than the biasing force applied to the outlet valve
- the pressure of the heat transport medium acting on the inlet valve is greater than the pressure of the heat transport medium acting on the outlet valve.
- the biasing force applied to the outlet valve is greater than the biasing force applied to the inlet valve
- the pressure of the heat transport medium acting on the outlet valve is greater than the pressure of the heat transport medium acting on the inlet valve.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a thermal apparatus according to a first embodiment
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing pressure distribution of a heat transport medium
- FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a seal mechanism at a hot end
- FIG. 5 is a developed view showing the seal mechanism at the hot end
- FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the seal mechanism at a cold end
- FIG. 7 is a developed view of the seal mechanism at the cold end
- FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing a pressure distribution according to a second embodiment
- FIG. 9 is a developed view showing a sealing mechanism
- FIG. 10 is a development view showing a seal mechanism of a third embodiment
- FIG. 11 is a developed view showing a sealing mechanism of a fourth embodiment
- FIG. 12 is a developed view showing a seal mechanism of a h embodiment
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a thermal apparatus according to a sixth embodiment.
- FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XIV-XIV of FIG. 13 ;
- FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XV-XV in FIG. 13 ;
- FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing an operating state of a high pressure valve.
- FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state of the low pressure valve.
- FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show an air conditioner 1 according to a first embodiment.
- FIG. 1 shows a cross section taken along a line I-I of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 2 shows a cross section taken along a line II-II of FIG. 1 .
- the air conditioner 1 is one of thermal devices.
- the air conditioner 1 includes a magneto caloric heat pump device 2 .
- the magneto caloric heat pump device 2 is also referred to as an MHP (Magneto-caloric effect Heat Pump) device 2 .
- the MHP device 2 provides a thermomagnetic cycle device.
- heat pump device is used in a broad sense. That is, the term “heat pump device” includes both a device utilizing cold energy obtained by the heat pump device and a device utilizing hot energy obtained by the heat pump device. Devices that utilize cold energy may also be referred to as refrigeration cycle devices. Hence, in this specification the term “heat pump device” is used as a concept encompassing a refrigeration cycle device.
- the air conditioner 1 has a heat exchanger 3 provided on a high temperature side, i.e., hot side, of the MHP device 2 .
- the heat exchanger 3 provides heat exchange between a hot end HT of the MHP device 2 and a medium, e.g., air.
- the heat exchanger 3 is mainly used to radiate heat.
- the heat exchanger 3 provides heat exchange between the heat transport medium of the MHP device 2 and the air.
- the heat exchanger 3 is one of high temperature system devices in the air conditioner 1 .
- the heat exchanger 3 is installed, for example, in a room of a vehicle and heats air by heat exchange with air for air conditioning.
- the air conditioner 1 has a heat exchanger 4 provided on a low temperature side, i.e., cold side, of the MHP device 2 .
- the heat exchanger 4 provides heat exchange between a cold end LT of the MHP device 2 and a medium, e.g., air.
- the heat exchanger 4 is mainly used to absorb heat.
- the heat exchanger 4 provides heat exchange between the heat transport medium of the MHP device 2 and the heat source medium.
- the heat exchanger 4 is one of low temperature system devices in the air conditioner 1 .
- the heat exchanger 4 is installed, for example, outside the vehicle and exchanges heat with the outside air.
- the MHP device 2 has a rotary shaft 2 a for driving the MHP device 2 .
- the rotary shaft 2 a is operatively connected to a power source 5 .
- the MHP device 2 is rotationally driven by the power source 5 .
- the power source 5 provides rotational power to the MHP device 2 .
- the power source 5 is the only power source of the MHP device 2 .
- the power source 5 is provided by a rotary device such as an electric motor or an internal combustion engine.
- An example of a power source is a motor driven by a battery mounted on a vehicle.
- the MHP device 2 comprises a housing 6 .
- the housing 6 supports the rotary shaft 2 a in a rotatable manner.
- the MHP device 2 includes an element bed 7 .
- the element bed 7 is rotatably supported in the housing 6 .
- the element bed 7 rotates by receiving a rotational force directly or indirectly from the rotary shaft 2 a .
- the element bed 7 is a rotary body rotated by the power source 5 .
- the element bed 7 is a cylindrical member.
- the element bed 7 forms a working chamber 11 in which the heat transport medium can flow.
- One work chamber 11 extends in the axial direction of the element bed 7 .
- One work chamber 11 is open at both axial ends of the element bed 7 .
- the element bed 7 may include a plurality of work chambers 11 .
- the plurality of work chambers 11 are arranged along the rotational direction of the element bed 7 .
- the element bed 7 has a magneto caloric element 12 .
- the magneto caloric element 12 is also referred to as a MCE (Magneto-Caloric Effect) element 12 .
- the MHP device 20 utilizes the magneto caloric effect of the MCE element 32 .
- the MHP device 2 generates the hot end HT and the cold end LT by the MCE element 12 .
- the MCE element 12 is provided between the hot end HT and the cold end LT. In the illustrated example, the right side in the drawing is the cold end LT, and the left end in the drawing is the hot end HT.
- the element bed 7 is also called a rotor.
- the element bed 7 includes a work chamber 11 and the MCE element 12 .
- the MCE element 12 is disposed in the work chamber 11 so as to exchange heat with the heat transport medium.
- the MCE element 12 is fixed to and held by the element bed 7 .
- the MCE element 12 is disposed along the flow direction of the heat transport medium.
- the MCE element 12 is elongated along the axial direction of the element bed 7 .
- the element bed 7 may include a plurality of MCE elements 12 .
- the plurality of MCE elements 12 are disposed apart from one another along the rotational direction of the element bed 7 .
- the MCE element 12 creates heat generation and heat adsorption in response to a change of strength of an external magnetic field.
- the MCE element 32 creates heat generation by applying the external magnetic field, and absorbs heat by removing the external magnetic field.
- the MCE element 32 demonstrates a decreasing of magnetic entropy and an increasing of a temperature by releasing heat.
- the MCE element 32 demonstrates an increasing of the magnetic entropy and a decreasing of a temperature by absorbing heat.
- the MCE element 32 is made of a magnetic material that demonstrates a high magneto caloric effect in a normal temperature range.
- gadolinium-based materials or lanthanum-iron-silicon compounds can be used.
- mixtures of manganese, iron, phosphorus and germanium can be used.
- the MCE element 12 an element which absorbs heat by application of an external magnetic field and generates heat by removal of the external magnetic field may be used.
- the MHP device 2 has a magnetic field module 8 disposed opposite to the element bed 7 .
- the magnetic field module 8 is also called a stator.
- the magnetic field module 8 is provided by part of the housing 6 .
- the magnetic field module 8 is disposed on a radial inside and/or on a radial outside of the element bed 7 and has a portion radially opposed to the element bed 7 . These radially opposed portions are utilized to provide a magnetic field modulating device.
- the magnetic field module 8 is disposed at one axial end and/or the other axial end of the element bed 7 and has a portion axially opposed to the element bed 7 . These axially opposed portions are utilized to provide a heat transport device, specifically, a channel switching mechanism.
- the MHP device 2 includes a magnetic field modulation device 14 and a heat transport device 16 for causing the MCE element 12 to function as an element of an AMR (Active Magnetic Refrigeration) cycle.
- the magnetic field modulation device 14 is provided by the element bed 7 and the magnetic field module 8 .
- the magnetic field modulation device 14 periodically increases and decreases the magnetic field by the relative rotational movement of the element bed 7 with respect to the magnetic field module 8 .
- the magnetic field modulation device 14 is driven by the rotational power applied to the rotary shaft 2 a .
- the fluctuation of the magnetic field can be created by relatively rotating only one or both of the element bed 7 and the magnetic field module 8 .
- the element bed 7 provides a movable member.
- the magnetic field module 8 provides a stationary member.
- the heat transport device 16 has a pump 17 and a channel switching mechanism 18 .
- the channel switching mechanism 18 is provided by the element bed 7 and the magnetic field module 8 .
- the channel switching mechanism 18 functions by the relative rotational movement of the element bed 7 with respect to the magnetic field module 8 .
- the channel switching mechanism 18 switches the flow direction of the heat transport medium to the work chamber 11 and the MCE element 12 by switching the connection state of the work chamber 11 to a channel of the heat transport medium, i.e., a flow path of the heat transport medium.
- the magnetic field modulation device 14 applies an external magnetic field to the MCE element 12 and increases or decreases the strength of the external magnetic field.
- the magnetic field modulation device 40 periodically switches between a magnetization state in which the MCE element 32 is in a strong magnetic field and a demagnetization state in which the MCE element 32 is in a weak magnetic field or a zero magnetic field.
- the magnetic field modulation device 14 modulates the external magnetic field so as to alternately and periodically perform a magnetization period AMG in which the MCE element 12 is placed in a strong external magnetic field, and a demagnetization period DMG in which the MCE element 12 is placed in an external magnetic field weaker than the magnetization period AMG.
- the magnetic field modulation device 14 repeats application and removal of the magnetic field to the MCE element 12 in synchronization with the reciprocal flow of the heat transport medium described later.
- the magnetic field modulation device 40 comprises a magnetic source, such as a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, for generating an external magnetic field.
- the magnetic source 13 includes an inner magnet 13 a located on a radial inside of the element bed 7 .
- the magnetic source 13 includes an outer magnet 13 b located on a radial outside of the element bed 7 .
- the magnetic field modulation device 14 alternately positions one work chamber 11 and the MCE element 12 at the first position and the second position.
- the magnetic field modulation device 14 positions the MCE element 12 at the first position in a strong magnetic field.
- the magnetic field modulation device 14 positions the MCE element 12 at the second position in a weak magnetic field or a zero magnetic field.
- the magnetic field modulation device 14 positions the MCE element 12 at the first position so that the MCE element 12 is positioned in the strong magnetic field.
- the first direction is a direction from the cold end LT toward the hot end HT.
- the magnetic field modulation device 14 positions the MCE element 12 in the work chamber 11 at the second position so that the MCE element 12 is positioned in a weak magnetic field or a zero magnetic field.
- the second direction is a direction from the hot end HT to the cold end LT.
- the heat transport device 16 includes a heat transport medium for transporting heat released or absorbed by the MCE element 12 and a fluid device for flowing the heat transport medium.
- the heat transport device 16 is a device for flowing the heat transport medium along the MCE element 12 which performs heat-exchange with the MCE element 12 .
- the heat transport device 16 causes the heat transport medium to flow back and forth along the MCE element 12 .
- the heat transport device 16 generates a reciprocating flow of the heat transport medium in synchronization with the change of the external magnetic field by the magnetic field modulation device 14 .
- the heat transport device 16 switches the flow direction of the heat transport medium in synchronization with increase and decrease of the magnetic field by the magnetic field modulation device 14 .
- the heat transport medium which exchanges heat with the MCE element 12 is called a primary medium.
- the primary medium can be provided by a fluid such as antifreeze, water, oil and the like.
- the heat transport device 16 comprises the pump 17 for flowing the heat transport medium.
- the pump 17 is a unidirectional pump that flows the heat transport medium in one direction.
- the pump 17 has a suction port for sucking the heat transport medium and a discharge port for discharging the heat transport medium.
- the pump 17 is disposed above the annular flow path of the heat transport medium.
- the pump 17 produces a unidirectional flow of the heat transport medium in the annular flow path.
- the pump 17 is driven by the rotary shaft 2 a .
- the pump 17 is a positive displacement pump.
- the heat transport device 16 includes a channel switching mechanism 18 .
- the channel switching mechanism 18 switches the channel of the heat transport medium to the work chamber 11 so as to reverse the flow direction of the heat transport medium with respect to one work chamber 11 and one MCE element 12 .
- the channel switching mechanism 18 reverses the arrangement of the working chamber 11 in the unidirectional flow of the heat transport medium generated by the unidirectional pump 17 with respect to the flow direction.
- the channel switching mechanism 18 alternately positions one working chamber 11 in the forward path and the return path in an annular flow path including the pump 17 .
- the channel switching mechanism 18 switches a connection relationship between a pair of one working chamber 11 and one MCE element 12 and an annular channel including the pump 17 into at least two states.
- one end of the work chamber 11 communicates with the suction port of the pump 17 , and the other end of the work chamber 11 communicates with the discharge port of the pump 17 .
- one end of the work chamber 11 is in communication with the discharge port of the pump 17 and the other end of the work chamber 11 is in communication with the suction port of the pump 17 .
- the channel switching mechanism 18 alternately positions one work chamber 11 and the MCE element 12 at the first position and the second position.
- the channel switching mechanism 18 brings the work chamber 11 accommodating the MCE element 12 into communication with the flow path so that the heat transport medium flows in the first direction along the MCE element 12 at the first position.
- the channel switching mechanism 18 brings the work chamber 11 accommodating the MCE element 12 into communication with the flow path so that the heat transport medium flows in the second direction opposite to the first direction along the MCE element 12 at the second position.
- the channel switching mechanism 18 switches the connection state between the flow path of the heat transport medium including the pump 17 and the MCE element 12 , that is, the work chamber 11 so that the heat transport medium flows back and forth to the MCE element 12 .
- the channel switching mechanism 18 communicates the work chamber 11 containing the MCE element 12 and the channel (flow path) so that the heat transport medium flows in the first direction along the MCE element 12 .
- the channel switching mechanism 18 communicates one end of the work chamber 11 accommodating the NICE element 12 with the suction port of the pump 17 , and communicates the other end of the work chamber 11 accommodating the MCE element 12 with the discharge port of the pump 17 .
- the channel switching mechanism 18 communicates the work chamber 11 containing the MCE element 12 and the channel (flow path) so that the heat transport medium flows in the second direction opposite to the first direction along the MCE element 12 .
