JP6505782B2 - Magnetic heat pump equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a magnetic heat pump device utilizing the magnetocaloric effect.

  Active Magnetic Refrigeration (AMR) magnetocalorimetry comprising magnetocaloric elements constructed by connecting in series first block, second block and mixing section (so-called cascade connection) to generate a large temperature gradient An effective heat pump device is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The first block is formed of a first material exhibiting a magnetocaloric effect in a first temperature zone, and the second block exhibits a magnetocaloric effect in a second temperature zone partially overlapping the first temperature zone. The first material and the second material are present in a mixed state in the mixing section.

JP, 2016-99040, A

  In the AMR type magnetic heat pump apparatus using a single type of magnetocaloric effect material, the temperature gradient generated in the magnetocaloric effect material can be reversed simply by reversing the AMR cycle. That is, in this type of magnetic heat pump apparatus, it is possible to easily switch the application (cooling application / heating application) of the magnetic heat pump apparatus simply by changing the control without changing the structure of the apparatus itself. Here, cooling / heating such as an air conditioner can be exemplified as an example of the cooling application / heating application of the magnetic heat pump device.

  On the other hand, in the magnetic heat pump apparatus in which a plurality of kinds of magnetocaloric effect materials as described above are cascade-connected, the direction of the temperature gradient depends on the arrangement of the magnetocaloric effect materials, so the control is simply changed. In this case, it is not possible to switch the cooling application / heating application of the magnetic heat pump device, and it is necessary to mechanically reverse the arrangement of the magnetocaloric effect material. Therefore, in the above-mentioned cascade connection type magnetic heat pump apparatus, there is a problem that the complication of the structure and the cost increase are caused.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is that even if a plurality of kinds of magnetocaloric effect materials are used, it is possible to switch between cooling applications / heating applications with a simple configuration, and to suppress the cost increase. It is possible to provide a possible magnetic heat pump device.

  [1] A magnetic heat pump apparatus according to the present invention applies an internal magnetic exchanger having a plurality of kinds of magnetocaloric effect materials different in Curie point, and applies a magnetic field to the magnetocaloric effect material and changes the magnitude of the magnetic field And a piping system connecting the internal heat exchanger and the first external heat exchanger, and connecting the internal heat exchanger and the second external heat exchanger, and the magnetic field applying device configured as described above. A fluid supply means for supplying a fluid from the internal heat exchanger to the first or second external heat exchanger through the piping system in accordance with a change in magnitude of a magnetic field applied to the heat-effect material , And the piping system connects one end of the internal heat exchanger and the first external heat exchanger, and the other end of the internal heat exchanger and the second external heat exchanger. A first path to connect and the other end of the internal heat exchanger It is configured to connect the first external heat exchanger and selectively form one end of the internal heat exchanger and a second path connecting the second external heat exchanger. It is a magnetic heat pump device.

  [2] In the above invention, the magnetocaloric effect material is a first magnetocaloric material having a first Curie point, and a second magnetic material having a second Curie point different from the first Curie point. And a ratio of the second magnetocaloric material to the first magnetocaloric material is higher stepwise or continuously from one end of the internal heat exchanger to the other end. It may be done.

  [3] In the above invention, the piping system is a first pipe connecting one end of the internal heat exchanger to the first external heat exchanger, the other end of the internal heat exchanger, and the second A second pipe connecting an external heat exchanger, a third pipe connecting one end of the internal heat exchanger and the first external heat exchanger, the other end of the internal heat exchanger and the second pipe And a fifth pipe connected to the first heat exchanger at a first connection point and a fifth pipe connected to the second pipe at a second connection point. And a sixth pipe connected to the first pipe at a third connection point and connected to the second pipe at a fourth connection point, and the third pipe The seventh pipe connected at the fifth connection point and connected to the fourth pipe at the sixth connection point, and the third pipe And an eighth pipe connected to the fourth pipe at an eighth connection point, and the first to the fourth pipes respectively provided to the first to the eighth pipes. The third connection point is disposed on the side of the internal heat exchanger with respect to the first connection point, and the second connection point is the fourth connection point. The seventh connection point is disposed on the internal heat exchanger side with respect to the connection point, the seventh connection point is disposed on the inner heat exchanger side with respect to the fifth connection point, and the sixth connection point is The first on-off valve is disposed on the side of the internal heat exchanger with respect to the eighth connection point, and the first on-off valve is disposed between the first connection point and the third connection point, The second on-off valve is disposed between the second connection point and the fourth connection point, and the third on-off valve includes the fifth connection point and the seventh connection point. The fourth on-off valve is disposed between the connection point, and the fourth on-off valve is disposed between the sixth connection point and the eighth connection point, and the first path includes the first to the first connection points. It is formed by opening the fourth on-off valve and closing the fifth to the eighth on-off valves, and the second path closes the first to the fourth on-off valves, and It may be formed by opening the fifth on-off valve.

