WO2008142253A2

WO2008142253A2 - Electrical energy generation device or heat transfer device, and electrical energy generation unit

Info

Publication number: WO2008142253A2
Application number: PCT/FR2008/000444
Authority: WO
Inventors: Damien Lemercier; Patrick Belin; Gérard SCHAEFFER
Original assignee: B.L.B.S. Technologies (Societe A Responsabilite Limitee)
Priority date: 2007-03-30
Filing date: 2008-03-31
Publication date: 2008-11-27
Also published as: FR2914502A1; FR2914502B1; WO2008142253A3

Abstract

The subject of the present invention is an electrical energy generation device or heat transfer device, containing at least one element (2) having magnetothermal properties, which is incorporated into a circuit (3) capable of conducting a magnetic flux, and in thermal contact with a cold fluid (4), a thermally insulating fluid, and a hot fluid respectively, all of said fluids flowing in at least one pipe (7, 8), at least one means (12) for generating a permanent magnetic field and, in the case of the electrical energy generation device (1), a means (13) for converting the magnetic field circulating in the circuit (3) capable of conducting a magnetic flux into an electrical current and, in the case of the heat transfer device (1'), a means (10) for generating a variable magnetic field and for applying this magnetic field to each element (2) having magnetothermal properties, and a valve (11) for injecting said fluids into the inlet end of each pipe (7, 8) and for making said fluids flow between said inlet end and the outlet end (7', 8') of each pipe (7, 8). The invention also relates to an electrical energy generation unit comprising an electrical energy generation device (1) and a heat transfer device (1').

Description

Device for generating electrical energy or heat transfer, and electrical energy generating assembly

The present invention relates to the field of the production of electrical and thermal energy and relates to an electrical energy generation device and a heat transfer device, as well as a set of electrical energy generation using elements to magnetocaloric properties.

Such elements have two particularities. Indeed, on the one hand, when an element with magnetocaloric properties is subjected to a temperature varying around its Curie temperature, the magnetic conductivity of this element varies and, on the other hand, when an element is subjected to With magnetocaloric properties at a variable magnetic field, the temperature of the element with magnetocaloric properties also varies.

The Curie temperature, as understood in the present invention, corresponds to the temperature at the mid-point of conductivity between the ferromagnetic state and the paramagnetic state of a material. Figure 1 represents for this purpose the Curie point (noted P _c ) for an element with magnetocaloric property.

There are devices using the properties of these elements to generate thermal energy. However, these devices are of a very elaborate construction, require the displacement of certain components and in particular elements with magnetocaloric properties. In addition, these known devices do not have a satisfactory performance.

There are also devices using the properties of these elements to generate electrical energy. These also have the disadvantage of low efficiency and operate only over a narrow range of temperature, often far from the ambient temperature.

In addition, the known devices are dedicated solely to the production of electrical energy or to the production of thermal energy.

The present invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of the aforementioned devices and to provide a device having a simple structure and can, by a simple modification, be used either as a device for generating electrical energy, or as a device for heat transfer. For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a device for generating electrical energy, characterized in that it contains a functional module consisting of:

at least one element with magnetocaloric properties, integrated in a circuit capable of conducting a magnetic flux, said at least one element being in thermal contact alternately with distinct and individual volume portions of heat transfer fluid supplied by a cold source, said fluid cold, with distinct and individual volume portions of thermally insulating fluid and with distinct and individual volume portions of heat transfer fluid supplied by a hot source, said hot fluid, the separate and individual volume portions of cold fluid being isolated from the distinct volume portions and individual hot fluid by the portions of thermally insulating fluid, all of said distinct and individual volume portions of hot, cold and insulating fluids flowing in at least one pipe,

at least one means for generating a permanent magnetic field connected magnetically to each element having magnetocaloric properties, and

a means for transforming the magnetic field flowing in the circuit capable of conducting a magnetic flux into an electric current, and a valve for introducing at the input end of each pipe and circulating between said inlet end; and the outlet end of each pipe, said discrete and individual volume portions of hot, cold and thermally insulating fluids, such that each element is in thermal contact, alternately, with at least a volume portion of cold fluid and then with at least one volume portion of hot fluid, the variation of the temperature around the Curie temperature of each element with magnetocaloric properties, induced by thermal conduction between each element and the cold and hot heat transfer fluids causing the variation of the magnetic conductivity of each element with magnetocaloric properties, inducing a variation correspo ndante magnetic field in the circuit capable of driving a magnetic flux and generating, through said transformation means, an electric current.

The invention also relates to a heat transfer device, characterized in that it contains a functional module consisting of:

at least one element with magnetocaloric properties, integrated in a circuit capable of conducting a magnetic flux, said at least one element being in thermal contact alternately with distinct and individual volume portions of heat transfer fluid supplied by a cold source, said fluid cold, with distinct and individual volume portions of thermally insulating fluid and with distinct and individual volume portions of heat transfer fluid supplied by a hot source, said hot fluid, the separate and individual volume portions of cold fluid being isolated from the distinct volume portions and individual hot fluid by the portions of thermally insulating fluid, all of said distinct and individual volume portions of hot, cold and insulating fluids flowing in at least one pipe, and

means for generating a variable magnetic field and for applying this magnetic field to each element having magnetocaloric properties, and a valve for introducing at the inlet end of each pipe and circulating between said end inlet and outlet end of each pipe, said discrete and individual volume portions of hot, cold and thermally insulating fluids, such that each element is in thermal contact, alternately, with at least one volume portion of cold fluid and then with at least a volume portion of hot fluid, the variation of the magnetic field of each element with magnetocaloric properties, induced by the means for generating a variable magnetic field and transmitted by the circuit capable of conducting a magnetic flux, resulting in the variation of the temperature of each element with magnetocaloric properties and, by thermal conduction, that of the distinct and individual voluminal portions of cold and hot fluids. It also relates to a set of electrical energy generation, consisting of a module comprising an electrical energy generation device and a heat transfer device according to the invention, characterized in that the device for generating electrical energy or heat transfer is connected to the output of the heat transfer or electric energy generation device, in that a common and single valve is mounted upstream of the heat transfer or generation device of electrical energy so as to introduce discrete and individual volume portions of hot, cold and insulating fluids at the inlet end of each conduit thereof, in that said discrete and individual volume portions of hot fluids, cold and insulating, output of said pipes are directly introduced into the device for generating electrical energy or heat transfer, and in that the electrical energy necessary for the operation of the heat transfer device and the valve is provided in part by the device for generating electrical energy.

The invention will be better understood, thanks to the following description, which refers to preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the appended diagrammatic drawings, in which: FIG. a simplified perspective view of an electrical energy generation device according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is a simplified perspective view of the functional module of a heat energy generation device according to the present invention, the FIG. 4 is a simplified sectional view along the longitudinal axis of the hot and cold pipes, of the functional module of a heat transfer device according to the present invention, FIG. 5 is a simplified perspective view of a valve, according to a first embodiment of the invention, Figure 6 is a perspective view of a part of a hot or cold fluid supply device of the means shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the thermally insulating fluid supply device of the means represented in FIG. 4; FIGS. 8A and 8B are views of the fluid distribution device of the means represented in FIG. 4; respectively in perspective and in section along the longitudinal axis of this dispensing device, Figure 9 is a perspective view of a valve, according to a second embodiment of the invention, Figure 10 is an elevational view of the valve shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a device for feeding the valve of FIG. 9, FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one of the two half-shells constituting the feed device shown in FIG. 11, FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cold or hot and thermally insulating fluid dispensing device. FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a valve according to a third embodiment of the invention, FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an electrical energy generation assembly according to the invention, FIG. is a block diagram showing the flows of fluid and energy in the electrical energy generation assembly shown in FIG. 10; FIGS. 17A and 17B are diagrammatic representations of a device for generating electrical energy and a heat transfer device according to the present invention, and FIG. 18 is the magnetization versus temperature curve of a magnetocaloric material which can be used in the present invention.