- the channel switching mechanism 18 communicates one end of the work chamber 11 accommodating the MCE element 12 with the discharge port of the pump 17 , and communicates the other end of the work chamber 11 accommodating the MCE element 12 with the suction port of the pump 17 .
- the MHP device 2 has a hot end inlet 16 a for receiving the heat transport medium from the heat exchanger 3 .
- the hot end inlet 16 a can communicate with the suction port of the pump 17 .
- the MHP device 2 has a hot end outlet 16 b for supplying the heat transport medium to the heat exchanger 3 .
- the hot end outlet 16 b can communicate with one end of the work chamber 11 at the first position.
- the MHP device 2 has a cold end inlet 16 c for receiving the heat transport medium from the heat exchanger 4 .
- the cold end inlet 16 c can communicate with the other end of the work chamber 11 at the first position.
- the MHP device 2 has a cold end outlet 16 d for supplying the heat transport medium to the heat exchanger 4 .
- the cold end outlet 16 d can communicate with the other end of the work chamber 11 at the second position.
- One end of the work chamber 11 at the second position can communicate with the discharge port of the pump 17 .
- the MHP device 2 has a central axis AX.
- the element bed 7 and the magnetic field module 8 are circular columnar shape or cylindrical shape with respect to the central axis AX.
- the MHP device 2 includes a controller (CNT) 20 .
- the controller 20 controls at least the power source 5 .
- the controller 20 controls the number of rotations of the power source 5 .
- the controller 20 controls functions as the air conditioner 1 .
- the controller 20 controls, for example, an amount of air blown to the heat exchanger 3 and/or the heat exchanger 4 .
- the controller 20 is an electronic control unit.
- the controller 20 provides a control system for the thermomagnetic cycle system.
- the controller 20 has at least one arithmetic processing unit (CPU) and at least one memory device (MMR) as a storage medium for storing programs and data.
- the control system is provided by a microcomputer comprising a computer readable storage medium.
- the storage medium is a non-transitional tangible storage medium that temporarily stores a computer readable program.
- the storage medium may be provided as a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like.
- the control system may be provided by one computer or a group of computer resources linked via a data communication device.
- the program is executed by the control system to cause the control system to function as a device described in the present specification and to cause the control system to function to perform the methods described in the present specification.
- control system can be provided by a logic called if-then-else type, or a neural network tuned by machine learning.
- control device may be provided by a digital circuit or an analog circuit that includes a large number of logic circuits.
- FIG. 3 shows a pressure distribution of the heat transport medium.
- the MHP device 2 provides a circulation path for the heat transport medium.
- the pump 17 is disposed in a circulation path.
- the channel switching mechanism 18 is disposed in a flow path extending between the element bed 7 and the magnetic field module 8 , that is, between the movable member and the stationary member.
- the channel switching mechanism 18 has a plurality of valves. A plurality of valves are arranged at the inlet and the outlet of the plurality of element beds 7 .
- two unit channels (element bed 7 ) providing circulation paths and four related valves will be described.
- the channel switching mechanism 18 has at least an inlet valve 18 a and an outlet valve 18 b at the hot end HT.
- the channel switching mechanism 18 has at least the outlet valve 18 e and the inlet valve 18 f at the cold end LT.
- the heat exchanger 3 produces a pressure drop PDe.
- the heat exchanger 4 also produces a pressure drop PDe.
- the heat exchanger 3 and the heat exchanger 4 may produce different pressure losses.
- the pump 17 sucks the heat transport medium at a suction pressure Ps.
- the pump 17 pressurizes the heat transport medium.
- the pump 17 discharges the heat transport medium of the discharge pressure Pd.
- the unit channel (element bed 7 ) produces a pressure loss PDd.
- the heat transport medium is supplied at a pressure P 1 toward one unit channel.
- the pressure P 1 acts on the inlet valve 18 a .
- the seal mechanism provided by the inlet valve 18 a provides a seal that can function properly under the pressure P 1 .
- the heat transport medium flows out of one unit channel at a pressure P 2 .
- the pressure P 2 acts on the outlet valve 18 e .
- the seal mechanism provided by the outlet valve 18 e provides a seal that can function properly under the pressure P 2 .
- the pressure P 1 is higher than the pressure P 2 (P 1 >P 2 ). Therefore, the inlet valve 18 a is required to have higher sealing performance than the outlet valve 18 e . On the contrary, the outlet valve 18 e can perform proper function with a sealing property lower than that of the inlet valve 18 a . In other words, even if the pressing force between the stationary member and the movable member in the outlet valve 18 e is smaller than the pressing force between the stationary member and the movable member in the inlet valve 18 a , the outlet valve 18 e can perform proper function.
- the inlet valve 18 a and the outlet valve 18 e provide an inlet and an outlet for the flow of the heat transport medium in one direction of the reciprocating flow. One direction is a direction from the hot end HT to the cold end LT.
- the inlet valve 18 a and the outlet valve 18 e provide an inlet and an outlet associated with the common unit channel (element bed 7 ).
- the heat transport medium is supplied at a pressure P 3 toward one unit channel.
- the pressure P 3 acts on the inlet valve 18 f .
- the seal mechanism provided by the inlet valve 18 f provides a seal that can function properly under the pressure P 3 .
- the heat transport medium flows out of one unit channel at a pressure P 4 .
- the pressure P 4 acts on the outlet valve 18 b .
- the sealing mechanism provided by the outlet valve 18 b provides a seal that can function properly under the pressure P 4 .
- the pressure P 3 is higher than the pressure P 4 (P 3 >P 4 ). Therefore, the inlet valve 18 f is required to have higher sealing performance than the outlet valve 18 b . On the contrary, the outlet valve 18 b can perform proper function with a sealing property lower than that of the inlet valve 18 f . In other words, even if the pressing force between the stationary member and the movable member in the outlet valve 18 b is smaller than the pressing force between the stationary member and the movable member in the inlet valve 18 f , the outlet valve 18 b can perform proper function.
- the inlet valve 18 f and the outlet valve 18 b provide an inlet and an outlet for the flow of the heat transport medium in the other direction of the reciprocating flow. The other direction is a direction from the cold end LT to the hot end HT.
- the inlet valve 18 f and the outlet valve 18 b provide an inlet and an outlet associated with a common unit channel (element bed 7 ).
- the channel switching mechanism 18 can include an even number of pairs of inlet and outlet valves. In this embodiment, two pairs of inlet and outlet valves are arranged as described below.
- the pressure P 1 is higher than the pressure P 4 (P 1 >P 4 ). Therefore, the inlet valve 18 a is required to have higher sealing performance than the outlet valve 18 b .
- the outlet valve 18 b can perform proper function with lower sealing performance than that of the inlet valve 18 a . In other words, even if the pressing force between the stationary member and the movable member in the outlet valve 18 b is smaller than the pressing force between the stationary member and the movable member in the inlet valve 18 a , the outlet valve 18 b can perform proper function.
- the pressing force F 1 at the inlet valve 18 a is larger than the pressing force F 2 at the outlet valve 18 d (F 1 >F 2 ). Thereby, the mechanical loss in the outlet valve 18 b is suppressed.
- the inlet valve 18 a and the outlet valve 18 b provide an inlet and an outlet for the reciprocating flow at one end, i.e., the hot end HT.
- the inlet valve 18 a provides an inlet for the flow from the hot end HT to the cold end LT.
- the outlet valve 18 b provides an outlet for the flow from the cold end LT to the hot end HT.
- the inlet valve 18 a and the outlet valve 18 b simultaneously provide an inlet and an outlet associated with different unit channels.
- the outlet valve 18 e is required to have higher sealing performance than that of the inlet valve 18 f .
- the inlet valve 18 f can perform proper function with a lower sealing performance than that of the outlet valve 18 e .
- the pressing force F 5 at the outlet valve 18 e is larger than the pressing force F 6 at the inlet valve 18 f (F 5 >F 6 ).
- the inlet valve 18 f and the outlet valve 18 e provide an inlet and an outlet for the reciprocating flow at the other end, i.e., the cold end LT.
- the inlet valve 18 f provides an inlet for flow from the cold end LT to the hot end HT.
- the outlet valve 18 e provides an outlet for the flow from the hot end HT to the cold end LT.
- the inlet valve 18 f and the outlet valve 18 e provide an inlet and an outlet associated with different unit channels.
- FIGS. 4 and 5 show the channel switching mechanism 18 at the hot end HT and the sealing mechanism associated therewith.
- the work chamber 11 provided by the element bed 7 provides a plurality of axial flow channels.
- one unit channel is illustrated by a mass of the MCE element 12 .
- the name “one element bed 7 ” may refer to this unit channel.
- the channel switching mechanism 18 includes a valve element 19 disposed opposite to the element bed 7 which is a movable member.
- the valve element 19 is a stationary member.
- the valve element 19 is disposed opposite to the end of the element bed 7 .
- the valve element 19 comes in contact with the end face of the element bed 7 in a sliding manner.
- the valve element 19 provides a plurality of ports for providing the inlet valve 18 a and the outlet valve 18 b .
- the valve element 19 comprises a plurality of segments 19 a , 19 b , 19 c and 19 d .
- the plurality of segments 19 a , 19 b , 19 c and 19 d are annularly arranged.
- Each of the plurality of segments 19 a , 19 b , 19 c and 19 d occupies a fan-shaped area.
- the plurality of segments 19 a , 19 b , 19 c and 19 d are held so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction.
- the plurality of segments 19 a , 19 b , 19 c and 19 d are held immovable in the circumferential direction.
- the segment 19 a provides the inlet valve 18 a .
- the inlet valve 18 a opens to the unit channel when the segment 19 a and the unit channel are opposed to each other.
- the inlet valve 18 a closes to the unit channel when the segment 19 a and the unit channel do not face each other and are separated.
- the segment 19 b provides an outlet valve 18 b .
- the outlet valve 18 b opens to the unit channel when the segment 19 b and the unit channel are opposed to each other.
- the outlet valve 18 b closes with respect to the unit channel when the segment 19 b and the unit channel do not face each other and are separated.
- the channel switching mechanism 18 forms the inlet valve 18 a and the outlet valve 18 b at one end of one unit channel.
- two inlet valves and two outlet valves are provided by the four segments 19 a , 19 b , 19 c and 19 d .
- the channel switching mechanism 18 forms two inlet valves and two outlet valves at one end of one unit channel.
- the two inlet valves 18 a and 18 c and the two outlet valves 18 b and 18 d are alternately opened and closed with respect to one unit channel to provide the reciprocating flow.
- the channel switching mechanism 18 has the biasing mechanism 30 for pressing the valve element 19 toward the element bed 7 .
- the biasing mechanism 30 provides at least two different biasing forces. In this embodiment, the biasing force is also called pressing force.
- the biasing mechanism 30 has four biasing elements 31 , 32 , 33 and 34 associated with each of the four segments 19 a , 19 b , 19 c and 19 d .
- the segments 19 a and 19 c may be biased by a common biasing element since they provide the inlet valves.
- the segments 19 b and 19 d may be biased by a common biasing element to provide the outlet valves.
- Each of the biasing elements 31 , 32 , 33 and 34 has a variable element 35 and an invariable element 36 .
- the variable element 35 varies the biasing force according to the pressure of the heat transport medium.
- the variable element 35 is provided by a pressure sensitive element whose dimension, i.e., axial length, varies in response to the pressure of the heat transport medium.
- the variable element 35 is provided by a balloon.
- the variable element 35 axially expands under the pressure of the heat transport medium when the pressure of the heat transport medium exceeds the predetermined pressure.
- the variable element 35 contracts in the axial direction under the pressure of the heat transport medium when the pressure of the heat transport medium falls below a predetermined pressure.
- the predetermined pressure can be set between the pressure P 1 and the pressure P 4 .
- the invariable element 36 is an elastic member that provides invariable resiliency.
- the invariable element 36 generates a biasing force without depending on a pressure of the heat transport medium.
- the invariable element 36 can be provided, for example, by a mechanical coil spring.
- the invariable element 36 is a preloaded compression coil spring.
- the variable element 35 When the pressure P 1 acts on the variable element 35 , the variable element 35 elongates in the axial direction. As a result, the segment 19 a is pressed toward the element bed 7 by the pressing force F 1 .
- the pressing force F 1 produces a surface pressure that provides sealing between the segment 19 a and the element bed 7 .
- the pressure P 4 acts on the variable element 35 the variable element 35 comes in contract in the axial direction.
- the segment 19 b is pressed toward the element bed 7 by the pressing force F 2 .
- the pressing force F 2 produces a surface pressure that provides sealing between the segment 19 b and the element bed 7 .
- the pressing force F 1 is larger than the pressing force F 2 (F 1 >F 2 ).
- the unit channel sequentially passes over the plurality of segments 19 a , 19 b , 19 c , and 19 d .
- the segments 19 a and 19 c are pressed toward the element bed 7 by the pressing force F 1 .
- the segments 19 b and 19 d are pressed toward the element bed 7 with the pressing force F 2 .
- the pressing force is suppressed in the section of the segments 19 b and 19 d .
- mechanical loss is suppressed.
- FIGS. 6 and 7 show the channel switching mechanism 18 at the cold end LT and the sealing mechanism associated therewith.
- the valve element 19 provides a plurality of ports for providing the inlet valve 18 f and the outlet valve 18 e .
- the valve element 19 comprises a plurality of segments 19 e , 19 f , 19 g and 19 h.
- the segment 19 e provides the outlet valve 18 e .
- the outlet valve 18 e opens to the unit channel when the segment 19 e and the unit channel are opposed to each other.
- the outlet valve 18 e closes to the unit channel when the segment 19 e and the unit channel do not face each other and are separated.
- the segment 19 f provides the inlet valve 18 f .
- the inlet valve 18 f opens to the unit channel when the segment 19 f and the unit channel are opposed to each other.