  [4] In the above invention, the fluid supply means includes a first reciprocating pump connected to the first pipe, and a second reciprocating pump connected to the second pipe, the pipe The system may include first to fourth check valves respectively provided to the first to fourth pipes.

  [5] In the above invention, the first reciprocating pump is connected between the first connection point and the first external heat exchanger, and the second reciprocating pump is connected to the fourth connection. Point connected to the second external heat exchanger, the first check valve being provided between one end of the internal heat exchanger and the third connection point, The flow direction of the fluid is restricted only in the direction from the first external heat exchanger to the internal heat exchanger, and the second check valve is connected to the other end of the internal heat exchanger and the second connection. Between the second external heat exchanger and the internal heat exchanger, and the third check valve is provided between the second internal heat exchanger and the second internal heat exchanger. Between the one end of the second heat exchanger and the seventh connection point, and the flow direction of the fluid from the internal heat exchanger to the first external heat exchanger The fourth check valve is provided between the other end of the internal heat exchanger and the sixth connection point, and the flow direction of the fluid is controlled from the internal heat exchanger. It may be limited only in the direction towards the second external heat exchanger.

  [6] In the above invention, the magnetic heat pump device includes a control device that controls the magnetic field application device, the first and second reciprocating pumps, and the first to eighth on-off valves. The controller is configured to selectively perform a first control and a second control, the first control being performed when the magnetic field to the magnetocaloric effect material is weakened. The second pump is a control for pushing out the fluid by the second reciprocating pump when the magnetic field for the magnetocaloric effect material is enhanced while the reciprocating pump is for pushing out the fluid, and the second control is for the magnetocaloric material The fluid is pushed out by the first reciprocating pump when the magnetic field is strengthened, while the fluid is pushed by the second reciprocating pump when the magnetic field to the magnetocaloric effect material is weakened. And the control device is configured to open the first to fourth on-off valves and close the fifth to eighth on-off valves when performing the first control. When the first to eighth on-off valves are controlled to perform the second control, the first to fourth on-off valves are closed and the fifth to eighth on-off valves are opened. Thus, the first to eighth on-off valves may be controlled.

  According to the present invention, the piping system can switch between the first path and the second path. For this reason, even in the case of using a plurality of types of magnetocaloric effect materials, the cooling application / heating application can be switched with a simple configuration, and cost increase can be suppressed.

FIG. 1 is a piping circuit diagram showing a magnetic heat pump device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the magnetic heat pump device in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a view showing the magnetic field application device in the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. FIG. 4 is a piping circuit diagram showing the magnetic heat pump device in the cooling mode of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a piping circuit diagram showing the magnetic heat pump device in the heating mode of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a piping circuit diagram showing a magnetic heat pump device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a piping circuit diagram showing the magnetic heat pump device in the cooling mode of the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a piping circuit diagram showing the magnetic heat pump device in the heating mode of the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

<< First Embodiment >>
FIG. 1 is a piping circuit diagram showing a magnetic heat pump apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the magnetic heat pump apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention It is a figure which shows the structure of the magnetic field application apparatus in embodiment. Moreover, FIG.4 and FIG.5 is a figure which shows the magnetic heat pump apparatus in "cooling mode" and "heating mode" of 1st Embodiment of this invention.

  The magnetic heat pump device 1 in the present embodiment is a heat pump device using a magnetocaloric effect. In the present embodiment, an example in which the magnetic heat pump device 1 is applied to an air conditioner of a car will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the magnetic heat pump device 1 includes an MCM heat exchanger 10, a magnetic field application device 20, a piping system 30, a first external heat exchanger 70, and a first reciprocating pump. 80, a second external heat exchanger 90, a second reciprocating pump 100, and a controller 110.