FIG. 2 of the appended drawings shows a device 1 for generating electrical energy, characterized in that it contains a functional module consisting of:

at least one element 2 with magnetocaloric properties, integrated in a circuit 3 capable of conducting a magnetic flux, said at least one element 2 being in alternating thermal contact with distinct and individual volume portions of heat transfer fluid 4 supplied by a source cold, said cold fluid 4, with distinct and individual volume portions of thermally insulating fluid 5 and with distinct and individual volume portions of heat transfer fluid 6 supplied by a hot source, said hot fluid 6, the distinct and individual volume portions of fluid cold 4 being isolated from the distinct and individual volume portions of hot fluid 6 by the portions of thermally insulating fluid 5, all of said distinct and individual volume portions of hot fluids 6, cold 4 and insulation 5 flowing in at least one pipe 7, 8

at least one means for generating a permanent magnetic field connected magnetically to each element 2 with magnetocaloric properties, and a means 13 for transforming the magnetic field flowing in the circuit 3 capable of conducting a magnetic flux into an electric current, and a valve 11 for introducing at the input end 7 ', 8' of each pipe 7 , 8, and circulate, between said inlet end 7 ', 8', and the outlet end 7 ", 8", of each pipe 7,

8, said distinct and individual volume portions of hot fluids

6, 4 and thermally insulating cold 5, such that each element 2 is in thermal contact, alternately, with at least a volume portion of cold fluid 4 and then with at least a volume portion of hot fluid 6, the variation of the temperature around the Curie temperature of each element 2 with magnetocaloric properties, induced by thermal conduction between each element 2 and the cold heat transfer fluids 4 and 6 leading to the variation of the magnetic conductivity of each element 2 with magnetocaloric properties, inducing a corresponding variation of the magnetic field in the circuit 3 capable of driving a magnetic flux and generating, through said transformation means 13, an electric current.

The means for generating a permanent magnetic field 12 may be in the form of a magnet, as shown in the accompanying figures.

Figure 3 shows a functional module of a heat transfer device. Such a device is characterized in that it contains a functional module consisting of:

at least one element 2 with magnetocaloric properties, integrated in a circuit 3 capable of conducting a magnetic flux, said at least one element 2 being in alternating thermal contact with distinct and individual volume portions of heat transfer fluid 4 supplied by a source cold, said cold fluid 4, with distinct and individual volume portions of thermally insulating fluid 5 and with distinct and individual volume portions of heat transfer fluid 6 supplied by a hot source, said hot fluid 6, the distinct and individual volume portions of fluid 4 being isolated from the distinct and individual volume portions of hot fluid 6 by the thermally insulating fluid portions 5, all of said portions separate and individual volumes of hot fluids 6, cold 4 and insulation 5 flowing in at least one pipe 7, 8, and

means for generating a variable magnetic field and for applying this magnetic field to each element 2 with magnetocaloric properties, and a valve 11 for introducing at the input end T, 8 ', of each line 7, 8, and circulating, between said inlet end T, 8 ', and the outlet end 7 ", 8", of each pipe 7, 8, said distinct and individual volume portions of hot fluids 6, 4 and thermally insulating cold 5, such that each element 2 is in thermal contact, alternately, with at least a volume portion of cold fluid 4 and then with at least a volume portion of hot fluid 6, the variation of the magnetic field each element 2 with magnetocaloric properties, induced by the generating means 10 and transmitted by the circuit 3 capable of driving a magnetic flux, causing the variation of the temperature of each element 2 with magnetocaloric properties and, by thermal conduction, that of the distinct and individual volume portions of cold fluids 4 and heat 6. In the heat transfer device 1, when the temperature of an element 2 increases because it is subjected to a magnetic field, a volume portion of hot fluid 6 is in thermal relation with this element 2, so that this heat or the corresponding frigories are transmitted to said volume portion of hot fluid 6. When the temperature of element 2 decreases to reach a temperature less than its initial temperature because it is no longer subject to a magnetic field, said element 2 is in thermal relation with a volume portion of cold fluid 5 and frigories are transmitted thereto. The calories or frigories generated by an element 2 can be transported to an exchanger.

Thanks to the invention, it is therefore possible to produce, from a basic structure, either an electrical energy generating device or a heat transfer device. This basic structure may thus consist of a structure comprising, on the one hand, at least one element 2 with magnetocaloric properties, integrated in a circuit 3 capable of driving a magnetic flux, the said at least one element 2 being in thermal contact with each other. alternating manner with distinct and individual volume portions of heat transfer fluid 4 supplied by a cold source, said cold fluid 4, with distinct and individual volume portions of thermally insulating fluid 5 and with distinct and individual volume portions of heat transfer fluid 6 supplied by a hot source, called hot fluid 6, the distinct and individual volume portions of cold fluid 4 being isolated from the distinct and individual volume portions of hot fluid 6 by the portions of thermally insulating fluid 5, all of said distinct and individual volume portions of hot fluids 6, cold 4 and insulation 5 flowing in at least one pipe 7, 8, and, secondly, a valve 11 for introducing at the inlet end 7 ', 8', of each pipe 7 , 8, and circulating, between said inlet end T, 8 ', and the outlet end 7 ", 8", of each pipe 7, 8, said volume portions s separate and individual hot fluid 6, cold 4 and thermally insulating 5, such that each element 2 is in thermal contact, alternately, with at least a volume portion of cold fluid 4 and then with at least a volume portion of hot fluid 6.

From this basic structure, it is possible to produce a heat transfer device 1 by integrating a means 10 for generating a variable magnetic field and for applying this magnetic field to each element 2 with magnetocaloric properties. so that the latter causes, through the circuit 3, the variation of the magnetic field of each element 2 with magnetocaloric properties. This variation of the magnetic field has the effect of varying the temperature of each element 2 with magnetocaloric properties, transmitted by thermal conduction to the distinct and individual volume portions of cold fluids 4 and heat 6.

To produce a device 1 for generating electrical energy from this basic structure, it suffices to integrate at least one means for generating a permanent magnetic field 12 magnetically connected to each element 2 with magnetocaloric properties and a means of transformation 13 of the magnetic field flowing in the circuit 3 able to conduct a magnetic flux in an electric current. Thus, the variation of the temperature around the Curie temperature of each element 2 with magnetocaloric properties, induced by thermal conduction between each element 2 and the cold and hot heat transfer fluids 4 causes the variation of the magnetic conductivity of each element 2 with magnetocaloric properties and induces a corresponding variation of the magnetic field in the circuit 3 able to conduct a magnetic flux so as to generate an electric current, thanks to the transformation means 13. Of course, to be able to putting the elements 2 with magnetocaloric properties in alternating relationship with portions of cold fluids 4, thermally insulating 5 and hot 6, the cold 4 and hot 5 fluids are essentially immiscible with the thermally insulating fluid 5, so that they do not mix with each other. Some tolerance at the level of the non-solubility can be provided, depending on the nature of the fluids used, the objective being to obtain a sufficiently stable interface between the different volume portions.