- the inlet valve 18 f closes to the unit channel when the segment 19 f and the unit channel do not face each other and are separated.
- the channel switching mechanism 18 forms the outlet valve 18 e and the inlet valve 18 f at the other end of one unit channel.
- two inlet valves 18 f and 18 h and two outlet valves 18 e and 18 g are provided by four segments 19 e , 19 f , 19 g and 19 h .
- the channel switching mechanism 18 forms two inlet valves and two outlet valves on the other end of one unit channel.
- the two inlet valves and the two outlet valves are alternately opened and closed with respect to one unit channel to provide the reciprocating flow.
- the channel switching mechanism 18 at the hot end HT and the channel switching mechanism 18 at the cold end LT are arranged symmetrically to each other.
- the predetermined pressure of the variable element 35 is set between the pressure P 2 and the pressure P 3 .
- the pressure P 2 acts on the variable element 35
- the variable element 35 elongates in the axial direction.
- the segments 19 e and 19 g are pressed toward the element bed 7 by the pressing force F 5 .
- the pressing force F 5 produces a surface pressure that provides sealing between the segments 19 e and 19 g and the element bed 7 .
- the pressure P 3 acts on the variable element 35 , the variable element 35 comes contract in the axial direction.
- the segments 19 f and 19 h are pressed toward the element bed 7 by the pressing force F 6 .
- the pressing force F 6 produces a surface pressure that provides sealing between the segments 19 f and 19 h and the element bed 7 .
- the pressing force F 5 is larger than the pressing force F 6 (F 5 >F 6 ). Even in the cold end LT, the pressing force is suppressed in a section of the segments 19 f and 19 h as compared with the case where the entire valve element 19 is pressed toward the element bed 7 by the pressing force F 5 . As a result, mechanical loss is suppressed.
- JP2016-1101A With regard to the MHP device 2 , the description of JP2016-1101A may be referred to. The entire contents of JP2016-1101A are incorporated by reference. Further, with regard to the element bed 7 and the unit channel, U.S. Pat. No. 8,844,453 may be referred to. The entire contents of U.S. Pat. No. 8,444,453 are incorporated by reference.
- the channel switching mechanism 18 forms the inlet valve 18 a and the outlet valve 18 b at one end (the hot end HT) of one unit channel.
- the biasing mechanism 30 provides biasing force for maintaining the inlet valve 18 a and the outlet valve 18 b in the closed state.
- biasing mechanism 30 applies different biasing forces F 1 and F 2 to the inlet valve 18 a and the outlet valve 18 b .
- the magnitude relationship (F 1 >F 2 ) of the two biasing forces is the same as the magnitude relationship (P 1 >P 4 ) between the pressure P 1 of the heat transport medium acting on the inlet valve 18 a and the pressure P 4 of the heat transport medium acting on the outlet valve 18 b.
- the absolute value of the biasing force is adjusted by the variable element 35 .
- the biasing force is set in proportion to the pressure. For this reason, the valve-closing performance which withstands the pressure of the heat transport medium, i.e., sealing performance, is obtained.
- the channel switching mechanism 18 forms the inlet valve 18 f and the outlet valve 18 e at the other end (the cold end LT) of one unit channel.
- the biasing mechanism 30 provides a biasing force for maintaining the inlet valve 18 f and the outlet valve 18 e in a closed state. Moreover, the biasing mechanism 30 applies different biasing forces F 5 and F 6 to the inlet valve 18 f and the outlet valve 18 e .
- the magnitude relationship (F 5 >F 6 ) of the two biasing forces is the same as the magnitude relationship (P 2 >P 3 ) between the pressure P 3 of the heat transport medium acting on the inlet valve 18 f and the pressure P 2 of the heat transport medium acting on the outlet valve 18 e.
- valve element 19 comprises a plurality of segments. The multiple segments allow different pressing forces and reliably suppress mechanical losses.
- the MHP device 2 has a single pump 17 .
- the MHP device 2 may be provided with a plurality of pumps 17 and 217 a .
- the pump 17 is provided at one end of the unit channel.
- the pump 217 a is provided at the other end of the unit channel.
- FIG. 8 shows pressure distribution in this embodiment.
- the MHP device 2 also has a pump 217 a in a path on a side to the cold end LT.
- the pump 17 and the pump 217 a are the same pump.
- the pump 217 a applies a pressure P 2 a to the outlet valve 18 e .
- the pump 217 a applies a pressure P 3 a to the inlet valve 18 f.
- the pressure P 2 a acting on the outlet valve 18 e is higher than the pressure P 3 a acting on the inlet valve 18 f .
- the inlet valve 18 f is required to have higher sealing performance than that of the outlet valve 18 e .
- the outlet valve 18 e can perform proper function with a sealing property lower than that of the inlet valve 18 f . In other words, even if the pressing force between the stationary member and the movable member in the outlet valve 18 e is smaller than the pressing force between the stationary member and the movable member in the inlet valve 18 f , the outlet valve 18 e can perform proper function.
- the pressing force F 6 a at the inlet valve 18 f is larger than the pressing force F 5 a at the outlet valve 18 e (F 5 a ⁇ F 6 a ).
- the inlet valve 18 f and the outlet valve 18 e provide an inlet and an outlet for the reciprocating flow at the other end, i.e, the cold end LT.
- the inlet valve 18 f provides an inlet for flow from the cold end LT to the hot end HT.
- the outlet valve 18 e provides an outlet for the flow from the hot end HT to the cold end LT.
- the inlet valve 18 f and the outlet valve 18 e are positioned opposite to different element beds 7 .
- FIG. 9 shows the channel switching mechanism 18 at the cold end LT and the sealing mechanism associated therewith.
- a difference from the preceding embodiments is the shape of the variable element 35 and the pressing forces F 5 a and F 6 a produced thereby.
- the biasing mechanism 30 includes the variable element 35 , a difference in pressing force occurs.
- the segments 19 e and 19 g are pressed toward the element bed 7 by the pressing force F 5 a .
- the segments 19 f and 19 h are pressed toward the element bed 7 by the pressing force F 6 a .
- the pressing force F 6 a is larger than the pressing force F 5 a (F 5 a ⁇ F 6 a ).
- the channel switching mechanism 18 forms the inlet valve 18 f and the outlet valve 18 e at the other end (the cold end LT) of one unit channel.
- the biasing mechanism 30 provides a biasing force for maintaining the inlet valve 18 f and the outlet valve 18 e in a closed state. Moreover, the biasing mechanism 30 applies different biasing forces F 5 and F 6 to the inlet valve 18 f and the outlet valve 18 e .
- the magnitude relationship (F 5 a ⁇ F 6 a ) of the two biasing forces is the same as the magnitude relationship (P 2 a ⁇ P 3 a ) between the pressure P 3 a of the heat transport medium acting on the inlet valve 18 f and the pressure P 2 a of the heat transport medium acting on the outlet valve 18 e .
- biasing elements 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 comprise both the variable element 35 and the invariable element 36 .
- the biasing elements 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 may comprise only the invariable element 36 .
- the functions of the plurality of segments 19 a , 19 b , 19 c and 19 d are fixed at the inlet or outlet.
- the segment 19 a continuously provides an inlet.
- the segment 19 b continuously provides an exit.
- the biasing elements 31 , 32 , 33 and 34 then comprise only the invariable element 36 .
- the invariable element 36 includes a first elastic member 336 a for generating a pressing force F 1 and a second elastic member 336 b for generating a pressing force F 2 .
- the first elastic member 336 a and the second elastic member 336 b can be provided by coil springs having different spring constants or compression amounts.
- the first elastic member 336 a and the second elastic member 336 b are compression coil springs which are preloaded differently to generate the pressing forces F 1 and F 2 .
- the first elastic member 336 a applies the pressing force F 1 stronger than the pressing force F 2 to the segments 19 a and 19 c .
- the second elastic member 336 b applies the pressing force F 2 weaker than the pressing force F 1 to the segments 19 b and 19 d .
- the biasing elements 31 and 33 each comprises a first resilient member 336 a .
- the biasing elements 32 and 34 each comprises a second resilient member 336 b .
- mechanical losses can be suppressed.
- the structure of this embodiment can be adopted for the hot end HT and/or the cold end LT.
- This embodiment is a modification in which the preceding embodiment is a fundamental form.
- a coil spring is used as the invariable element 36 .
- the invariable element may be provided by a variety of elastic members.
- a resin material such as rubber or elastomer may be used as the invariable element.
- the invariable element 36 includes a first elastic member 436 a for generating a pressing force F 1 and a second elastic member 436 b for generating a pressing force F 2 .
- the first elastic member 436 a and the second elastic member 436 b can be provided by rubber masses different in elasticity. In this embodiment as well, similar to the previous embodiments, mechanical losses can be suppressed.
- variable element 35 is provided by a mechanical element.
- variable element 35 may be provided by a variety of variable mechanisms.
- an electromagnetic movable mechanism can be used as a variable element.
- the variable element 35 is provided by an electromagnetic solenoid.
- the electromagnetic solenoid includes a stator 537 that includes an electromagnetic coil.
- the electromagnetic solenoid includes an armature 538 that contracts when it is attracted by the electromagnetic force generated by exiting the stator 537 , and extends when it is freed by a spring force by de-energizing the stator 537 .
- the armature 538 is connected to the invariable element 36 .
- the electromagnetic solenoid can be controlled by the controller 20 . In this embodiment as well, similar to the previous embodiments, mechanical losses can be suppressed.
- This embodiment is a modification in which the preceding embodiment is a fundamental form.
- the movable member is provided by the element bed 7
- the stationary member is provided by the magnetic field module 8 .
- the element bed 7 may provide a stationary member
- the magnetic field module 8 may provide a movable member.
- FIG. 13 , FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 show the air conditioner 1 and the MHP device 2 of this embodiment.
- FIG. 13 shows a cross section taken along a line XIII-XIII in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 14 shows a cross section taken along a line XIV-XIV of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 15 shows a cross section taken along a line XV-XV in FIG. 13 .
- the MHP device 2 includes the element bed 7 , the magnetic field modulation device 14 , and the heat transport device 16 .
- the element bed 7 accommodates the MCE element 12 .
- the element bed 7 provides a plurality of unit channels.
- the magnetic field modulation device 14 supplies an external magnetic field to the element bed 7 .
- the magnetic field modulation device 14 modulates an intensity of the external magnetic field so that the MCE element 12 alternately demonstrates heat generation and heat absorption by the magneto caloric effect.
- the heat transport device 16 provides a reciprocating flow of the heat transport medium to perform a heat exchange with the MCE element 12 .
- the magnetic field modulation device 14 and the heat transport device 16 are synchronized with each other.
- the MHP device 2 is operated to provide an AMR cycle.
- the magnetic field modulation device 14 is provided by the element bed 7 and the magnetic field module 8 .
- the element bed 7 is a stationary member.
- the element bed 7 is also called a stator.
- the magnetic field module 8 is a movable member.
- the magnetic field module 8 is also called a rotor.
- the magnetic field module 8 has an inner magnet 613 a and an outer magnet 613 b as the magnetic source 13 .
- the inner magnet 613 a is fixed to an inner yoke 608 a that rotates with the rotary shaft 2 a .
- the outer magnet 613 b is fixed to an outer yoke 608 b that rotates with the rotary shaft 2 a.
- the channel switching mechanism 18 includes a switching valve.
- the switching valve is disposed in the body 618 k fixed to the element bed 7 .
- the body 618 k is a part of a stationary member.
- the switching valve is provided by a plurality of on-off valves.
- the switching valve includes two sets of on-off valves disposed at both ends of one unit channel.
- One set of on-off valves includes an inlet valve 618 a and an outlet valve 618 b .
- two unit channels are exemplarily illustrated, and four sets of eight on-off valves are illustrated.
- FIG. 14 shows a plurality of unit channels provided by the element bed 7 .
- the plurality of unit channels are illustrated as a first channel #1 to an eighth channel #8.
- the number of unit channels illustrated is merely an example, and is not limited to eight.
- the channels from the first channel #1 to the eighth channel #8 are stationary.
- the magnetic source 613 rotationally moves. With the movement of the magnetic source 613 , the magnetization period AMG and the demagnetization period DMG move. As a result, one unit channel is alternately placed in the magnetization period AMG and the demagnetization period DMG.
- the first channel #1 is positioned in the magnetization period AMG
- the second channel #2 is positioned in the demagnetization period DMG.
- the magnetic source 13 rotates by n/2 from the time shown, the first channel #1 is positioned in the demagnetization period DMG, and the second channel #2 is positioned in the magnetization period AMG.
- FIG. 15 shows a plurality of sets of on-off valves associated with a plurality of unit channels at the hot end HT.
- the symbol “ ⁇ ” and the symbol “X” indicate the open state.
- the symbol “ ⁇ ” indicates the direction of flow from the paper surface.
- the symbol “X” indicates the direction of flow toward the paper surface.
- the element bed 7 provides eight unit channels.
- the channel switching mechanism 18 has eight sets of on-off valves.
- the inlet valve 618 a and the outlet valve 618 b are associated with the hot end HT of the first channel #1.
- the inlet valve 618 a and the outlet valve 618 b are associated with the hot end HT of the second channel #2.
- the plurality of sets of on-off valves are driven to open and close so as to supply a reciprocating flow in the plurality of unit channels. Switching between valve opening and valve closing is synchronized with switching between the magnetization period AMG and the demagnetization period DMG.
- the plurality of on-off valves are driven by the plurality of cam mechanisms 618 m and 618 n .
- the switching of the flow direction of the reciprocating flow and the switching of the magnetization period AMG and the demagnetization period DMG may be adjusted in phase by the phase adjuster.
- One set of two on-off valves i.e., the inlet valve 618 a and the outlet valve 618 b , are alternately opened and closed.
