Drum-type magnetic refrigeration apparatus with improved magnetic-field source
US11125477B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 2017 |
| Grant date | Sep 21, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B30/00
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A magnetic refrigeration apparatus includes one or more beds of magnetocaloric material arranged along a circumferential direction. The apparatus also includes a heat transfer fluid, one or more hot side heat exchangers (HHEX), one or more pumps or fluid displacement devices configured to move the heat transfer fluid, and a magnetic-field source. The magnetic-field source generates magnetic flux oriented substantially in a radial direction through the beds. The field source advantageously includes one or more pole pieces, one or more axial-end magnets, and one or more axial-end flux return pieces. Additionally, one or more circumferential flux returns, one or more gap flux return pieces, one or more side magnets, and one or more side flux return pieces can be added to increase system performance and reduce cost.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.