  The MCM heat exchanger 10 in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the internal heat exchanger in the present invention, the magnetic field application device 20 in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the magnetic field application device in the present invention, and a piping system in the present embodiment. 30 corresponds to an example of a piping system in the present invention. Also, the first external heat exchanger 70 in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the first external heat exchanger in the present invention, and one reciprocating pump 80 in the present embodiment is the first reciprocating pump in the present invention. It corresponds to an example. Further, the second external heat exchanger 90 in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the second external heat exchanger in the present invention, and the second reciprocating pump 100 in the present embodiment is the second reciprocating pump in the present invention. Corresponds to one example. Furthermore, the control device 110 in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the control device in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the MCM heat exchanger 10 includes magnetocaloric effect materials 11 and 12 (MCM: Magnetocorolic Effect Material) having magnetocaloric effect, and a case 13 (container) for containing the MCMs 11 and 12. Have.

  When a magnetic field is applied to the MCMs 11 and 12, the magnetic entropy decreases due to the alignment of electron spins, and the MCMs 11 and 12 generate heat and the temperature rises. On the other hand, when the magnetic field is removed from the MCMs 11 and 12, the electron spins become disordered to increase the magnetic entropy, and the MCMs 11 and 12 absorb heat to lower the temperature. The MCMs 11 and 12 are not particularly limited as long as they are magnetic substances, but, for example, magnetic substances having a Curie temperature (Curie point) in a normal temperature range of about 10 ° C. to 30 ° C. and exhibiting high magnetocaloric effect in normal temperature range Is preferred. As a specific example of such MCM, gadolinium (Gd), a gadolinium alloy, a lanthanum-iron-silicon (La-Fe-Si) type compound etc. can be illustrated, for example.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the first MCM 11 has the first Curie point T _C1 and exhibits the magnetocaloric effect in the first temperature range R _TC1 including the first Curie point T _C1. . On the other hand, the second MCM 12 has a second Curie point T _C2 , and exhibits a magnetocaloric effect in a second temperature range R _TC2 including the second Curie point T _C2 . The second Curie point T _C2 of the second MCM 12 is relatively lower than the first Curie point T _C1 of the first MCM 11 (T _C2 <T _C1 ).

That is, in the present embodiment, the first MCM 11 and the second MCM 12 have Curie points T _C1 and T _C2 different from each other. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the first temperature range R _TC1 and the second temperature range R _TC2 are different from each other, and the entire second temperature range R _{TC2 is} the entire first temperature range R _TC1 . It is relatively low (R _TC2 <R _TC1 ). At least a portion of the second temperature range _{R TC2} is if the deviation from the first temperature range _{R TC1,} the first temperature range _{R TC1} and the second temperature range _{R TC2} are partially overlapping It is also good.

The first MCM 11 in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the first magnetocaloric material in the present invention, and the second MCM 12 in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the second magnetocaloric material in the present invention. Further, the first Curie point T _C1 in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the first Curie point in the present invention, and the second Curie point T _C2 in the present embodiment is an example of the second Curie point in the present invention It corresponds to

  The first and second MCMs 11 and 12 move from one end of the case 13 (right end in FIG. 1; high temperature end described later) to the other end (left end in FIG. 1; low temperature end described later) The second MCM 12 and the second MCM 12 are housed in the case 13 in this order. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the ratio of the second MCM 12 to the first MCM 11 gradually increases from one end of the case 13 toward the other end. The first MCM 11 and the second MCM 12 may be partitioned by a mesh member. Further, in the present embodiment, although a plurality of MCMs 11 and 12 are accommodated in a single case 13, the present invention is not particularly limited thereto, and the first and second MCMs 11 and 12 are accommodated in individual cases. The cases may be connected by piping or the like.

Here, when the magnetic heat pump device reaches a steady state by repeating the AMR cycle, a predetermined temperature gradient is generated in the MCM. In the present embodiment, as described above, since the first MCM 11 having a relatively high Curie point T _C1 is disposed at one end of the case 13, the one end of the case 13 inevitably becomes a high temperature end. . In addition, since the second MCM 12 having a relatively low Curie point T _C2 is disposed on the other end side of the case 13, the other end of the case 13 inevitably becomes the low temperature end. Thus, when the MCMs 11 and 12 are cascaded, the orientation of the temperature gradient is uniquely determined by the arrangement of the MCMs 11 and 12. In the present embodiment, a temperature gradient in which the temperature rises toward the right in the drawing (the temperature decreases toward the left in the drawing) is formed over the MCMs 11 and 12 as a whole. Incidentally, when only a single type of MCM is used, the temperature gradient generated in the MCM can be reversed simply by reversing the AMR cycle under control.