- the outlet valve 618 b is closed while the inlet valve 618 a of the first channel #1 is open. While the inlet valve 618 a of the first channel #1 is closed, the outlet valve 618 b is opened. Further, the open/close states of the inlet valve 618 a and the outlet valve 618 b are alternately switched. For example, at the time shown, the inlet valve 618 a of the first channel #1 positioned in the magnetization period AMG is opened and the outlet valve 618 b is closed.
- the channel switching mechanism 18 supplies the flow of the heat transport medium in the first direction to the first channel #1.
- the inlet valve 618 a of the first flow path #1 positioned in the demagnetization period DMG is closed and the outlet valve 618 b is opened.
- the channel switching mechanism 18 supplies the flow of the heat transport medium in the second direction opposite to the first direction to the first channel #1.
- the channel switching mechanism 18 includes a mechanical link mechanism for driving the switching valve by the rotary shaft 2 a .
- the mechanical link mechanism has a plurality of cam mechanisms 618 m and 618 n .
- the plurality of cam mechanisms 618 m and 618 n drive four on-off valves arranged on both sides of one unit channel so as to alternately switch the flow direction of the heat transport medium.
- the plurality of cam mechanisms 618 m and 618 n drive the plurality of on-off valves alternately and complementarily.
- alternating refers to the inlet valve 618 a and the outlet valve 618 b being alternately opened and closed.
- complementary refers to the relative relationship between the on-off valve at the hot end HT and the on-off valve at the cold end LT. That is, the term “complementary” indicates switching between the following state (1) and the following state (2).
- the inlet valve 618 a of the hot end HT and the outlet valve 618 b of the cold end LT are simultaneously opened, and the inlet valve 618 a of the cold end LT and the outlet valve 618 b of the hot end HT are simultaneously closed.
- the inlet valve 618 a of the cold end LT and the outlet valve 618 b of the hot end HT are simultaneously opened, and the inlet valve 618 a of the hot end HT and the outlet valve 618 b of the cold end LT are simultaneously closed.
- the cam mechanism 618 m produces a first stroke ST 1 .
- the cam mechanism 618 m drives the inlet valve 618 a .
- the inlet valve 618 a is switched between the open state and the closed state by the first stroke ST 1 .
- the cam mechanism 618 n produces a second stroke ST 2 .
- the cam mechanism 618 n drives the outlet valve 618 b .
- the outlet valve 618 b is switched between the open state and the closed state by the second stroke ST 2 .
- the first stroke ST 1 is larger than the second stroke ST 2 (ST 1 >ST 2 ).
- the difference between the first stroke ST 1 and the second stroke ST 2 is used as the difference in the compression amount of the seal member described later.
- pressure distribution occurs in the flow path due to the position of the pump 17 and the pressure loss of each part.
- the pressure P 1 acts on the inlet valve 618 a of the hot end HT.
- the pressure P 4 acts on the outlet valve 618 b of the hot end HT.
- the pressure P 1 is higher than the pressure P 4 .
- the force for the outlet valve 618 b to maintain the closed state against the pressure P 4 is smaller than the force for the inlet valve 618 a to maintain the closed state against the pressure P 1 .
- FIG. 16 shows the on-off valve as the inlet valve 618 a at the hot end HT.
- FIG. 17 shows the on-off valve as the outlet valve 618 b at the hot end HT.
- the inlet valve 618 a and the outlet valve 618 b have a housing 641 , ports 642 and 643 , seal members 644 a and 644 b , a plunger 645 , a cam follower 646 , a rod 647 , and a movable flange 648 .
- the housing 641 provides ports 642 and 643 used as an inlet and an outlet.
- the housing 641 accommodates the seal members 644 a and 644 b and the plunger 645 .
- the seal members 644 a and 644 b are fixed in the housing 641 .
- the plunger 645 is relatively movable within the housing 641 .
- the cam follower 646 comes in contact with the cam surfaces of the cam mechanisms 618 m and 618 n .
- the rod 647 transmits the movement of the cam follower 646 to the plunger 645 .
- the movable flange 648 seals between the housing 641 and the rod 647 .
- the movable flange 648 is provided by a bellows or a diaphragm.
- the inlet valve 618 a at the hot end HT provides an open state OPN and a close state CLSa.
- the inlet valve 618 a provides the open state OPN by the plunger 645 moving away from the seal member 644 a .
- the seal member 644 a in the open state OPN has an initial length L 1 .
- the inlet valve 618 a provides a closed state CLSa by the plunger 645 contacting the seal member 644 a and the plunger 645 compressing the seal member 644 a .
- the compression amount CA 1 of the seal member 644 a in the close state CLSa is defined by the initial length L 1 and the first stroke ST 1 .
- the amount of compression CA 1 is the amount of compression necessary for the inlet valve 618 a at the hot end HT to maintain a closed state under the pressure P 1 of the heat transport medium.
- the close state CLSa is also referred to as a first close state CLSa.
- the compression amount CA 1 is also referred to as a first compression amount CAL
- the outlet valve 618 b at the hot end HT provides an open state OPN and a close state CLSb.
- the outlet valve 618 b provides the open state OPN by the plunger 645 separating from the seal member 644 b .
- the seal member 644 b in the open state OPN has an initial length L 2 .
- the initial length L 2 is smaller than the initial length L 1 (L 1 >L 2 ).
- the plunger 645 comes in contact with the seal member 644 b , and the plunger 645 compresses the seal member 644 b to provide the close state CLSb.
- the compression amount CA 2 of the seal member 644 b in the close state CLSb is defined by the initial length L 2 and the second stroke ST 2 .
- the compression amount CA 2 is a compression amount required for the outlet valve 618 b at the hot end HT to maintain a closed state under the pressure P 4 of the heat transport medium.
- the close state CLSb is also referred to as a second close state CLSb.
- the compression amount CA 2 is also referred to as a second compression amount CA 2 .
- the first compression amount CA 1 is larger than the second compression amount CA 2 (CA 1 >CA 2 ).
- the inlet valve 618 a withstands the pressure P 1
- the outlet valve 618 b withstands the pressure P 4 .
- the power for compressing the seal member 644 b at the outlet valve 618 b is suppressed.
- the biasing mechanism 30 is provided by the initial lengths L 1 and L 2 of the sealing members 644 a and 644 b and the strokes ST 1 and ST 2 of the cam mechanisms 618 m and 618 n . This suppresses mechanical losses.
- the plurality of on-off valves and the biasing mechanism 30 at the hot end HT have been described in detail. This description may also be applied to the plurality of on-off valves and the biasing mechanism 30 at the cold end LT.
- the MHP device 2 also has a channel switching mechanism 18 at the cold end LT.
- the channel switching mechanism 18 of the hot end HT and the channel switching mechanism 18 of the cold end LT are arranged symmetrically.
- the outlet valve 618 e and the inlet valve 618 f are associated with the cold end LT of the first channel #1.
- the outlet valve 618 e and the inlet valve 618 f are associated with the cold end LT of the second channel #2.
- the pump can be disposed at the cold end LT.
- the inlet valve 618 f of the cold end LT can be provided based on FIG. 17
- the outlet valve 618 e of the cold end LT can be provided based on FIG. 16 .
- the inlet valve 618 f of the cold end LT can be provided based on FIG. 16
- the outlet valve 618 e of the cold end LT can be provided based on FIG. 17 .
- the biasing mechanism 30 creates the difference (CA 1 -CA 2 ) of the compression amount of the seal members 644 a and 644 b by the difference of the initial length (L 1 -L 2 ), and the difference between the strokes (ST 1 -ST 2 ).
- the biasing mechanism 30 may create the difference in the amount of compression only by the difference in the initial length.
- the biasing mechanism 30 may create the difference in the amount of compression only by the difference in the stroke.
- the channel switching mechanism 18 forms an inlet valve 618 a and an outlet valve 618 b at one end of one unit channel.
- the biasing mechanism 30 provides biasing force for maintaining the inlet valve 18 a and the outlet valve 18 b in the close state.
- the biasing mechanism 30 applies different biasing forces F 1 and F 2 to the inlet valve 18 a and the outlet valve 18 b .
- the magnitude relationship (F 1 >F 2 ) of the two biasing forces is the same as the magnitude relationship (P 1 >P 4 ) between the pressure P 1 of the heat transport medium acting on the inlet valve 18 a and the pressure P 4 of the heat transport medium acting on the outlet valve 18 b.
- Patent Documents JP2012-229634A, JP2016-1101A, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,448,453 discloses prior art arrangements. In those arrangements, a sealing mechanism is required to suppress leakage of the heat transport medium. However, the sealing mechanism produces mechanical losses. The mechanical loss appears as a loss of power to drive the movable member. For this reason, the thermomagnetic cycle device with small mechanical loss is required.
- the heat transport medium may flow through both the movable member and the stationary member. In this case, the sealing mechanism between the movable member and the stationary member creates a mechanical loss.
- an on-off valve that controls the flow of the heat transport medium may be disposed in the movable member or the stationary member.
- the sealing mechanism of the on-off valve produces mechanical losses. Furthermore, when the pressure of the heat transport medium in the sealing mechanism fluctuates, a period in which the pressure difference to be sealed is large and a period in which the pressure difference to be sealed is small occur. In this case, the sealing mechanism is designed to withstand periods of high pressure differential to seal. However, in this design, it is difficult to suppress mechanical loss throughout the unit cycle.
- thermomagnetic cycling device with low mechanical loss.
- the disclosed embodiments in this specification also provide a thermomagnetic cycle device in which mechanical loss in the heat transport device is suppressed.
- the disclosure in this specification, the drawings, and the like is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.
- the disclosure encompasses the illustrated embodiments and variations thereof by those skilled in the art.
- the disclosure is not limited to the parts and/or combinations of elements shown in the embodiments.
- the disclosure can be implemented in various combinations.
- the disclosure may have additional parts that may be added to the embodiment.
- the disclosure encompasses omissions of parts and/or elements of the embodiments.
- the disclosure encompasses replacement or combination of parts and/or elements between one embodiment and another.
- the disclosed technical scope is not limited to the description of the embodiment. Several technical scopes disclosed are indicated by descriptions in the claims and should be understood to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the descriptions in the claims.
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Abstract
A device comprises an element bed providing a plurality of unit channels each containing an NICE element. The heat transport device has a channel switching mechanism and a biasing mechanism. The channel switching mechanism forms an inlet valve for allowing the heat transport medium to flow into the unit channel and an outlet valve for allowing the heat transport medium to flow out of the unit channel. The biasing mechanism applies different biasing forces to the inlet valve and the outlet valve. The magnitude relationship of the biasing force is the same as the magnitude relationship between the pressure of the heat transport medium acting on the inlet valve and the pressure of the heat transport medium acting on the outlet valve.
Description
- The present disclosure is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2018461888 filed on Aug. 30, 2018, the whole contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- Disclosure in this specification relates to a thermomagnetic cycle device.
- A thermomagnetic cycle device or a magneto-thermal cycle device utilizes the magneto-thermal properties of a magneto-caloric element. These devices include a magnetic field modulation device that periodically changes a magnetic field, and a heat transport device that creates a reciprocating flow of a heat transport medium. There is a need for further improvements in thermomagnetic cycle devices.
- A thermomagnetic cycle device disclosed comprises: an element bed which provides a plurality of unit channels each containing an MCE element that demonstrates a magneto caloric effect; a magnetic field modulation device which modulates a magnetic field applied to the element bed; and a heat transport device for generating a reciprocating flow of a heat transport medium which exchanges heat with the MCE element. The heat transport device includes: a unidirectional pump which flows the heat transport medium; a channel switching mechanism which forms, at one end and/or the other end of the unit channel, an inlet valve which allows the heat transport medium to flow into the unit channel and an outlet valve which allows the heat transport medium to flow out of the unit channel; and a biasing mechanism for applying different biasing forces to the inlet valve and the outlet valve, wherein a magnitude relationship of the biasing forces is the same as the magnitude relationship between the pressure of the heat transport medium acting on the inlet valve and the pressure of the heat transport medium acting on the outlet valve.
- According to the disclosed thermomagnetic cycle device, different biasing forces are applied to the inlet valve and the outlet valve by the biasing mechanism. The magnitude relation of the biasing force is the same as the magnitude relation between the pressure of the heat transport medium acting on the inlet valve and the pressure of the heat transport medium acting on the outlet valve. For example, if the biasing force applied to the inlet valve is greater than the biasing force applied to the outlet valve, the pressure of the heat transport medium acting on the inlet valve is greater than the pressure of the heat transport medium acting on the outlet valve. For example, if the biasing force applied to the outlet valve is greater than the biasing force applied to the inlet valve, the pressure of the heat transport medium acting on the outlet valve is greater than the pressure of the heat transport medium acting on the inlet valve. This provides a seal that withstands the pressure of the heat transport medium at the inlet valve and the outlet valve. Furthermore, the power for exerting the biasing force at the inlet valve and the outlet valve is suppressed. As a result, mechanical loss is suppressed.
- The disclosed aspects in this specification adopt different technical solutions from each other in order to achieve their respective objectives. Reference numerals in parentheses described in claims and this section exemplarily show corresponding relationships with parts of embodiments to be described later and are not intended to limit technical scopes. The objects, features, and advantages disclosed in this specification will become apparent by referring to following detailed descriptions and accompanying drawings.