These cold fluids 4, thermally insulating 5 and hot 6 may be in different phases. They are immiscible or slightly miscible, so as to be able to circulate in a pipe 7, 8 in the form of separate and individual volume portions. The properties of these fluids and their flow rates are preferably chosen so that the interface between two volume portions is stable during their movement in the pipes. According to the invention, the means 10 for generating a variable magnetic field and for applying this magnetic field to each element 2 with magnetocaloric properties may also constitute the transformation means 13 for the magnetic field flowing in the circuit 3 capable of driving a magnetic flux in an electric current. Under these conditions, the basic structure may also comprise the generating means 10 forming transformation means 13, so that it constitutes the device 1 for heat transfer. Thus, it suffices to add at least one means for generating a permanent magnetic field 12 to adapt the basic structure so that it constitutes a device 1 for generating electrical energy. Conversely, it suffices to remove each generating means from a permanent magnetic field 12 to the device 1 for generating electrical energy to constitute a device 1 for heat transfer.

Advantageously, the generating means 10 consists of at least one coil. In the case of a heat transfer device, this coil can be connected to a synchronized electric generator so as to obtain an oscillation of the elements 2 to property magnetocalorific around their Curie temperature. This coil may, in addition, be made of varnished copper, for example.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, each element 2 can co-operate intimately with two pipes 7 and 8 in order to carry out thermal exchanges by conduction with the distinct and individual volume portions of fluids circulating in the latter, and the valve 11 may introduce into the first 7 of said pipes 7 and 8, said cold pipe, separate and individual volume portions of cold fluid 4 following and alternating with distinct and individual volume portions of thermally insulating fluid 5 and, in the second 8 of said pipes 7 and 8, said hot pipe, discrete and individual volume portions of thermally insulating fluid 5 alternating with and separate portions of individual volume of hot fluid 6, such that each element 2 magnetocaloric properties is in surface contact, so alternated, with the cold fluid 4 flowing in the cold conduct 7 and the thermally insulating fluid 5 flowing in the hot pipe 8 and then with the hot fluid 6 flowing in the hot pipe 8 and the thermally insulating fluid 5 flowing in the cold pipe 7. FIG. 4 shows a device that is made according to a first variant of this embodiment. The device shown can thus comprise at least one three-dimensional structure 14 in which at least one element 2 with magnetocaloric properties can be integrated, so that each structure can cooperate intimately and simultaneously with a cold pipe 7 and a hot pipe 8, two consecutive structures 14 being separated from each other by a cold pipe 7 or a hot pipe 8 common cooperating intimately and simultaneously with these two structures. In addition, each element 2 may have a shape such that its outer wall is in intimate contact with the lateral inner wall of the structure 14 in order to carry out heat exchange by conduction with the distinct and individual volume portions of fluids flowing in the two. lines 7 and 8, and the elements 2 with magnetocaloric properties can be separated from each other by a thermally insulating material 15 in each structure 14, of identical shape and arranged in the same way in each of said structures 14, so that two separate 14 consecutive structures by a pipe 7, 8 are each symmetrical with respect to this pipe 7, 8.

The structure 14 shown is in the form of a pipe. The elements 2 with magnetocalorific properties, because they are adjacent to the inner wall of the structure duct 14, and because each structure duct 14 is adjacent to a cold duct 7 and a hot duct 8, are in contact with each other. with the fluids flowing in said ducts 7 and 8 and the heat exchanges are facilitated between the cold fluids 4 and 6 hot and the elements 2. To transform the device shown in Figure 3 so that it is a device 1 generation electrical energy, each three-dimensional structure may further comprise at least one permanent magnet 12. The latter may be disposed in each structure 14 next to an element 2. According to a second variant of this first embodiment, the device may be constituted by at least two elements 2 in the form of identical profiles arranged in an offset or spaced manner and arallele each other, said elements 2 being integrated in an enclosure made of a thermally insulating material, the volume formed between two consecutive elements 2 can achieve a cold pipe 7 or a common hot pipe 8, and the enclosure can be opened at level of the inlet ends T, 8 'and outlet 7 ", 8" of the cold and hot pipes 8. This variant not shown is advantageous and still has a better thermal efficiency than that of the first variant, since the Hot 8 and cold 6 pipes are formed by the elements 2 themselves and that, therefore, no heat energy is absorbed by a wall.

The enclosure E may be made of a thin insulator, such as PVC, for example. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 15, and according to a third embodiment of the first embodiment of the invention, the functional modules of the devices 1 and 1 according to the invention may consist of at least two elements 2 presenting in the form of identical profiles disposed offset and parallel to each other, said elements 2 being integrated in a chamber E made of a material having a low thermal diffusivity, the volume formed between two consecutive elements 2 can be divided into several conducted by separation blocks 16 so as to form a row of cold pipes 7 or hot pipes 8, and the enclosure E can be open at the inlet ends 7 ', 8' and outlet 7 ", 8" of said pipes This type of embodiment is particularly advantageous in the case of devices 1 and bulky. Indeed, the volume or the space formed between two consecutive elements 2 may have a size that does not make it possible to circulate in a suitable manner the distinct and individual volume portions of hot fluids 6, cold 4 and insulation 5, for example without these the last ones do not mix. This is the case when the elements 2 have, in a cross-sectional view, a dimension such that the height is very large relative to the other dimension (the width). In this case, it is advantageous to divide the height of the volume between two consecutive elements 2 by separation wedges 16, so as to create ducts of section adapted to the circulation of the distinct and individual volume portions of hot fluids 6, cold 4 and insulation 5.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, each element 2 can co-operate intimately with at least one pipe in order to carry out thermal exchanges by conduction with the latter, and the valve 11 can introduce, in each pipe, and successively , a distinct and individual volume portion of cold fluid 4, a distinct and individual volume portion of thermally insulating fluid 5, then a distinct volume portion of hot fluid 6, such that each element 2 with magnetocaloric properties is in surface contact, alternately, with a distinct and individual volume portion of cold fluid 4, a distinct and individual volume portion of thermally insulating fluid 5 and then with a separate and individual volume portion of hot fluid 6, all of said distinct and individual fluid volume portions 4, 5 and 6 flowing in each pipe between the inlet end and the corresponding output end.

In this second embodiment not shown, the elements 2 can be mounted in a structure cooperating with at least one pipe in which circulate the distinct and individual volume portions of fluids 4, 5 and 6 so as to perform heat exchanges with said fluids . Characteristically, and alternatively, the magnetocaloric element (s) 2 may be arranged in at least one duct in which the distinct and individual volume portions of hot, cold, and thermally insulating fluids 5 flow, and the valve 11 may introducing into each conduit and successively, a separate and individual volume portion of cold fluid 4, a separate and individual volume portion of thermally insulating fluid 5, and a separate volume portion of hot fluid 6, such that each element 2 to magnetocaloric properties is in surface contact, alternately, with a distinct and individual volume portion of cold fluid 4, a separate and individual volume portion of thermally insulating fluid 5 and then with a distinct and individual volume portion of hot fluid 6, the whole said distinct and individual volume portions of fluids 4, 5 and 6 flowing in each pipe between the inlet end and the corresponding outlet end.