  The shape of the MCMs 11 and 12 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include linear, mesh, granular, and plate-like. An assembly formed by twisting together a plurality of wires may be accommodated in the case. Alternatively, individual wires may be twisted together to form individual stranded wires, and the plurality of twisted wires may be bundled together to form an assembly.

  In addition, as long as a plurality of types of MCMs are arranged such that the Curie point becomes higher from one end of the case 13 to the other end, the number of types of MCMs accommodated in the case 13 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, a mixing unit configured by mixing the first and second MCMs 11 and 12 is provided between the first MCM 11 and the second MCM 12, and the ratio of the second MCM 12 to the first MCM 11 is The height may be continuously increased from one end of the case 13 to the other end.

  As shown in FIG. 1, first and second ports (connection ports) 13 a and 13 b are opened at one end (high temperature end) of the case 13, and the ports 13 a and 13 b open the piping system 30. First and third pipes 41 and 43 (described later) are connected to one another. On the other hand, the third and fourth ports (connection ports) 13c and 13d are opened at the other end (low temperature end) of the case 13, and the second of the piping system 30 is opened at these ports 13c and 13d. And fourth pipes 42 and 44 (described later) are respectively connected.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the magnetic field application device 20 includes a pair of permanent magnets 21 and a reciprocating actuator 22 that supports the permanent magnets 21. The permanent magnets 21 are disposed to face each other as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. As a specific example of the reciprocating actuator 22, an air cylinder etc. can be illustrated, for example.

  These permanent magnets 21 are separated from the MCM heat exchanger 10 by the reciprocating actuator 22 (the first position (shown by a broken line in FIG. 3) sandwiching the MCM heat exchanger 10 (MCM heat exchanger 10). It is possible to reciprocate between “the second position” (the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 3)). When the permanent magnet 21 moves to the “first position”, a magnetic field is applied to the MCMs 11 and 12 of the MCM heat exchanger 10, and the MCMs 11 and 12 generate heat. On the other hand, when the permanent magnet 21 moves to the “second position”, the magnetic field is removed from the MCMs 11 and 12 of the MCM heat exchanger 10, and the MCMs 11 and 12 absorb heat. As shown in FIG. 2, the magnetic field application device 20 is connected to the control device 110, and is configured to drive the reciprocating actuator 22 based on an instruction from the control device 110.

  The magnetism applying device 20 may be configured of an electromagnet having a coil instead of the permanent magnet 21 and the reciprocating actuator 22. When an electromagnet having a coil is used, the magnitude of the magnetic field applied to the MCMs 11 and 12 may be changed instead of the application / removal of the magnetic field to the MCMs 11 and 12.

  The piping system 30 connects the MCM heat exchanger 10 and the first external heat exchanger 70, and also connects the MCM heat exchanger 10 and the second external heat exchanger 90, as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the first external heat exchanger 70 is installed outside the vehicle, whereas the second external heat exchanger 10 is installed inside the vehicle.

  The piping system 30 includes first to eighth pipes 41 to 48, first to fourth check valves 51 to 54, and first to eighth on-off valves 61 to 68. The first to eighth pipes 41 to 48 in the present embodiment respectively correspond to an example of the first to eighth pipes in the present invention, and the first to fourth check valves 51 to 54 in the present invention are present The invention corresponds to an example of the first to fourth check valves, and the first to eighth on-off valves 61 to 68 in the embodiment correspond to an example of the first to eighth on-off valves in the invention. .

  One end of the first pipe 41 is connected to the first port 13 a of the high temperature end of the MCM heat exchanger 10. The other end of the first pipe 41 is connected to one port 70 a of the first external heat exchanger 70. On the other hand, the second pipe 42 is connected to the third port 13 c at the low temperature end of the MCM heat exchanger 10. The other end of the second pipe 42 is connected to one port 90 a of the second external heat exchanger 90.