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FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a thermal apparatus according to a first embodiment; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing pressure distribution of a heat transport medium; -
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a seal mechanism at a hot end; -
FIG. 5 is a developed view showing the seal mechanism at the hot end; -
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the seal mechanism at a cold end; -
FIG. 7 is a developed view of the seal mechanism at the cold end; -
FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing a pressure distribution according to a second embodiment; -
FIG. 9 is a developed view showing a sealing mechanism; -
FIG. 10 is a development view showing a seal mechanism of a third embodiment; -
FIG. 11 is a developed view showing a sealing mechanism of a fourth embodiment; -
FIG. 12 is a developed view showing a seal mechanism of a h embodiment; -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a thermal apparatus according to a sixth embodiment; -
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XIV-XIV ofFIG. 13 ; -
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XV-XV inFIG. 13 ; -
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing an operating state of a high pressure valve; and -
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state of the low pressure valve. - Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In some embodiments, parts that are functionally and/or structurally corresponding and/or associated are given the same reference numerals, or reference numerals with different hundred digit or more digits. For corresponding parts and/or associated parts, reference can be made to the description of other embodiments.
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FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 show anair conditioner 1 according to a first embodiment.FIG. 1 shows a cross section taken along a line I-I ofFIG. 2 .FIG. 2 shows a cross section taken along a line II-II ofFIG. 1 . Theair conditioner 1 is one of thermal devices. Theair conditioner 1 includes a magneto caloricheat pump device 2. The magneto caloricheat pump device 2 is also referred to as an MHP (Magneto-caloric effect Heat Pump)device 2. TheMHP device 2 provides a thermomagnetic cycle device. - In this specification the term “heat pump device” is used in a broad sense. That is, the term “heat pump device” includes both a device utilizing cold energy obtained by the heat pump device and a device utilizing hot energy obtained by the heat pump device. Devices that utilize cold energy may also be referred to as refrigeration cycle devices. Hence, in this specification the term “heat pump device” is used as a concept encompassing a refrigeration cycle device.
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air conditioner 1 has aheat exchanger 3 provided on a high temperature side, i.e., hot side, of theMHP device 2. Theheat exchanger 3 provides heat exchange between a hot end HT of theMHP device 2 and a medium, e.g., air. Theheat exchanger 3 is mainly used to radiate heat. In the illustrated example, theheat exchanger 3 provides heat exchange between the heat transport medium of theMHP device 2 and the air. Theheat exchanger 3 is one of high temperature system devices in theair conditioner 1. Theheat exchanger 3 is installed, for example, in a room of a vehicle and heats air by heat exchange with air for air conditioning. - The
air conditioner 1 has aheat exchanger 4 provided on a low temperature side, i.e., cold side, of theMHP device 2. Theheat exchanger 4 provides heat exchange between a cold end LT of theMHP device 2 and a medium, e.g., air. Theheat exchanger 4 is mainly used to absorb heat. In the illustrated example, theheat exchanger 4 provides heat exchange between the heat transport medium of theMHP device 2 and the heat source medium. Theheat exchanger 4 is one of low temperature system devices in theair conditioner 1. Theheat exchanger 4 is installed, for example, outside the vehicle and exchanges heat with the outside air. - The
MHP device 2 has arotary shaft 2 a for driving theMHP device 2. Therotary shaft 2 a is operatively connected to apower source 5. Thus, theMHP device 2 is rotationally driven by thepower source 5. Thepower source 5 provides rotational power to theMHP device 2. Thepower source 5 is the only power source of theMHP device 2. Thepower source 5 is provided by a rotary device such as an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. An example of a power source is a motor driven by a battery mounted on a vehicle. - The
MHP device 2 comprises ahousing 6. Thehousing 6 supports therotary shaft 2 a in a rotatable manner. TheMHP device 2 includes anelement bed 7. Theelement bed 7 is rotatably supported in thehousing 6. Theelement bed 7 rotates by receiving a rotational force directly or indirectly from therotary shaft 2 a. Theelement bed 7 is a rotary body rotated by thepower source 5. Theelement bed 7 is a cylindrical member. - The
element bed 7 forms a workingchamber 11 in which the heat transport medium can flow. Onework chamber 11 extends in the axial direction of theelement bed 7. Onework chamber 11 is open at both axial ends of theelement bed 7. Theelement bed 7 may include a plurality ofwork chambers 11. The plurality ofwork chambers 11 are arranged along the rotational direction of theelement bed 7. - The
element bed 7 has amagneto caloric element 12. Themagneto caloric element 12 is also referred to as a MCE (Magneto-Caloric Effect)element 12. TheMHP device 20 utilizes the magneto caloric effect of theMCE element 32. TheMHP device 2 generates the hot end HT and the cold end LT by theMCE element 12. TheMCE element 12 is provided between the hot end HT and the cold end LT. In the illustrated example, the right side in the drawing is the cold end LT, and the left end in the drawing is the hot end HT. Theelement bed 7 is also called a rotor. Theelement bed 7 includes awork chamber 11 and theMCE element 12. - The
MCE element 12 is disposed in thework chamber 11 so as to exchange heat with the heat transport medium. TheMCE element 12 is fixed to and held by theelement bed 7. TheMCE element 12 is disposed along the flow direction of the heat transport medium. TheMCE element 12 is elongated along the axial direction of theelement bed 7. Theelement bed 7 may include a plurality ofMCE elements 12. The plurality ofMCE elements 12 are disposed apart from one another along the rotational direction of theelement bed 7. - The
MCE element 12 creates heat generation and heat adsorption in response to a change of strength of an external magnetic field. TheMCE element 32 creates heat generation by applying the external magnetic field, and absorbs heat by removing the external magnetic field. When the electron spins become aligned in the magnetic field direction by the application of the external magnetic field, theMCE element 32 demonstrates a decreasing of magnetic entropy and an increasing of a temperature by releasing heat. When the electron spins become random by the removal of the external magnetic field, theMCE element 32 demonstrates an increasing of the magnetic entropy and a decreasing of a temperature by absorbing heat. TheMCE element 32 is made of a magnetic material that demonstrates a high magneto caloric effect in a normal temperature range. For example, gadolinium-based materials or lanthanum-iron-silicon compounds can be used. Also, mixtures of manganese, iron, phosphorus and germanium can be used. As theMCE element 12, an element which absorbs heat by application of an external magnetic field and generates heat by removal of the external magnetic field may be used. - The
MHP device 2 has amagnetic field module 8 disposed opposite to theelement bed 7. Themagnetic field module 8 is also called a stator. Themagnetic field module 8 is provided by part of thehousing 6. Themagnetic field module 8 is disposed on a radial inside and/or on a radial outside of theelement bed 7 and has a portion radially opposed to theelement bed 7. These radially opposed portions are utilized to provide a magnetic field modulating device. Themagnetic field module 8 is disposed at one axial end and/or the other axial end of theelement bed 7 and has a portion axially opposed to theelement bed 7. These axially opposed portions are utilized to provide a heat transport device, specifically, a channel switching mechanism. - The
MHP device 2 includes a magneticfield modulation device 14 and aheat transport device 16 for causing theMCE element 12 to function as an element of an AMR (Active Magnetic Refrigeration) cycle. The magneticfield modulation device 14 is provided by theelement bed 7 and themagnetic field module 8. The magneticfield modulation device 14 periodically increases and decreases the magnetic field by the relative rotational movement of theelement bed 7 with respect to themagnetic field module 8. The magneticfield modulation device 14 is driven by the rotational power applied to therotary shaft 2 a. The fluctuation of the magnetic field can be created by relatively rotating only one or both of theelement bed 7 and themagnetic field module 8. Theelement bed 7 provides a movable member. Themagnetic field module 8 provides a stationary member. - The
heat transport device 16 has apump 17 and achannel switching mechanism 18. Thechannel switching mechanism 18 is provided by theelement bed 7 and themagnetic field module 8. Thechannel switching mechanism 18 functions by the relative rotational movement of theelement bed 7 with respect to themagnetic field module 8. Thechannel switching mechanism 18 switches the flow direction of the heat transport medium to thework chamber 11 and theMCE element 12 by switching the connection state of thework chamber 11 to a channel of the heat transport medium, i.e., a flow path of the heat transport medium. - The magnetic
field modulation device 14 applies an external magnetic field to theMCE element 12 and increases or decreases the strength of the external magnetic field. The magnetic field modulation device 40 periodically switches between a magnetization state in which theMCE element 32 is in a strong magnetic field and a demagnetization state in which theMCE element 32 is in a weak magnetic field or a zero magnetic field. The magneticfield modulation device 14 modulates the external magnetic field so as to alternately and periodically perform a magnetization period AMG in which theMCE element 12 is placed in a strong external magnetic field, and a demagnetization period DMG in which theMCE element 12 is placed in an external magnetic field weaker than the magnetization period AMG. The magneticfield modulation device 14 repeats application and removal of the magnetic field to theMCE element 12 in synchronization with the reciprocal flow of the heat transport medium described later. The magnetic field modulation device 40 comprises a magnetic source, such as a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, for generating an external magnetic field. Themagnetic source 13 includes aninner magnet 13 a located on a radial inside of theelement bed 7. Themagnetic source 13 includes anouter magnet 13 b located on a radial outside of theelement bed 7. - Specifically, the magnetic
field modulation device 14 alternately positions onework chamber 11 and theMCE element 12 at the first position and the second position. The magneticfield modulation device 14 positions theMCE element 12 at the first position in a strong magnetic field. The magneticfield modulation device 14 positions theMCE element 12 at the second position in a weak magnetic field or a zero magnetic field. - When the heat transport medium flows in a first direction along the
MCE element 12, the magneticfield modulation device 14 positions theMCE element 12 at the first position so that theMCE element 12 is positioned in the strong magnetic field. The first direction is a direction from the cold end LT toward the hot end HT. When one end of thework chamber 11 communicates with a suction port of thepump 17 and the other end of thework chamber 11 communicates with a discharge port of thepump 17, the magneticfield modulation device 14 positions theMCE element 12 in thework chamber 11 at the first position so that theMCE element 12 is positioned in a strong magnetic field. - When the heat transport medium flows along the
MCE element 12 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the magneticfield modulation device 14 positions theMCE element 12 in thework chamber 11 at the second position so that theMCE element 12 is positioned in a weak magnetic field or a zero magnetic field. The second direction is a direction from the hot end HT to the cold end LT. When one end of thework chamber 11 communicates with the discharge port of thepump 17 and the other end of thework chamber 11 communicates with the suction port of thepump 17, the magneticfield modulation device 14 positions theMCE element 12 at the second position so that theMCE element 12 is positioned in a weak magnetic field or a zero magnetic field. - The
heat transport device 16 includes a heat transport medium for transporting heat released or absorbed by theMCE element 12 and a fluid device for flowing the heat transport medium. Theheat transport device 16 is a device for flowing the heat transport medium along theMCE element 12 which performs heat-exchange with theMCE element 12. Theheat transport device 16 causes the heat transport medium to flow back and forth along theMCE element 12. Theheat transport device 16 generates a reciprocating flow of the heat transport medium in synchronization with the change of the external magnetic field by the magneticfield modulation device 14. Theheat transport device 16 switches the flow direction of the heat transport medium in synchronization with increase and decrease of the magnetic field by the magneticfield modulation device 14. - The heat transport medium which exchanges heat with the
MCE element 12 is called a primary medium. The primary medium can be provided by a fluid such as antifreeze, water, oil and the like. Theheat transport device 16 comprises thepump 17 for flowing the heat transport medium. Thepump 17 is a unidirectional pump that flows the heat transport medium in one direction. Thepump 17 has a suction port for sucking the heat transport medium and a discharge port for discharging the heat transport medium. Thepump 17 is disposed above the annular flow path of the heat transport medium. Thepump 17 produces a unidirectional flow of the heat transport medium in the annular flow path. Thepump 17 is driven by therotary shaft 2 a. Thepump 17 is a positive displacement pump. - The
heat transport device 16 includes achannel switching mechanism 18. Thechannel switching mechanism 18 switches the channel of the heat transport medium to thework chamber 11 so as to reverse the flow direction of the heat transport medium with respect to onework chamber 11 and oneMCE element 12. In other words, thechannel switching mechanism 18 reverses the arrangement of the workingchamber 11 in the unidirectional flow of the heat transport medium generated by theunidirectional pump 17 with respect to the flow direction. Thechannel switching mechanism 18 alternately positions one workingchamber 11 in the forward path and the return path in an annular flow path including thepump 17. Thechannel switching mechanism 18 switches a connection relationship between a pair of one workingchamber 11 and oneMCE element 12 and an annular channel including thepump 17 into at least two states. In the first state, one end of thework chamber 11 communicates with the suction port of thepump 17, and the other end of thework chamber 11 communicates with the discharge port of thepump 17. In the second state, one end of thework chamber 11 is in communication with the discharge port of thepump 17 and the other end of thework chamber 11 is in communication with the suction port of thepump 17. - Specifically, the
channel switching mechanism 18 alternately positions onework chamber 11 and theMCE element 12 at the first position and the second position. Thechannel switching mechanism 18 brings thework chamber 11 accommodating theMCE element 12 into communication with the flow path so that the heat transport medium flows in the first direction along theMCE element 12 at the first position. Thechannel switching mechanism 18 brings thework chamber 11 accommodating theMCE element 12 into communication with the flow path so that the heat transport medium flows in the second direction opposite to the first direction along theMCE element 12 at the second position. Thechannel switching mechanism 18 switches the connection state between the flow path of the heat transport medium including thepump 17 and theMCE element 12, that is, thework chamber 11 so that the heat transport medium flows back and forth to theMCE element 12. - When one
NICE element 12 is in the first position, thechannel switching mechanism 18 communicates thework chamber 11 containing theMCE element 12 and the channel (flow path) so that the heat transport medium flows in the first direction along theMCE element 12. When oneMCE element 12 is in the first position, thechannel switching mechanism 18 communicates one end of thework chamber 11 accommodating theNICE element 12 with the suction port of thepump 17, and communicates the other end of thework chamber 11 accommodating theMCE element 12 with the discharge port of thepump 17. - When one
MCE element 12 is in the second position, thechannel switching mechanism 18 communicates thework chamber 11 containing theMCE element 12 and the channel (flow path) so that the heat transport medium flows in the second direction opposite to the first direction along theMCE element 12. When oneMCE element 12 is in the second position, thechannel switching mechanism 18 communicates one end of thework chamber 11 accommodating theMCE element 12 with the discharge port of thepump 17, and communicates the other end of thework chamber 11 accommodating theMCE element 12 with the suction port of thepump 17. - The
MHP device 2 has ahot end inlet 16 a for receiving the heat transport medium from theheat exchanger 3. Thehot end inlet 16 a can communicate with the suction port of thepump 17. TheMHP device 2 has ahot end outlet 16 b for supplying the heat transport medium to theheat exchanger 3. Thehot end outlet 16 b can communicate with one end of thework chamber 11 at the first position. TheMHP device 2 has acold end inlet 16 c for receiving the heat transport medium from theheat exchanger 4. Thecold end inlet 16 c can communicate with the other end of thework chamber 11 at the first position. TheMHP device 2 has acold end outlet 16 d for supplying the heat transport medium to theheat exchanger 4. Thecold end outlet 16 d can communicate with the other end of thework chamber 11 at the second position. One end of thework chamber 11 at the second position can communicate with the discharge port of thepump 17. - The
MHP device 2 has a central axis AX. Theelement bed 7 and themagnetic field module 8 are circular columnar shape or cylindrical shape with respect to the central axis AX. - The
MHP device 2 includes a controller (CNT) 20. Thecontroller 20 controls at least thepower source 5. Thecontroller 20 controls the number of rotations of thepower source 5. In addition, thecontroller 20 controls functions as theair conditioner 1. Thecontroller 20 controls, for example, an amount of air blown to theheat exchanger 3 and/or theheat exchanger 4. - The
controller 20 is an electronic control unit. Thecontroller 20 provides a control system for the thermomagnetic cycle system. Thecontroller 20 has at least one arithmetic processing unit (CPU) and at least one memory device (MMR) as a storage medium for storing programs and data. The control system is provided by a microcomputer comprising a computer readable storage medium. The storage medium is a non-transitional tangible storage medium that temporarily stores a computer readable program. The storage medium may be provided as a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like. The control system may be provided by one computer or a group of computer resources linked via a data communication device. The program is executed by the control system to cause the control system to function as a device described in the present specification and to cause the control system to function to perform the methods described in the present specification. - Software stored in a tangible memory and a computer executing the software, only the software, only hardware, or combination of them may be possible to provide a method and/or function provided by the control system. For example, the control system can be provided by a logic called if-then-else type, or a neural network tuned by machine learning. For example, if the control system is provided by an electronic circuit that is hardware, the control device may be provided by a digital circuit or an analog circuit that includes a large number of logic circuits.