In this latter variant, the elements 2 with magnetocaloric properties are arranged in the pipe or pipes in which circulate the distinct and individual volume portions of hot fluids 6, cold 4 and thermally insulating 5. The heat exchange is thus favored, since there is a direct contact between the elements 2 and distinct and individual volume portions of fluids 4, 5 and 6.

The invention also provides that a means 41 for recovering and separating cold fluids 4, hot 6 and thermally insulating fluids 5 may be mounted at the outlet end 7 ", 8" of lines 7, 8. This means of recovery and separating 41 makes it possible to separate the different phases at the output of a device 1, the so that it is possible to reintroduce these fluids recovered at the input of a device 1, the.

According to a first embodiment of the valve 11, shown specifically in FIGS. 5 to 8, said valve 11 may be constituted by

at least one device 17 for supplying cold fluid 4,

at least one hot fluid supply device 6, a cold fluid supply device 4 being assigned to each cold pipe 7 or to each row of cold pipes 7 and a hot fluid supply device 18 6 being assigned to each hot pipe 8 or row of hot pipes 8, the outlet end 17 ', 18' of each feeder 17, 18 being arranged facing the inlet ends 7 ', respectively 8' of the cold pipes 7 and 8 corresponding hot so as to allow transfer of separate and individual volume portions of cold fluids 4, thermally insulating 5 and hot 6 to the corresponding cold pipes 7 and 8,

a supply device 19 for thermally insulating fluid 5,

and a device 20 for dispensing said fluids in the form of distinct and individual volume portions of cold, thermally insulating, hot and heated fluids 4, said dispensing device 20 being mounted between the cold fluid supply devices 17, 18 and hot 6 and the supply device 19 of thermally insulating fluid 5.

Characteristically, the supply device 19 for thermally insulating fluid 5 may be in the form of a duct disposed perpendicularly to the cold and hot pipes 7 and have openings 19 'for the passage of the thermally insulating fluid 5, of which the number is equal to the number of cold pipes 7 and 8 hot or rows of pipes 7, 8, the dispensing device 20 of cold fluids 4, thermally insulating 5 and hot 6 may be in the form of a pipe mounted to longitudinal sliding on the duct 19 forming the thermally insulating fluid supply device 5, of internal diameter equal to the outside diameter of the duct 19 forming the supply device 19 of thermally insulating fluid, said duct 20 forming the dispensing device 20 cold fluids 4, thermally insulating 5 and hot 6 being provided, on the one hand, openings 20 'of corresponding shape to the openings 19' of the device supply member 19 for heat-insulating fluid 5, the number of which is equal to the total number of cold and hot pipes 7 or rows of cold and hot pipes 7 and 8, and grooves 21 , made in the outer casing of the pipe 20, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the latter, on either side of each opening 20 'and intended for the passage and guiding of the cold fluids 4 and 6, the cooling devices supply 17, 18 of the cold fluids 4 and hot 6 can contain a chamber C opening, via a channel 17 ", respectively 18", on their outlet end 17 ', 18', this chamber C having, at its portion adjacent to said channel 17 ", respectively 18", a circular zone 22 and open on both sides with respect to the longitudinal axis of the channel 17 ", respectively 18", whose diameter is substantially equal to the outside diameter of the pipe 20 forming the dispensing device, said pipe 20 can be inserted into the circular-shaped zone 22 in such a way that each opening 20 'of said pipe is positioned at the end of a channel 17 ", 18" opening on the chamber C, the openings 19 'of the supply device 19 of thermally insulating fluid 5 can be positioned at the openings 20' of the pipe 20.

Under these conditions, the fluid distribution device 20 can be slidably moved on the supply device 19 of thermally insulating fluid 5, alternately, so that

when an opening 20 'is disposed opposite an opening 19', the portion of solid tubular portion of the outer wall ring of the pipe 20, in which the opening is made closes the circular-shaped zone 22 , preventing the passage of cold fluid 4 or hot 6 to the channel 17 ", respectively 18", and a passage of the thermally insulating fluid 5 through the openings 20 ', 19' and the corresponding channel 17 ", 18" in the direction of the inlet end T, 8 'of the cold pipe 7 or hot pipe 8 is produced, and

- When a groove 21 is disposed opposite an opening 19 ', the cold fluid 5 or hot 6 of the corresponding feed device 17, 18 flows from the chamber C, to the corresponding channel 17 ", 18" in the direction the inlet end T, 8 'of the cold pipe 7 or hot 8, through the volume defined by the groove 21 and the wall of the circular-shaped zone 22. According to a second embodiment shown in FIGS. at

13, the valve 11 may be constituted by

at least one supply device 32 for cold fluid 4 and thermally insulating fluid 5,

at least one feed device 33 for hot fluid 6 and thermally insulating fluid 5, a delivery device 32 for cold fluid 4 and for thermally insulating fluid 5 being assigned to each cold pipe 7 or to each row of cold pipes 7 and a device supplying hot fluid 6 and thermally insulating fluid 5 to each hot pipe 8 or to each row of hot pipes 8, the outlet end 32 ', 33' of each supply device 32, 33 being disposed opposite the inlet ends 7 ', respectively 8' of the cold pipes 7 and 8 corresponding hot so as to allow transfer of separate and individual volume portions of cold fluids 4, thermally insulating 5 and hot 6 to the cold pipes 7 and hot 8 corresponding, and

a dispensing device 34 for the cold and thermally insulating fluids 4 in the form of distinct and individual volume portions and a dispensing device 34 'for hot and thermally insulating fluids 6 in the form of distinct and individual volume portions, the devices supply 32 of cold fluid 4 may be in fluid relation with each other, the supply devices 32 and 33 may each have a fluid distribution chamber 4, 5 and 6 opening at the end of the outlet 32 ', 33' of said supply devices 32, 33, the hot fluid supply devices 33 being in fluid relation with each other upstream of said chamber 35 and the inlet of each chamber 35 being fluidically connected to an inlet 37 of hot fluid 6 or an inlet 36 of cold fluid 4 and to an inlet 38 of thermally insulating fluid 5, the dispensing devices 34, 34 'can be in the form of plates provided with passage orifices 39, 39 'of cold fluids 4 or hot 6 and insulating 5 and slidably mounted in the supply devices 32, respectively 33 at the inlet of the chambers 35 so regulating the arrival of the fluids 4, 5 and 6 in the corresponding conduits, and the plates forming the dispensing devices 34, 34 'can be driven in a reciprocating manner so that initially on the one hand, the cold fluid inflows 4 of each cold fluid dispensing device 4 open on the corresponding chambers 35 via the through-holes 39 of the plate 34 and the said plate 34 block the passage of the thermally-fluid insulation 5 to said chambers 35 and, on the other hand, the thermally insulating fluid inflows 5 of each hot fluid dispensing device 6 open into the chambers 35. corresponding through the passage holes 39 'of the plate 34' and said plate 34 'blocks the passage of the hot fluid 6 to said chambers 35 and, secondly, on the one hand, the thermally insulating fluid arrivals 5 of each cold fluid dispensing device 4 open onto the corresponding chambers 35 through the through-holes 39 of the plate 34 and the said plate 34 blocks the passage of the thermally-cold fluid 4 towards the said chambers 35 and, on the other hand, on the other hand, the hot fluid inflows 6 of each hot fluid dispensing device 6 open onto the corresponding chambers 35 through the passage openings 39 'of the plate 34' and said plate 34 'blocks the passage of the thermally insulating fluid 5 to said chambers 35.

