Variable heat pump using magneto caloric materials
US9377221B2 · kind B2 · utility
52Cited by
18References
19Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 24, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jun 28, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B30/00
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A heat pump system is provided that uses multiple stages of MCMs with different Curie temperature ranges. An adjustable fluid flow path is used whereby the number of stages through which a heat transfer fluid passes can be varied depending upon e.g., the amount of heating or cooling desired. In certain embodiments, a magnetic field used to activate the MCMs can be manipulated so that the number of stages of MCMs that are activated also be adjusted. These and other features can improve the operating efficiency of the heat pump.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.