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FIG. 3 shows a pressure distribution of the heat transport medium. TheMHP device 2 provides a circulation path for the heat transport medium. Thepump 17 is disposed in a circulation path. Furthermore, thechannel switching mechanism 18 is disposed in a flow path extending between theelement bed 7 and themagnetic field module 8, that is, between the movable member and the stationary member. Thechannel switching mechanism 18 has a plurality of valves. A plurality of valves are arranged at the inlet and the outlet of the plurality ofelement beds 7. Here, in order to make the explanation easy to understand, two unit channels (element bed 7) providing circulation paths and four related valves will be described. Thechannel switching mechanism 18 has at least aninlet valve 18 a and anoutlet valve 18 b at the hot end HT. Thechannel switching mechanism 18 has at least theoutlet valve 18 e and theinlet valve 18 f at the cold end LT. - The
heat exchanger 3 produces a pressure drop PDe. Theheat exchanger 4 also produces a pressure drop PDe. Theheat exchanger 3 and theheat exchanger 4 may produce different pressure losses. Thepump 17 sucks the heat transport medium at a suction pressure Ps. Thepump 17 pressurizes the heat transport medium. Thepump 17 discharges the heat transport medium of the discharge pressure Pd. The unit channel (element bed 7) produces a pressure loss PDd. - The heat transport medium is supplied at a pressure P1 toward one unit channel. At this time, the pressure P1 acts on the
inlet valve 18 a. The seal mechanism provided by theinlet valve 18 a provides a seal that can function properly under the pressure P1. The heat transport medium flows out of one unit channel at a pressure P2. The pressure P2 acts on theoutlet valve 18 e. The seal mechanism provided by theoutlet valve 18 e provides a seal that can function properly under the pressure P2. - The pressure P1 is higher than the pressure P2 (P1>P2). Therefore, the
inlet valve 18 a is required to have higher sealing performance than theoutlet valve 18 e. On the contrary, theoutlet valve 18 e can perform proper function with a sealing property lower than that of theinlet valve 18 a. In other words, even if the pressing force between the stationary member and the movable member in theoutlet valve 18 e is smaller than the pressing force between the stationary member and the movable member in theinlet valve 18 a, theoutlet valve 18 e can perform proper function. Theinlet valve 18 a and theoutlet valve 18 e provide an inlet and an outlet for the flow of the heat transport medium in one direction of the reciprocating flow. One direction is a direction from the hot end HT to the cold end LT. Theinlet valve 18 a and theoutlet valve 18 e provide an inlet and an outlet associated with the common unit channel (element bed 7). - The heat transport medium is supplied at a pressure P3 toward one unit channel. At this time, the pressure P3 acts on the
inlet valve 18 f. The seal mechanism provided by theinlet valve 18 f provides a seal that can function properly under the pressure P3. The heat transport medium flows out of one unit channel at a pressure P4. The pressure P4 acts on theoutlet valve 18 b. The sealing mechanism provided by theoutlet valve 18 b provides a seal that can function properly under the pressure P4. - The pressure P3 is higher than the pressure P4 (P3>P4). Therefore, the
inlet valve 18 f is required to have higher sealing performance than theoutlet valve 18 b. On the contrary, theoutlet valve 18 b can perform proper function with a sealing property lower than that of theinlet valve 18 f. In other words, even if the pressing force between the stationary member and the movable member in theoutlet valve 18 b is smaller than the pressing force between the stationary member and the movable member in theinlet valve 18 f, theoutlet valve 18 b can perform proper function. Theinlet valve 18 f and theoutlet valve 18 b provide an inlet and an outlet for the flow of the heat transport medium in the other direction of the reciprocating flow. The other direction is a direction from the cold end LT to the hot end HT. Theinlet valve 18 f and theoutlet valve 18 b provide an inlet and an outlet associated with a common unit channel (element bed 7). - Focusing on the hot end HT or the cold end LT, at least a pair of an inlet valve and an outlet valve is disposed between the stationary member and the movable member. The
channel switching mechanism 18 can include an even number of pairs of inlet and outlet valves. In this embodiment, two pairs of inlet and outlet valves are arranged as described below. - At one end, i.e., the hot end HT, the pressure P1 is higher than the pressure P4 (P1>P4). Therefore, the
inlet valve 18 a is required to have higher sealing performance than theoutlet valve 18 b. On the contrary, theoutlet valve 18 b can perform proper function with lower sealing performance than that of theinlet valve 18 a. In other words, even if the pressing force between the stationary member and the movable member in theoutlet valve 18 b is smaller than the pressing force between the stationary member and the movable member in theinlet valve 18 a, theoutlet valve 18 b can perform proper function. In this embodiment, the pressing force F1 at theinlet valve 18 a is larger than the pressing force F2 at theoutlet valve 18 d (F1>F2). Thereby, the mechanical loss in theoutlet valve 18 b is suppressed. - The
inlet valve 18 a and theoutlet valve 18 b provide an inlet and an outlet for the reciprocating flow at one end, i.e., the hot end HT. Theinlet valve 18 a provides an inlet for the flow from the hot end HT to the cold end LT. Theoutlet valve 18 b provides an outlet for the flow from the cold end LT to the hot end HT. Theinlet valve 18 a and theoutlet valve 18 b simultaneously provide an inlet and an outlet associated with different unit channels. - At the other end, i.e., at the cold end LT, the pressure P2 is higher than the pressure P3 (P2>P3). For this reason, the
outlet valve 18 e is required to have higher sealing performance than that of theinlet valve 18 f. On the contrary, theinlet valve 18 f can perform proper function with a lower sealing performance than that of theoutlet valve 18 e. In other words, even if the pressing force between the stationary member and the movable member in theinlet valve 18 f is smaller than the pressing force between the stationary member and the movable member in theoutlet valve 18 e, theinlet valve 18 f can perform proper function. In this embodiment, the pressing force F5 at theoutlet valve 18 e is larger than the pressing force F6 at theinlet valve 18 f (F5>F6). Thereby, the mechanical loss in theinlet valve 18 f is suppressed. - The
inlet valve 18 f and theoutlet valve 18 e provide an inlet and an outlet for the reciprocating flow at the other end, i.e., the cold end LT. Theinlet valve 18 f provides an inlet for flow from the cold end LT to the hot end HT. Theoutlet valve 18 e provides an outlet for the flow from the hot end HT to the cold end LT. Theinlet valve 18 f and theoutlet valve 18 e provide an inlet and an outlet associated with different unit channels. -
FIGS. 4 and 5 show thechannel switching mechanism 18 at the hot end HT and the sealing mechanism associated therewith. Thework chamber 11 provided by theelement bed 7 provides a plurality of axial flow channels. In the drawing, one unit channel is illustrated by a mass of theMCE element 12. The name “oneelement bed 7” may refer to this unit channel. - The
channel switching mechanism 18 includes avalve element 19 disposed opposite to theelement bed 7 which is a movable member. Thevalve element 19 is a stationary member. Thevalve element 19 is disposed opposite to the end of theelement bed 7. Thevalve element 19 comes in contact with the end face of theelement bed 7 in a sliding manner. Thevalve element 19 provides a plurality of ports for providing theinlet valve 18 a and theoutlet valve 18 b. Thevalve element 19 comprises a plurality ofsegments segments segments segments segments - The
segment 19 a provides theinlet valve 18 a. Theinlet valve 18 a opens to the unit channel when thesegment 19 a and the unit channel are opposed to each other. Theinlet valve 18 a closes to the unit channel when thesegment 19 a and the unit channel do not face each other and are separated. Thesegment 19 b provides anoutlet valve 18 b. Theoutlet valve 18 b opens to the unit channel when thesegment 19 b and the unit channel are opposed to each other. Theoutlet valve 18 b closes with respect to the unit channel when thesegment 19 b and the unit channel do not face each other and are separated. As a result, thechannel switching mechanism 18 forms theinlet valve 18 a and theoutlet valve 18 b at one end of one unit channel. In this embodiment, two inlet valves and two outlet valves are provided by the foursegments channel switching mechanism 18 forms two inlet valves and two outlet valves at one end of one unit channel. The twoinlet valves outlet valves - The
channel switching mechanism 18 has thebiasing mechanism 30 for pressing thevalve element 19 toward theelement bed 7. Thebiasing mechanism 30 provides at least two different biasing forces. In this embodiment, the biasing force is also called pressing force. Thebiasing mechanism 30 has four biasingelements segments segments segments - Each of the biasing
elements variable element 35 and aninvariable element 36. Thevariable element 35 varies the biasing force according to the pressure of the heat transport medium. Thevariable element 35 is provided by a pressure sensitive element whose dimension, i.e., axial length, varies in response to the pressure of the heat transport medium. Thevariable element 35 is provided by a balloon. Thevariable element 35 axially expands under the pressure of the heat transport medium when the pressure of the heat transport medium exceeds the predetermined pressure. Thevariable element 35 contracts in the axial direction under the pressure of the heat transport medium when the pressure of the heat transport medium falls below a predetermined pressure. The predetermined pressure can be set between the pressure P1 and the pressure P4. Theinvariable element 36 is an elastic member that provides invariable resiliency. Theinvariable element 36 generates a biasing force without depending on a pressure of the heat transport medium. Theinvariable element 36 can be provided, for example, by a mechanical coil spring. Theinvariable element 36 is a preloaded compression coil spring. - When the pressure P1 acts on the
variable element 35, thevariable element 35 elongates in the axial direction. As a result, thesegment 19 a is pressed toward theelement bed 7 by the pressing force F1. The pressing force F1 produces a surface pressure that provides sealing between thesegment 19 a and theelement bed 7. When the pressure P4 acts on thevariable element 35, thevariable element 35 comes in contract in the axial direction. As a result, thesegment 19 b is pressed toward theelement bed 7 by the pressing force F2. The pressing force F2 produces a surface pressure that provides sealing between thesegment 19 b and theelement bed 7. The pressing force F1 is larger than the pressing force F2 (F1>F2). - When the
element bed 7, which is a movable member, rotates, the unit channel sequentially passes over the plurality ofsegments segments segments element bed 7 by the pressing force F1. When the unit channel is located above thesegments segments element bed 7 with the pressing force F2. As a result, compared with the case where theentire valve element 19 is pressed toward theelement bed 7 by the pressing force F1, the pressing force is suppressed in the section of thesegments -
FIGS. 6 and 7 show thechannel switching mechanism 18 at the cold end LT and the sealing mechanism associated therewith. Thevalve element 19 provides a plurality of ports for providing theinlet valve 18 f and theoutlet valve 18 e. Thevalve element 19 comprises a plurality ofsegments - The
segment 19 e provides theoutlet valve 18 e. Theoutlet valve 18 e opens to the unit channel when thesegment 19 e and the unit channel are opposed to each other. Theoutlet valve 18 e closes to the unit channel when thesegment 19 e and the unit channel do not face each other and are separated. Thesegment 19 f provides theinlet valve 18 f. Theinlet valve 18 f opens to the unit channel when thesegment 19 f and the unit channel are opposed to each other. Theinlet valve 18 f closes to the unit channel when thesegment 19 f and the unit channel do not face each other and are separated. As a result, thechannel switching mechanism 18 forms theoutlet valve 18 e and theinlet valve 18 f at the other end of one unit channel. In this embodiment, twoinlet valves outlet valves segments channel switching mechanism 18 forms two inlet valves and two outlet valves on the other end of one unit channel. The two inlet valves and the two outlet valves are alternately opened and closed with respect to one unit channel to provide the reciprocating flow. Thechannel switching mechanism 18 at the hot end HT and thechannel switching mechanism 18 at the cold end LT are arranged symmetrically to each other. - At the cold end LT, the predetermined pressure of the
variable element 35 is set between the pressure P2 and the pressure P3. When the pressure P2 acts on thevariable element 35, thevariable element 35 elongates in the axial direction. As a result, thesegments element bed 7 by the pressing force F5. The pressing force F5 produces a surface pressure that provides sealing between thesegments element bed 7. When the pressure P3 acts on thevariable element 35, thevariable element 35 comes contract in the axial direction. As a result, thesegments element bed 7 by the pressing force F6. The pressing force F6 produces a surface pressure that provides sealing between thesegments element bed 7. The pressing force F5 is larger than the pressing force F6 (F5>F6). Even in the cold end LT, the pressing force is suppressed in a section of thesegments entire valve element 19 is pressed toward theelement bed 7 by the pressing force F5. As a result, mechanical loss is suppressed. - With regard to the