According to a third embodiment of the valve 11, shown in FIG. 14, each element 2 with magnetocaloric properties, the cold and hot pipes 7 and 7 may have a quadrangular section, the cold and hot pipes 7 may have, at the level of their inlet end 7 ', 8', on a first face 23, an inlet port 26 of cold fluid 4, on a second face 24, an inlet port 27 of hot fluid 6 and, on a third face 25, an inlet 28 of thermally insulating fluid 5, and the valve 11 may be constituted by three plates 29, 30, 31, each being mounted in translation on a 23, 24, 25 of said first, second and third faces, connected to a corresponding cold fluid supply device 4, heat 6 and thermally insulating 5 corresponding, and provided with an opening 26 ', 27', 28 'of shape corresponding to that of the inlet port 26, 27, 28 corresponding, said plates 23, 24, 25 being actuated to produce a reciprocating and closing movement successively and inversely for each plate 23, 24, 25, the corresponding inlet orifice 26, 27, 28, so as to generate a continuous sequence and alternating distinct and individual volume portions of cold fluids 4 and thermally insulating 5 in each cold pipe 7 and hot fluids 6 and thermally insulating 5 in each hot pipe 8. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the circuit 3 fit to conduct a magnetic flux can be realized in the form of a hollow element with quadrangular section made of a material ferromagnetic and inside which are integrated the elements 2 with magnetocaloric properties and the pipes 7, 8.

It could also be envisaged to make this circuit 3 in the form of an open structure, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, or even U-shaped, such as the device 1 'of FIG. 17A.

When the circuit is constituted by a hollow element with quadrangular section, the transformation means 13 of the magnetic field flowing in the circuit 3 capable of conducting a magnetic flux in an electric current may consist of two coils each disposed on a branch of the hollow rectangular structure element forming the circuit capable of conducting a magnetic flux and on either side of the assembly formed by the magnetocaloric elements 2 2 and the conduits 7, 8. Figures 2, 3 and 10 show a such configuration with two coils 10.

When the circuit 3 has an open structure, a single coil may be wound around a branch of this structure, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B.

According to the invention, the circuit 3 capable of conducting a magnetic flux can be made of ferromagnetic material in the form of a U inside which are integrated the elements 2 with magnetocaloric properties and the pipes 7, 8 and one wing is surrounded by a coil 10.

The Curie temperature of the elements 2 with magnetocaloric properties can be between -40 ^° C. and 70 ^° C., and is preferably 20 ^° C., that is to say close to ambient temperature, so that the supply of energy to heat the hot fluid 6 is minimized.

At least one element 2 with magnetocaloric properties may also consist of an alloy comprising the following chemical elements: gadolinium, silicon, germanium or a mixture thereof. At least one element 2 with magnetocaloric properties may consist of an alloy comprising the following chemical elements: manganese, iron, phosphorus, arsenic.

Alternatively, at least one element 2 with magnetocaloric properties may consist of an alloy comprising the following chemical elements: lanthanum, iron, silicon, hydrogen and is preferably the following alloy: La (Fe _{o> 89} SiO _, π) i ₃ H _{1 3} . Such a material 2 may also be the alloy of chemical formula of LaFe _1! CO ₀ ^ Si _{1 I} whose magnetization curve as a function of temperature is shown in FIG. 18.

The choice of the elements 2 is dictated by the working temperature, that is to say the Curie temperature of the latter, in relation to the temperature of the hot fluid 6. Preferably, materials with a magnetic transition of first order.

As already mentioned above, the dimensions and shapes of the pipes must also be adapted to guarantee this stability. Thus, and typically, the cold fluid 4 and the hot fluid 6 may be liquids.

These liquids may be selected from the group consisting of water and brine. Under these conditions, and typically, each pipe 7, 8 may be made of a hydrophobic material, preferably PTFE. In addition, it is advantageous to choose a material having a low displacement hysteresis, for example by carrying out an ultrahydrophobic treatment on the surface of the latter.

The thermally insulating fluid 5 may be a gas. This gas can be chosen from the group formed by air, helium and argon. The thermally insulating fluid 5 can also be a liquid. For this purpose, it may be an oil, preferably a mineral or vegetable oil.

The subject of the invention is also an electrical energy generation assembly consisting of a module 40 comprising a device 1 for generating electrical energy according to the invention and a device 1 for transferring heat according to the invention, characterized in that the device 1, the electrical energy generation or heat transfer device is connected to the output of the device 1, 1 of heat transfer or of electrical energy generation, in that a valve 11 common and unique is mounted upstream of the device 1, 1 of heat transfer or electrical energy generation so as to introduce separate and individual volume portions of hot fluids 6, cold 4 and insulating 5 at the end 7 ', 8' of each pipe 7, 8 of the latter, in that said distinct and individual volume portions of hot fluids 6, cold 4 and insulating 5, output of said 7, 8 are directly introduced into the device 1, the electric power generation or heat transfer, and in that the electrical energy required for the operation of the device 1 and heat transfer valve 11 is provided in part by the device 1 for generating electrical energy.

In other words, this electrical energy generation assembly is constituted by a valve 11, a functional module of a device 1 for generating electrical energy and a functional module of a device 1 for heat transfer. Thus, the distinct and individual volume portions of fluids are injected by the valve 11 into the device 1, the electric energy generation or heat transfer device and, from the latter, directly into the device 1, transfer 1 of heat or generation of electrical energy.

Characteristically, the means 4 for recovering and separating cold fluids 4, heat 6 and thermally insulating 5 may be mounted at the outlet end 7 ", 8" of the lines 7, 8 of the last device 1, the and the recovered fluids can be reintroduced into the module 40 and a device adapted to heat the hot fluid 6 can be integrated between the recovery and separation means 41 and the valve 11 to heat the hot fluid 6 intended to be reintegrated in the device 1, arranged directly behind the valve.

Such an electrical energy generation assembly may consist of several modules 40 connected in series, the first of said modules 40 being supplied with distinct and individual fluid volume portions by a common and single valve 11 and each of the other modules 40 by distinct and individual volume portions of fluids leaving the pipes 7, 8 of the previous module 40, the elements 2 with magnetocaloric properties of each structure 14 respectively of each pipe of each device 1, having a different Curie temperature and the devices 1 , being disposed relative to each other so that the one having the elements 2 with magnetocaloric properties whose Curie temperature is the highest is connected to the valve 11 and the one having the elements 2 with magnetocalorific properties whose Curie temperature is the lowest is connected, at its level output, to a means of recovery and separation 41 of cold fluids 4, hot 6 and thermally insulating 5, the Curie temperature of the elements 2 with magnetocaloric properties of the devices 1, the intermediate decreasing towards the means of recovery and separation 41, and in that the cold fluids 4, hot 6 and thermally insulating 5 recovered at the outlet end 7 ", 8" of the lines 7, 8 of the last module 40 are reintroduced in the first module 40. In this way, since the temperature of the hot fluid 6 contained in a distinct and individual volume portion decreases as its displacement in each device 1, 1 the Curie temperature of the elements 2 is adapted to this drop in temperature and the electrical energy generation assembly retains a high efficiency.

FIG. 16 represents such an assembly of electrical energy generation.

The valve 11 is supplied with thermal energy by a heat source such as a solar panel, a boiler or other similar means.

In the diagram shown in FIG. 16, the valve 11 is supplied with hot fluid 6 via a heat exchanger heating the fluid at the outlet of the recovery and separation means 41. The latter also supplies the valve with cold fluid. 4. The valve 11 shapes the fluids 4, 5 and 6 and circulates them through a pump (not shown), for example, or by gravity. The passage of these fluids 4, 5 and 6 in the device 1 makes it possible to generate electrical energy. The fluids 4, 5 and 6 in the device 1 makes it possible to generate electrical energy. The fluids 4, 5 and 6 then integrate the heat transfer device 1 in which there is heat transfer between the hot fluid 6 and the cold fluid 4. Then, the fluids 4, 5 and 6 are recovered and separated in the recovery and separation means 41 and reintroduced into the valve 11 (directly with regard to the cold fluid 4 and through the heat exchanger with respect to the hot fluid 6).

Such an assembly makes it possible to obtain, despite the energy losses due in particular to its insulation defect, a good efficiency, even with a small difference in temperature between the cold fluid 4 and the hot fluid 6. Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications are possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. Device (1) for generating electrical energy, characterized in that it contains a functional module consisting of: at least one element (2) with magnetocaloric properties, integrated in a circuit (3) capable of driving a magnetic flux said at least one element (2) being in alternating thermal contact with discrete and individual volume portions of heat transfer fluid (4) provided by a cold source, said cold fluid (4), with distinct and individual volume portions of thermally insulating fluid (5) and with distinct and individual volume portions of coolant (6) provided by a hot source, said hot fluid (6), the individual and distinct volume portions of cold fluid (4) being isolated from the volume portions separate and individual hot fluid (6) through the thermally insulating fluid portions (5), all of said distinct and individual fluid volume portions hot (6), cold (4) and insulating (5) circulating in at least one pipe (7, 8),

at least one means for generating a permanent magnetic field connected magnetically to each element having magnetocaloric properties, and a means for transforming the magnetic field flowing in the circuit (3) capable of driving. a magnetic flux in an electric current, and a valve (11) for introducing at the inlet end (7 ', 8') of each pipe (7, 8) and circulating between said inlet end (7, 8 ') and the outlet end (7 ", 8") of each pipe

(7, 8), said discrete and individual volume portions of hot (6), cold (4) and thermally insulating (5) fluids, such that each element (2) is in thermal contact, alternately, with minus a volume portion of cold fluid (4) and then with at least a volume portion of hot fluid (6), the variation of the temperature around the Curie temperature of each element (2) with magnetocaloric properties, induced by thermal conduction between each element (2) and the cold (4) and hot (6) heat transfer fluids causing the variation of the magnetic conductivity of each element (2) with magnetocaloric properties, inducing a corresponding variation of the magnetic field in the circuit (3) capable of driving a magnetic flux and generating, through said transformation means (13), an electric current.

2. Device (V) for transferring heat, characterized in that it contains a functional module consisting of: at least one element (2) with magnetocaloric properties, integrated in a circuit (3) capable of driving a magnetic flux, said at least one element (2) being in thermal contact alternately with distinct and individual volume portions of coolant (4) supplied by a cold source, said cold fluid (4), with distinct and individual volume portions of thermally fluid insulation (5) and with distinct and individual volume portions of heat transfer fluid (6) provided by a hot source, said hot fluid (6), the distinct and individual volume portions of cold fluid (4) being isolated from the distinct volume portions and individual hot fluid (6) through the thermally insulating fluid portions (5), all of said distinct and individual volume portions of hot fluids (6), f (4) and insulation (5) flowing in at least one pipe (7, 8), and

- means for generating (10) a variable magnetic field and applying this magnetic field to each element (2) with magnetocaloric properties, and a valve (11) for introducing at the input end ( 7 ', 8') of each pipe (7, 8) and circulate between said inlet end (7 ', 8') and the outlet end (7 ", 8") of each pipe (7, 8), said discrete and individual volume portions of hot (6), cold (4) and thermally insulating (5) fluids, such that each element (2) is in thermal contact, alternately, with at least one portion volume of cold fluid (4) and then with at least a volume portion of hot fluid (6), the variation of the magnetic field of each element (2) with magnetocaloric properties, induced by the generating means (10) and transmitted by the circuit (3) capable of driving a magnetic flux, causing the variation of the temperature of each element (2) with magnetocaloric properties and, by thermal conduction, that of the distinct and individual volume portions of cold (4) and hot (6) fluids.

3. Device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the cold fluids (4) and hot (6) are essentially immiscible with the thermally insulating fluid (5).

4. Device according to claims 1 and 2 or 1, 2 and 3, characterized in that the means for generating (10) a variable magnetic field and applying this magnetic field to each element (2) with properties magnetocaloric is also the means of transformation (13) of the magnetic field flowing in the circuit (3) capable of driving a magnetic flux into an electric current.

5. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the generating means (10) is constituted by at least one coil.

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each element (2) cooperates closely with two pipes (7 and 8) for conducting thermal exchange by conduction with the distinct and individual volume portions. of fluids circulating in the latter, and in that the valve (11) introduced into the first (7) of said pipes (7 and 8), called cold pipe, separate and individual volume portions of cold fluid (4) following and alternating with separate and individual volume portions of thermally insulating fluid (5) and, in said second (8) of said pipes (7 and 8), said hot pipe, discrete and individual volume portions of thermally insulating fluid (5) following and alternating with distinct and individual volume portions of hot fluid (6), such that each element (2) with magnetocaloric properties is in surface contact, alternately e, with the cold fluid (4) circulating in the cold pipe (7) and the thermally insulating fluid (5) flowing in the hot pipe (8) and then with the hot fluid (6) circulating in the hot pipe (8) and the thermally insulating fluid (5) flowing in the cold pipe (7).

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises at least one structure (14) three-dimensional in which is integrated at least one element (2) with magnetocaloric properties, each structure cooperates intimately and simultaneously with a pipe cold (7) and a hot pipe (8), two consecutive structures (14) being separated from each other by a cold pipe (7) or a pipe characterized by the fact that each element (2) has a shape such that its outer wall is in intimate contact with the lateral interior wall of the structure (14) in order to conducting heat exchange by conduction with the distinct and individual volume portions of fluids circulating in the two lines (7 and 8), and in that the elements (2) with magnetocaloric properties are separated from each other by a thermally insulating material ( 15) in each structure (14) are identical in shape and arranged in the same way in each of said structures (14), so that two consecutive structures (14) separated by a pipe (7, 8) are each time symmetrical with respect to this pipe (7, 8).

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that it constitutes a device 1 for generating electrical energy and in that each structure (14) three-dimensional further comprises at least one permanent magnet (12).

9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it consists of at least two elements (2) in the form of identical profiles disposed offset and parallel to each other, said elements (2) being integrated in an enclosure made of a thermally insulating material, in that the volume formed between two consecutive elements (2) performs a cold pipe (7) or a common hot pipe (8), and in that the enclosure is open at the inlet (7 ', 8') and outlet (7 ", 8") ends of the cold (7) and hot (8) pipes.