MHP device 2, the description of JP2016-1101A may be referred to. The entire contents of JP2016-1101A are incorporated by reference. Further, with regard to theelement bed 7 and the unit channel, U.S. Pat. No. 8,844,453 may be referred to. The entire contents of U.S. Pat. No. 8,444,453 are incorporated by reference. According to the embodiment described above, thechannel switching mechanism 18 forms theinlet valve 18 a and theoutlet valve 18 b at one end (the hot end HT) of one unit channel. Thebiasing mechanism 30 provides biasing force for maintaining theinlet valve 18 a and theoutlet valve 18 b in the closed state. Moreover, thebiasing mechanism 30 applies different biasing forces F1 and F2 to theinlet valve 18 a and theoutlet valve 18 b. The magnitude relationship (F1>F2) of the two biasing forces is the same as the magnitude relationship (P1>P4) between the pressure P1 of the heat transport medium acting on theinlet valve 18 a and the pressure P4 of the heat transport medium acting on theoutlet valve 18 b. - Furthermore, the absolute value of the biasing force is adjusted by the
variable element 35. Moreover, the biasing force is set in proportion to the pressure. For this reason, the valve-closing performance which withstands the pressure of the heat transport medium, i.e., sealing performance, is obtained. - The
channel switching mechanism 18 forms theinlet valve 18 f and theoutlet valve 18 e at the other end (the cold end LT) of one unit channel. Thebiasing mechanism 30 provides a biasing force for maintaining theinlet valve 18 f and theoutlet valve 18 e in a closed state. Moreover, thebiasing mechanism 30 applies different biasing forces F5 and F6 to theinlet valve 18 f and theoutlet valve 18 e. The magnitude relationship (F5>F6) of the two biasing forces is the same as the magnitude relationship (P2>P3) between the pressure P3 of the heat transport medium acting on theinlet valve 18 f and the pressure P2 of the heat transport medium acting on theoutlet valve 18 e. - As a result, mechanical loss can be suppressed. Moreover, the
valve element 19 comprises a plurality of segments. The multiple segments allow different pressing forces and reliably suppress mechanical losses. - This embodiment is a modification in which the preceding embodiment is a fundamental form. In the above embodiment, the
MHP device 2 has asingle pump 17. Alternatively, theMHP device 2 may be provided with a plurality ofpumps pump 17 is provided at one end of the unit channel. Thepump 217 a is provided at the other end of the unit channel. -
FIG. 8 shows pressure distribution in this embodiment. TheMHP device 2 also has apump 217 a in a path on a side to the cold end LT. Thepump 17 and thepump 217 a are the same pump. Thepump 217 a applies a pressure P2 a to theoutlet valve 18 e. Thepump 217 a applies a pressure P3 a to theinlet valve 18 f. - In this case, the pressure P2 a acting on the
outlet valve 18 e is higher than the pressure P3 a acting on theinlet valve 18 f. For this reason, theinlet valve 18 f is required to have higher sealing performance than that of theoutlet valve 18 e. On the contrary, theoutlet valve 18 e can perform proper function with a sealing property lower than that of theinlet valve 18 f. In other words, even if the pressing force between the stationary member and the movable member in theoutlet valve 18 e is smaller than the pressing force between the stationary member and the movable member in theinlet valve 18 f, theoutlet valve 18 e can perform proper function. In this embodiment, the pressing force F6 a at theinlet valve 18 f is larger than the pressing force F5 a at theoutlet valve 18 e (F5 a<F6 a). Thereby, the mechanical loss in theoutlet valve 18 e is suppressed. Theinlet valve 18 f and theoutlet valve 18 e provide an inlet and an outlet for the reciprocating flow at the other end, i.e, the cold end LT. Theinlet valve 18 f provides an inlet for flow from the cold end LT to the hot end HT. Theoutlet valve 18 e provides an outlet for the flow from the hot end HT to the cold end LT. Theinlet valve 18 f and theoutlet valve 18 e are positioned opposite todifferent element beds 7. -
FIG. 9 shows thechannel switching mechanism 18 at the cold end LT and the sealing mechanism associated therewith. A difference from the preceding embodiments is the shape of thevariable element 35 and the pressing forces F5 a and F6 a produced thereby. When thebiasing mechanism 30 includes thevariable element 35, a difference in pressing force occurs. Thesegments element bed 7 by the pressing force F5 a. Thesegments element bed 7 by the pressing force F6 a. The pressing force F6 a is larger than the pressing force F5 a (F5 a<F6 a). - According to this embodiment, the
channel switching mechanism 18 forms theinlet valve 18 f and theoutlet valve 18 e at the other end (the cold end LT) of one unit channel. Thebiasing mechanism 30 provides a biasing force for maintaining theinlet valve 18 f and theoutlet valve 18 e in a closed state. Moreover, thebiasing mechanism 30 applies different biasing forces F5 and F6 to theinlet valve 18 f and theoutlet valve 18 e. The magnitude relationship (F5 a<F6 a) of the two biasing forces is the same as the magnitude relationship (P2 a<P3 a) between the pressure P3 a of the heat transport medium acting on theinlet valve 18 f and the pressure P2 a of the heat transport medium acting on theoutlet valve 18 e. As a result, even if thepump 217 a is provided, mechanical loss is suppressed. - This embodiment is a modification in which the preceding embodiment is a fundamental form. In the above embodiment, the biasing
elements variable element 35 and theinvariable element 36. Alternatively, the biasingelements invariable element 36. - In
FIG. 10 , the functions of the plurality ofsegments segment 19 a continuously provides an inlet. Thesegment 19 b continuously provides an exit. For this reason, the pressing force to be applied to the plurality of segments may be fixed. The biasingelements invariable element 36. Theinvariable element 36 includes a firstelastic member 336 a for generating a pressing force F1 and a secondelastic member 336 b for generating a pressing force F2. The firstelastic member 336 a and the secondelastic member 336 b can be provided by coil springs having different spring constants or compression amounts. The firstelastic member 336 a and the secondelastic member 336 b are compression coil springs which are preloaded differently to generate the pressing forces F1 and F2. The firstelastic member 336 a applies the pressing force F1 stronger than the pressing force F2 to thesegments elastic member 336 b applies the pressing force F2 weaker than the pressing force F1 to thesegments elements resilient member 336 a. The biasingelements resilient member 336 b. In this embodiment as well, similar to the previous embodiments, mechanical losses can be suppressed. The structure of this embodiment can be adopted for the hot end HT and/or the cold end LT. - This embodiment is a modification in which the preceding embodiment is a fundamental form. In the above embodiment, a coil spring is used as the
invariable element 36. Alternatively, the invariable element may be provided by a variety of elastic members. For example, a resin material such as rubber or elastomer may be used as the invariable element. - In
FIG. 11 , theinvariable element 36 includes a firstelastic member 436 a for generating a pressing force F1 and a secondelastic member 436 b for generating a pressing force F2. The firstelastic member 436 a and the secondelastic member 436 b can be provided by rubber masses different in elasticity. In this embodiment as well, similar to the previous embodiments, mechanical losses can be suppressed. - This embodiment is a modification in which the preceding embodiment is a fundamental form. In the above embodiment, the
variable element 35 is provided by a mechanical element. Alternatively, thevariable element 35 may be provided by a variety of variable mechanisms. For example, an electromagnetic movable mechanism can be used as a variable element. - In
FIG. 12 , thevariable element 35 is provided by an electromagnetic solenoid. The electromagnetic solenoid includes astator 537 that includes an electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic solenoid includes anarmature 538 that contracts when it is attracted by the electromagnetic force generated by exiting thestator 537, and extends when it is freed by a spring force by de-energizing thestator 537. Thearmature 538 is connected to theinvariable element 36. The electromagnetic solenoid can be controlled by thecontroller 20. In this embodiment as well, similar to the previous embodiments, mechanical losses can be suppressed. - This embodiment is a modification in which the preceding embodiment is a fundamental form. In the above embodiment, the movable member is provided by the
element bed 7, and the stationary member is provided by themagnetic field module 8. Alternatively, theelement bed 7 may provide a stationary member, and themagnetic field module 8 may provide a movable member. -
FIG. 13 ,FIG. 14 andFIG. 15 show theair conditioner 1 and theMHP device 2 of this embodiment.FIG. 13 shows a cross section taken along a line XIII-XIII inFIG. 14 andFIG. 15 .FIG. 14 shows a cross section taken along a line XIV-XIV ofFIG. 13 .FIG. 15 shows a cross section taken along a line XV-XV inFIG. 13 . - In
FIG. 13 , theMHP device 2 includes theelement bed 7, the magneticfield modulation device 14, and theheat transport device 16. Theelement bed 7 accommodates theMCE element 12. Theelement bed 7 provides a plurality of unit channels. The magneticfield modulation device 14 supplies an external magnetic field to theelement bed 7. The magneticfield modulation device 14 modulates an intensity of the external magnetic field so that theMCE element 12 alternately demonstrates heat generation and heat absorption by the magneto caloric effect. Theheat transport device 16 provides a reciprocating flow of the heat transport medium to perform a heat exchange with theMCE element 12. The magneticfield modulation device 14 and theheat transport device 16 are synchronized with each other. TheMHP device 2 is operated to provide an AMR cycle. - The magnetic
field modulation device 14 is provided by theelement bed 7 and themagnetic field module 8. Theelement bed 7 is a stationary member. Theelement bed 7 is also called a stator. Themagnetic field module 8 is a movable member. Themagnetic field module 8 is also called a rotor. Themagnetic field module 8 has aninner magnet 613 a and anouter magnet 613 b as themagnetic source 13. Theinner magnet 613 a is fixed to aninner yoke 608 a that rotates with therotary shaft 2 a. Theouter magnet 613 b is fixed to anouter yoke 608 b that rotates with therotary shaft 2 a. - The
channel switching mechanism 18 includes a switching valve. The switching valve is disposed in thebody 618 k fixed to theelement bed 7. Thebody 618 k is a part of a stationary member. The switching valve is provided by a plurality of on-off valves. The switching valve includes two sets of on-off valves disposed at both ends of one unit channel. One set of on-off valves includes aninlet valve 618 a and anoutlet valve 618 b. InFIG. 13 , two unit channels are exemplarily illustrated, and four sets of eight on-off valves are illustrated. -
FIG. 14 shows a plurality of unit channels provided by theelement bed 7. The plurality of unit channels are illustrated as afirst channel # 1 to aneighth channel # 8. The number of unit channels illustrated is merely an example, and is not limited to eight. - In this embodiment, the channels from the
first channel # 1 to theeighth channel # 8 are stationary. The magnetic source 613 rotationally moves. With the movement of the magnetic source 613, the magnetization period AMG and the demagnetization period DMG move. As a result, one unit channel is alternately placed in the magnetization period AMG and the demagnetization period DMG. For example, at the time of illustration, thefirst channel # 1 is positioned in the magnetization period AMG, and thesecond channel # 2 is positioned in the demagnetization period DMG. When themagnetic source 13 rotates by n/2 from the time shown, thefirst channel # 1 is positioned in the demagnetization period DMG, and thesecond channel # 2 is positioned in the magnetization period AMG. -
FIG. 15 shows a plurality of sets of on-off valves associated with a plurality of unit channels at the hot end HT. The symbol “=” indicates the close state. The symbol “⋅” and the symbol “X” indicate the open state. The symbol “⋅” indicates the direction of flow from the paper surface. The symbol “X” indicates the direction of flow toward the paper surface. - In this embodiment, the
element bed 7 provides eight unit channels. Thechannel switching mechanism 18 has eight sets of on-off valves. For example, theinlet valve 618 a and theoutlet valve 618 b are associated with the hot end HT of thefirst channel # 1. Similarly, theinlet valve 618 a and theoutlet valve 618 b are associated with the hot end HT of thesecond channel # 2. - The plurality of sets of on-off valves are driven to open and close so as to supply a reciprocating flow in the plurality of unit channels. Switching between valve opening and valve closing is synchronized with switching between the magnetization period AMG and the demagnetization period DMG. The plurality of on-off valves are driven by the plurality of
cam mechanisms - One set of two on-off valves, i.e., the
inlet valve 618 a and theoutlet valve 618 b, are alternately opened and closed. For example, theoutlet valve 618 b is closed while theinlet valve 618 a of thefirst channel # 1 is open. While theinlet valve 618 a of thefirst channel # 1 is closed, theoutlet valve 618 b is opened. Further, the open/close states of theinlet valve 618 a and theoutlet valve 618 b are alternately switched. For example, at the time shown, theinlet valve 618 a of thefirst channel # 1 positioned in the magnetization period AMG is opened and theoutlet valve 618 b is closed. Thus, thechannel switching mechanism 18 supplies the flow of the heat transport medium in the first direction to thefirst channel # 1. When themagnetic source 13 rotates by π/2 from the illustrated time point, theinlet valve 618 a of the firstflow path # 1 positioned in the demagnetization period DMG is closed and theoutlet valve 618 b is opened. Thus, thechannel switching mechanism 18 supplies the flow of the heat transport medium in the second direction opposite to the first direction to thefirst channel # 1. - Returning to
FIG. 13 , thechannel switching mechanism 18 includes a mechanical link mechanism for driving the switching valve by therotary shaft 2 a. The mechanical link mechanism has a plurality ofcam mechanisms cam mechanisms - The plurality of
cam mechanisms inlet valve 618 a and theoutlet valve 618 b being alternately opened and closed. The term “complementary” refers to the relative relationship between the on-off valve at the hot end HT and the on-off valve at the cold end LT. That is, the term “complementary” indicates switching between the following state (1) and the following state (2). In the state of (1), theinlet valve 618 a of the hot end HT and theoutlet valve 618 b of the cold end LT are simultaneously opened, and theinlet valve 618 a of the cold end LT and theoutlet valve 618 b of the hot end HT are simultaneously closed. In the state of (2), theinlet valve 618 a of the cold end LT and theoutlet valve 618 b of the hot end HT are simultaneously opened, and theinlet valve 618 a of the hot end HT and theoutlet valve 618 b of the cold end LT are simultaneously closed. - The
cam mechanism 618 m produces a first stroke ST1. Thecam mechanism 618 m drives theinlet valve 618 a. Theinlet valve 618 a is switched between the open state and the closed state by the first stroke ST1. Thecam mechanism 618 n produces a second stroke ST2. Thecam mechanism 618 n drives theoutlet valve 618 b. Theoutlet valve 618 b is switched between the open state and the closed state by the second stroke ST2. The first stroke ST1 is larger than the second stroke ST2 (ST1>ST2). The difference between the first stroke ST1 and the second stroke ST2 is used as the difference in the compression amount of the seal member described later. - Also in this embodiment, pressure distribution occurs in the flow path due to the position of the
pump 17 and the pressure loss of each part. The pressure P1 acts on theinlet valve 618 a of the hot end HT. On the other hand, the pressure P4 acts on theoutlet valve 618 b of the hot end HT. The pressure P1 is higher than the pressure P4. The force for theoutlet valve 618 b to maintain the closed state against the pressure P4 is smaller than the force for theinlet valve 618 a to maintain the closed state against the pressure P1. Thus, by adjusting the force applied to theoutlet valve 618 b to be smaller than the force applied to theinlet valve 618 a, mechanical losses are suppressed. -
FIG. 16 shows the on-off valve as theinlet valve 618 a at the hot end HT.FIG. 17 shows the on-off valve as theoutlet valve 618 b at the hot end HT. InFIGS. 16 and 17 , theinlet valve 618 a and theoutlet valve 618 b have ahousing 641,ports plunger 645, acam follower 646, arod 647, and amovable flange 648. Thehousing 641 providesports housing 641 accommodates the seal members 644 a and 644 b and theplunger 645. The seal members 644 a and 644 b are fixed in thehousing 641. Theplunger 645 is relatively movable within thehousing 641. Thecam follower 646 comes in contact with the cam surfaces of thecam mechanisms rod 647 transmits the movement of thecam follower 646 to theplunger 645. Themovable flange 648 seals between thehousing 641 and therod 647. Themovable flange 648 is provided by a bellows or a diaphragm. - In
FIG. 16 , theinlet valve 618 a at the hot end HT provides an open state OPN and a close state CLSa. Theinlet valve 618 a provides the open state OPN by theplunger 645 moving away from the seal member 644 a. The seal member 644 a in the open state OPN has an initial length L1. Theinlet valve 618 a provides a closed state CLSa by theplunger 645 contacting the seal member 644 a and theplunger 645 compressing the seal member 644 a. The compression amount CA1 of the seal member 644 a in the close state CLSa is defined by the initial length L1 and the first stroke ST1. The amount of compression CA1 is the amount of compression necessary for theinlet valve 618 a at the hot end HT to maintain a closed state under the pressure P1 of the heat transport medium. The close state CLSa is also referred to as a first close state CLSa. The compression amount CA1 is also referred to as a first compression amount CAL - In
FIG. 17 , theoutlet valve 618 b at the hot end HT provides an open state OPN and a close state CLSb. Theoutlet valve 618 b provides the open state OPN by theplunger 645 separating from the seal member 644 b. The seal member 644 b in the open state OPN has an initial length L2. The initial length L2 is smaller than the initial length L1 (L1>L2). In theoutlet valve 618 b, theplunger 645 comes in contact with the seal member 644 b, and theplunger 645 compresses the seal member 644 b to provide the close state CLSb. The compression amount CA2 of the seal member 644 b in the close state CLSb is defined by the initial length L2 and the second stroke ST2. The compression amount CA2 is a compression amount required for theoutlet valve 618 b at the hot end HT to maintain a closed state under the pressure P4 of the heat transport medium. The close state CLSb is also referred to as a second close state CLSb. The compression amount CA2 is also referred to as a second compression amount CA2. - In
FIGS. 16 and 17 , the first compression amount CA1 is larger than the second compression amount CA2 (CA1>CA2). As a result, theinlet valve 618 a withstands the pressure P1, and theoutlet valve 618 b withstands the pressure P4. At the same time, the power for compressing the seal member 644 b at theoutlet valve 618 b is suppressed. In this embodiment, thebiasing mechanism 30 is provided by the initial lengths L1 and L2 of the sealing members 644 a and 644 b and the strokes ST1 and ST2 of thecam mechanisms - In this embodiment, the plurality of on-off valves and the
biasing mechanism 30 at the hot end HT have been described in detail. This description may also be applied to the plurality of on-off valves and thebiasing mechanism 30 at the cold end LT. - In
FIG. 13 , theMHP device 2 also has achannel switching mechanism 18 at the cold end LT. Thechannel switching mechanism 18 of the hot end HT and thechannel switching mechanism 18 of the cold end LT are arranged symmetrically. For example, theoutlet valve 618 e and theinlet valve 618 f are associated with the cold end LT of thefirst channel # 1. Similarly, theoutlet valve 618 e and theinlet valve 618 f are associated with the cold end LT of thesecond channel # 2. - The plurality of pressure distributions described in the first and second embodiments are also applicable to this embodiment. That is, also in this embodiment, the pump can be disposed at the cold end LT. When the pump is not disposed at the cold end LT, the
inlet valve 618 f of the cold end LT can be provided based onFIG. 17 , and theoutlet valve 618 e of the cold end LT can be provided based onFIG. 16 . When the pump is disposed at the cold end LT, theinlet valve 618 f of the cold end LT can be provided based onFIG. 16 , and theoutlet valve 618 e of the cold end LT can be provided based onFIG. 17 . - In the sixth embodiment, the
biasing mechanism 30 creates the difference (CA1-CA2) of the compression amount of the seal members 644 a and 644 b by the difference of the initial length (L1-L2), and the difference between the strokes (ST1-ST2). Alternatively, thebiasing mechanism 30 may create the difference in the amount of compression only by the difference in the initial length. Furthermore, thebiasing mechanism 30 may create the difference in the amount of compression only by the difference in the stroke. - Also in this embodiment, the
channel switching mechanism 18 forms aninlet valve 618 a and anoutlet valve 618 b at one end of one unit channel. Thebiasing mechanism 30 provides biasing force for maintaining theinlet valve 18 a and theoutlet valve 18 b in the close state. Moreover, thebiasing mechanism 30 applies different biasing forces F1 and F2 to theinlet valve 18 a and theoutlet valve 18 b. The magnitude relationship (F1>F2) of the two biasing forces is the same as the magnitude relationship (P1>P4) between the pressure P1 of the heat transport medium acting on theinlet valve 18 a and the pressure P4 of the heat transport medium acting on theoutlet valve 18 b. - Patent Documents JP2012-229634A, JP2016-1101A, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,448,453 discloses prior art arrangements. In those arrangements, a sealing mechanism is required to suppress leakage of the heat transport medium. However, the sealing mechanism produces mechanical losses. The mechanical loss appears as a loss of power to drive the movable member. For this reason, the thermomagnetic cycle device with small mechanical loss is required. In one form, for example, the heat transport medium may flow through both the movable member and the stationary member. In this case, the sealing mechanism between the movable member and the stationary member creates a mechanical loss. In another form, for example, an on-off valve that controls the flow of the heat transport medium may be disposed in the movable member or the stationary member. In this case, the sealing mechanism of the on-off valve produces mechanical losses. Furthermore, when the pressure of the heat transport medium in the sealing mechanism fluctuates, a period in which the pressure difference to be sealed is large and a period in which the pressure difference to be sealed is small occur. In this case, the sealing mechanism is designed to withstand periods of high pressure differential to seal. However, in this design, it is difficult to suppress mechanical loss throughout the unit cycle.
- The disclosed embodiments in this specification provide a thermomagnetic cycling device with low mechanical loss. The disclosed embodiments in this specification also provide a thermomagnetic cycle device in which mechanical loss in the heat transport device is suppressed.
- The disclosure in this specification, the drawings, and the like is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the illustrated embodiments and variations thereof by those skilled in the art. For example, the disclosure is not limited to the parts and/or combinations of elements shown in the embodiments. The disclosure can be implemented in various combinations. The disclosure may have additional parts that may be added to the embodiment. The disclosure encompasses omissions of parts and/or elements of the embodiments. The disclosure encompasses replacement or combination of parts and/or elements between one embodiment and another. The disclosed technical scope is not limited to the description of the embodiment. Several technical scopes disclosed are indicated by descriptions in the claims and should be understood to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the descriptions in the claims.
Claims (10)
1. A thermomagnetic cycle device comprising:
an element bed which provides a plurality of unit channels each containing an MCE element demonstrating a magneto caloric effect;
a magnetic field modulation device which modulates a magnetic field applied to the element bed; and
a heat transport device for generating a reciprocating flow of a heat transport medium which exchanges heat with the MCE element
the heat transport device includes:
a unidirectional pump which flows the heat transport medium;
a channel switching mechanism which forms, at one end and/or the other end of the unit channel, an inlet valve which allows the heat transport medium to flow into the unit channel and an outlet valve which allows the heat transport medium to flow out of the unit channel; and
a biasing mechanism for applying different biasing forces to the inlet valve and the outlet valve, wherein
a magnitude relationship of the biasing forces is the same as the magnitude relationship between the pressure of the heat transport medium acting on the inlet valve and the pressure of the heat transport medium acting on the outlet valve.
2. The thermomagnetic cycle device claimed in claim 1 , wherein
the channel switching mechanism is disposed to oppose the plurality of unit channels, includes a plurality of segments providing the inlet valve and the outlet valve, and comprises a valve element which rotates relative to the plurality of unit channels.
3. The thermomagnetic cycle device claimed in claim 2 , wherein
the biasing mechanism generates a pressing force that presses the element bed and the segment.
4. The thermomagnetic cycle device claimed in claim 1 , wherein
the channel switching mechanism includes a plurality of on-off valves each fixedly arranged in one unit channel and providing the inlet valve and the outlet valve.
5. The thermomagnetic cycle device claimed in claim 4 , wherein
the biasing mechanism adjusts a compression amount of a seal member of the on-off valve.
6. The thermomagnetic cycle device claimed in claim 1 , wherein
the biasing mechanism includes a variable element that varies the biasing force according to the pressure of the heat transport medium.
7. The thermomagnetic cycle device claimed in claim 6 , wherein
the variable element is a pressure sensitive element whose dimension changes in accordance with the pressure of the heat transport medium.
8. The thermomagnetic cycle device claimed in claim 1 , wherein
the biasing mechanism includes an invariable element that applies the biasing force independent of the pressure of the heat transport medium.
9. The thermomagnetic cycle device claimed in claim 1 , wherein
the biasing mechanism includes an elastic member.
10. The thermomagnetic cycle device claimed in claim 1 , wherein
the biasing mechanism includes an electromagnetic movable mechanism.
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CN118046659A (en) | 2019-09-30 | 2024-05-17 | 富士胶片株式会社 | Lithographic printing plate precursor, method for producing lithographic printing plate, and lithographic printing method |
JP6865902B1 (en) * | 2020-04-27 | 2021-04-28 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Magnetic temperature control system |
CN115355630B (en) * | 2022-07-26 | 2024-02-20 | 包头稀土研究院 | Multistage high-power magnetic refrigerator and refrigerating method thereof |
CN115355631B (en) * | 2022-07-26 | 2024-02-20 | 包头稀土研究院 | High-efficiency high-power magnetic machine and refrigerating method thereof |
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US5249424A (en) * | 1992-06-05 | 1993-10-05 | Astronautics Corporation Of America | Active magnetic regenerator method and apparatus |
US8448453B2 (en) * | 2007-08-17 | 2013-05-28 | The Technical University Of Denmark | Refrigeration device and a method of refrigerating |
JP5278486B2 (en) * | 2011-04-25 | 2013-09-04 | 株式会社デンソー | Thermomagnetic engine device and reversible thermomagnetic cycle device |
US20130111925A1 (en) * | 2011-11-03 | 2013-05-09 | Mao-Jen Hsu | Cooling system |
JP6464922B2 (en) * | 2014-05-22 | 2019-02-06 | 株式会社デンソー | Thermomagnetic cycle equipment |
JP6519410B2 (en) * | 2015-08-27 | 2019-05-29 | 株式会社デンソー | Thermomagnetic cycle system |
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