10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it consists of at least two elements (2) in the form of identical profiles disposed offset and parallel to each other, said elements (2) being integrated in an enclosure (E) made of a material having a low thermal diffusivity, in that the volume formed between two consecutive elements (2) is divided into a plurality of conduits by separating wedges (16) of to form a row of cold pipes (7) or hot pipes (8), and in that the enclosure (E) is open at the inlet (7 ', 8') and outlet (7) ends. ", 8") of said cold pipes (7) and hot (8).

11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each element (2) cooperates intimately with at least one pipe for conducting heat exchange conduction with the latter, and in that the valve (11) introduces, in each conduit, and successively, a separate and individual volume portion of cold fluid (4), a separate and individual volume portion of thermally insulating fluid (5), and a separate volume portion of hot fluid ( 6), such that each element (2) with magnetocaloric properties is in surface contact, alternately, with a separate and individual volume portion of cold fluid (4), distinct and individual volume portion of thermally insulating fluid (5). then with a distinct and individual volume portion of hot fluid (6), all of said distinct and individual volume portions of circulating fluids (4, 5 and 6) in each conduit between the input end and the corresponding output end.

12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the element or elements (2) magnetocaloric properties are arranged in at least one pipe in which circulate separate and individual volume portions of hot fluids (6), cold (4) and thermally insulating (5), and in that the valve (11) introduces into each conduit and successively, a separate and individual volume portion of cold fluid (4), a separate and individual volume portion of thermally insulating fluid (5). ), then a separate volume portion of hot fluid (6), such that each element (2) with magnetocaloric properties is in surface contact, alternately, with a separate and individual volume portion of cold fluid (4), a distinct and individual volume portion of thermally insulating fluid (5) and then with a distinct and individual volume portion of hot fluid (6), all of said portions being separate and individual lumens (4, 5 and 6) flowing in each pipe between the inlet end and the corresponding outlet end.

13. Device according to any one of claims 1 to

12, characterized in that means for recovering and separating (41) cold (4), hot (6) and thermally insulating (5) fluids are mounted at the outlet end (7 ", 8") of the lines (7, 8).

14. Device according to any one of claims 8, 9 and 10, characterized in that the valve (11) is constituted by

at least one cold fluid supply device (17)

(4)

- At least one hot fluid supply device (18) (6), a cold fluid supply device (17) (4) being assigned to each cold pipe (7) or each row of cold pipes (7). ) and a hot fluid supply device (18) (6) being assigned to each hot pipe (8) or each row of hot pipes (8), the outlet end (17 ', 18') of each feeding device (17, 18) being arranged facing the inlet ends (7 ', respectively 8') of the cold pipes (7) and hot (8) corresponding to allow a transfer of the distinct and individual volume portions cold (4), thermally insulating (5) and hot (6) fluids to the corresponding cold (7) and hot (8) pipes,

a supply device (19) for thermally insulating fluid (5),

and a dispensing device (20) for said fluids in the form of distinct and individual volume portions of cold (4), thermally insulating (5) and hot (6) fluids, said dispensing device (20) being mounted between the devices supplying means (17, 18) for cold (4) and hot (6) fluids and the supply device (19) for thermally insulating fluid (5), in that the thermic fluid supplying device (19) insulation (5) is in the form of a duct arranged perpendicularly to the cold pipes (7) and hot (8) and having openings (19 ') for the passage of the thermally insulating fluid (5), whose number is equal to the number of cold (7) and hot (8) pipes or rows of pipes (7, 8), in that the dispensing device (20) for the cold (4), thermally insulating (5) and hot (6) fluids ) is in the form of a duct mounted to slide longitudinally on the duct (19) forming the delivery device thermally insulating fluid (5) having an inside diameter equal to the outside diameter of the conduit (19) forming the device supplying (19) thermally insulating fluid, said pipe (20) forming the dispensing device (20) of the cold fluids (4), thermally insulating (5) and hot (6) being provided, on the one hand, with openings (20 ') of corresponding shape to the openings (19') of the thermally insulating fluid supply device (19), the number of which is equal to the total number of cold (7) and hot (8) pipes. ) or rows of cold pipes (7) and hot (8) added one and, secondly, grooves (21) formed in the outer casing of the pipe (20), perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the latter, on each side of each opening (20 ') and intended for the passage and guiding of cold fluids (4) and hot (6), in that the fluid supply devices (17, 18) cold (4) and hot (6) contain a chamber (C) opening, via a channel (17 ", respectively 18"), on their outlet end (17 ', 18'), this chamber ( VS) having, at its part adjacent to said channel (17 ", respectively 18"), a circular zone (22) and open on both sides with respect to the longitudinal axis of the channel (17 ", respectively 18" ), whose diameter is substantially equal to the outside diameter of the pipe (20) forming the dispensing device, in that said pipe (20) is inserted into the circular-shaped zone (22) so that each opening (20) ') of said pipe is positioned at the end of a channel (17 ", 18") leading to the chamber (C), in that the openings (19') of the feed device (19) of thermally insulating fluid (5) are positioned at the openings (20 ') of the pipe (20), and in that the fluid dispensing device (20) is slidably displaced on the delivery device (19). thermally insulating fluid (5), alternately, so that

- When an opening (20 ') is disposed opposite an opening (19'), the solid tubular portion portion of the outer wall ring of the pipe (20), in which is made the closed opening the circular-shaped zone (22), preventing the passage of cold (4) or hot (6) fluid towards the channel (17 ", respectively 18"), and a passage of the thermally insulating fluid (5) through the openings ( 20 ', 19') and the corresponding channel (17 ", 18") towards the inlet end (7 ', 8') of the cold (7) or hot (8) pipe is formed, and - When a groove (21) is disposed opposite an opening (19 '), the cold fluid (5) or hot (6) of the supply device (17, 18) corresponding flows from the chamber (C) to the corresponding channel (17 ", 18") in the direction of the inlet end (7 ', 8') of the cold (7) or hot (8) duct, through the volume defined by the groove ( 21) and the wall of the circular shaped area (22).

15. Device according to any one of claims 8, 9 and 10, characterized in that the valve (11) is constituted by - at least one supply device (32) of cold fluid (4) and thermally fluid insulation (5),

- At least one device (33) for supplying hot fluid (6) and thermally insulating fluid (5), a device (32) for supplying cold fluid (4) and thermally insulating fluid (5) being assigned at each cold pipe (7) or at each row of cold pipes (7) and a hot fluid (6) and thermally insulating fluid (5) supply device (33) being assigned to each hot pipe (8) or at each row of hot pipes (8), the outlet end (32 ', 33') of each feeder (32, 33) being arranged facing the inlet ends (7 ', respectively 8') corresponding cold pipes (7) and hot pipes (8) so as to allow a transfer of the distinct and individual volume portions of cold (4), thermally insulating (5) and hot (6) fluids to the cold (7) and hot pipes (8) corresponding, and

- a dispensing device (34) of cold fluids (4) and thermally insulating (5) in the form of distinct and individual volume portions and a dispensing device (34 ') of hot fluids (6) and thermally insulating (5) in the form of distinct and individual volume portions, in that the cold fluid supply devices (32) are in fluid connection with each other, in that the supply devices (32 and 33) each have a fluid distribution chamber (35) (4, 5 and 6) opening at the outlet end (32 ', 33') of said delivery devices (32, 33), the delivery devices (33) of hot fluid (6) being in fluid relation with each other upstream of said chamber (35) and the inlet of each chamber (35) being fluidly connected to an inlet (37) of hot fluid (6) or an inlet (36) of cold fluid (4) and an inlet (38) of thermally insulating fluid (5), in that the dispensing devices (34, 34 ') are in the form of plates provided with passage orifices (39, 39 ') for the cold (4) or hot (6) and insulating (5) fluids and slidably mounted in the supply devices (32, respectively 33) at the level of the entering the chambers (35) so as to regulate the flow of the fluids (4, 5 and 6) into the corresponding lines, and that the plates forming the dispensing devices (34, 34 ') are driven in a controlled manner. back and forth such that, firstly, on the one hand, the cold fluid inflows (4) of each cold fluid distribution device (4) open on the corresponding chambers (35) by the intermediate passage holes (39) of the plate (34) and said plate (34) blocks the passage of thermally insulating fluid (5) to said chambers (35) and, on the other hand, the thermally insulating fluid inflows (5) of each hot fluid dispensing device (6) open onto the corresponding chambers (35) via the through-holes (39 '). ) of the plate (34 ') and said plate (34') blocks the passage of the hot fluid (6) to said chambers (35) and, secondly, on the one hand, the thermally insulating fluid inflows (5). ) of each cold fluid dispensing device (4) open on the corresponding chambers (35) via the through-holes (39) of the plate (34) and said plate (34) blocks the passage of the cold-thermal fluid (4) to said chambers (35) and, on the other hand, the hot fluid inlets (6) of each hot fluid delivery device (6) open to the corresponding chambers (35) through the passage (39 ') of the plate (34') and said plate (34 ') blocks the passage of the thermal fluid. insulation (5) to said chambers (35).

16. Device according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that each element (2) with magnetocaloric properties, the cold pipes (7) and hot (8) have a quadrangular section, in that the cold pipes (7) and hot (8) have, at their inlet end (7 ', 8'), on a first face (23), an inlet (26) of cold fluid (4), on a second face (24), an orifice inlet (27) of hot fluid (6) and, on a third face (25), an inlet (28) for thermally insulating fluid (5), and in that the valve (11) is constituted by three plates (29, 30, 31), each being mounted in translation on one (23, 24, 25) of said first, second and third faces, connected to a cold fluid supply device (4), hot (6) and thermally insulating (5) corresponding, and provided with an opening (26 ', 27', 28 ') corresponding in shape to that of the corresponding inlet (26, 27, 28), said plates (23, 24, 25) being actuated to produce a successively reciprocating and releasing movement, and inversely for each plate (23, 24, 25), the corresponding inlet (26, 27, 28). , so as to generate a continuous and alternating sequence of distinct and individual volume portions of cold (4) and thermally insulating fluids (5) in each cold pipe (7) and of fluids cha ud (6) and thermally insulating (5) in each hot pipe (8).

17. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the circuit (3) capable of conducting a magnetic flux is formed as a hollow element quadrangular section made of a ferromagnetic material and to inside which are integrated the elements (2) with magnetocaloric properties and the pipes (7, 8) and in that the transformation means (13) of the magnetic field flowing in the circuit (3) capable of conducting a magnetic flux in an electric current is constituted by two coils each disposed on a branch of the hollow rectangular structure element forming the circuit capable of conducting a magnetic flux and on either side of the assembly formed by the elements (2) with properties magnetocaloric (2) and the pipes (7, 8).

18. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the circuit (3) capable of conducting a magnetic flux is made of a ferromagnetic material in the form of a U within which are integrated elements (2) with magnetocaloric properties and the pipes (7, 8) and of which one wing is surrounded by a coil (10).

19. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the elements (2) with magnetocaloric properties are constituted by a material having a first-order magnetic transition.

20. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the cold fluid (4) and the hot fluid (6) are liquids.

21. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that the cold fluids (4) and hot (6) are liquids selected from the group consisting of: water, glycol water.

22. Device according to claim 21, characterized in that each pipe (7, 8) is made of a hydrophobic material, preferably PTFE.

23. Device according to any one of claims 1 to

22, characterized in that the thermally insulating fluid (5) is a gas.

24. Device according to claim 23, characterized in that the thermally insulating fluid (5) is a gas selected from the group consisting of air, helium and argon.

25. Device according to any one of claims 1 to

22, characterized in that the thermally insulating fluid (5) is a liquid.

26. Device according to claim 25, characterized in that the thermally insulating fluid (5) is an oil, preferably a mineral or vegetable oil.

27. Electrical energy generation assembly, consisting of a module (40) comprising a device (1) for generating electrical energy according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 26, as far as it relates to claim 1, and a heat transfer device (T) according to any one of claims 2 to 26, as far as it is related to claim 2, characterized in that the device (1, 1 ') of generation of electrical energy or heat transfer is connected to the output of the device (V, 1) for heat transfer or electric energy generation, in that a single and common valve (11) is mounted upstream the device (T, 1) for transferring heat or generating electric energy so as to introduce separate and individual volume portions of hot (6), cold (4) and insulating (5) fluids at the end inlet (7 ', 8') of each pipe (7, 8) thereof, e n that said distinct and individual volume portions of hot (6), cold (4) and insulating (5) fluids, at the outlet of said lines (7, 8) are directly introduced into the device (1, 1 ') for generating electrical energy or heat transfer, and in that the electrical energy necessary for the operation of the heat transfer device (T) and the valve (11) is provided in part by the electrical energy generating device (1).

28. Assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that the means for recovering and separating (41) cold fluids (4), hot

(6) and thermally insulating (5) is mounted at the outlet end (7 ", 8", 14 ") of the pipes (7, 8) of the last device (1, 1 ') and in that the recovered fluids are reintroduced into the module (40) and in that a device adapted to heat the hot fluid (6) is integrated between the recovery and separation means (41) and the valve (11) for heating the hot fluid (6). ) intended to be reintegrated in the device (1, l ') disposed directly behind the valve (11).

Electrical power generation assembly according to claim 28, characterized in that it consists of a plurality of modules (40) connected in series, the first of said modules (40) being supplied with discrete and individual volumes of fluids by a common and single valve (11) and each of the other modules (40) by the distinct and individual volume portions of fluids leaving the lines (7, 8) of the preceding module (40), in that the elements (2) to magnetocaloric properties of each structure (14), respectively of each pipe of each device (1, I ') has a different Curie temperature and in that the devices (1, I') are arranged relative to each other such so that the one having the elements (2) with magnetocaloric properties whose Curie temperature is the highest is connected to the valve (11) and the one having the elements (2) magnetocalor properties the lowest Curie temperature is connected, at its outlet, to a means for recovering and separating (41) the cold (4), hot (6) and thermally insulating (5) fluids, the temperature Curie of the elements (2) with magnetocaloric properties of the devices (1, l ') decreasing in the direction of the recovery and separation means (41), and in that the fluids cold (4), hot (6) and thermally insulation (5) recovered at the outlet end (7 ", 8") of the pipes (7, 8) of the last module (40) are reintroduced into the first module (40).