  And while the 5th piping 45 has connected the 1st piping 41 and the 2nd piping 42, the 6th piping 46 also has connected the 1st piping 41 and the 2nd piping 42. Specifically, the fifth pipe 45 is connected to the first pipe 41 at the first connection point 41 a and connected to the second pipe 42 at the second connection point 42 a. The sixth pipe 46 is connected to the first pipe 41 at the third connection point 41 b and connected to the second pipe 42 at the fourth connection point 42 b. In the first pipe 41, the third connection point 41b is disposed on the MCM heat exchanger 10 side with respect to the first connection point 41a. In the second pipe 42, the second connection point 42a is disposed on the MCM heat exchanger 10 side with respect to the fourth connection point 42b.

  A first check valve 51 is provided between the first port 13 a at the high temperature end of the MCM heat exchanger 10 and the third connection point 41 b in the first pipe 41. The first check valve 51 causes the liquid medium to flow in the left direction in the drawing (a direction from the first external heat exchanger 70 toward the MCM heat exchanger 10. The liquid refrigerant flows into the MCM heat exchanger 10 Direction only).

  A first on-off valve 61 is provided between the third connection point 41 b and the first connection point 41 a in the first pipe 41. The first on-off valve 61 is a valve that allows or blocks the flow of the liquid medium, and is not particularly limited, and is, for example, a solenoid valve. As shown in FIG. 2, the first on-off valve 61 is connected to the control device 110, and opens and closes based on an instruction from the control device 110. In the present embodiment, the first on-off valve 61 is normally open (normally open), but is not particularly limited thereto.

  Furthermore, a first reciprocating pump 80 is connected between the first connection point 41 a and one port 70 a of the first external heat exchanger 70 in the first pipe 41. The first reciprocating pump 80 includes a piston 81 (displacer) capable of reciprocating, and an internal space provided with the piston 81 communicates with the ninth connection point 41 c via a pipe 82. That is, the first reciprocating pump 80 is connected to the first pipe 41 via the pipe 82 branched from the ninth connection point 41 c.

  A second check valve 52 is provided between the third port 13 c at the low temperature end of the MCM heat exchanger 10 and the second connection point 42 a in the second pipe 42. The second check valve 52 moves the flow direction of the liquid medium in the right direction in the drawing (a direction from the second external heat exchanger 90 toward the MCM heat exchanger 10. The liquid refrigerant flows into the MCM heat exchanger 10. Direction only).

  A second on-off valve 62 is provided between the second connection point 42 a and the fourth connection point 42 b in the second pipe 42. The second on-off valve 62 is a valve that allows or blocks the flow of the liquid medium, and is not particularly limited, and is, for example, a solenoid valve. As shown in FIG. 2, the second on-off valve 62 is connected to the control device 110 and is configured to open and close based on an instruction from the control device 110. In the present embodiment, the second on-off valve 62 is normally open (normally open), but is not particularly limited thereto.

  Furthermore, a second reciprocating pump 100 is connected between the fourth connection point 42 b and one port 90 a of the second external heat exchanger 90 in the second pipe 42. The second reciprocating pump 100 includes a piston 101 (displacer) capable of reciprocating, and an internal space provided with the piston 101 communicates with a tenth connection point 42c via a tenth pipe 102. ing. That is, the second reciprocating pump 100 is connected to the second pipe 42 through the pipe 102 branched from the tenth connection point 42c.

  A fifth on-off valve 65 is provided in the fifth pipe 45. Further, a sixth on-off valve 66 is also provided in the sixth pipe 46. The fifth and sixth on-off valves 65 and 66 are valves that allow or block the flow of the liquid medium, and are not particularly limited, and are, for example, solenoid valves. As shown in FIG. 2, the fifth and sixth on-off valves 65 and 66 are connected to the control device 110, and open and close based on an instruction from the control device 110. In the present embodiment, the fifth and sixth on-off valves 65 and 66 are normally closed (normally closed), but the present invention is not particularly limited thereto.

  One end of the third pipe 43 is connected to the second port 13 b of the high temperature end of the MCM heat exchanger 10. The other end of the third pipe 43 is connected to the other port 70 b of the first external heat exchanger 70. On the other hand, the fourth pipe 44 is connected to the fourth port 13 d at the low temperature end of the MCM heat exchanger 10. The other end of the fourth pipe 44 is connected to the other port 90 b of the second external heat exchanger 90.

  The seventh pipe 47 connects the third pipe 43 and the fourth pipe 44, and the eighth pipe 48 also connects the third pipe 43 and the fourth pipe 44. Specifically, the seventh pipe 47 is connected to the third pipe 43 at the fifth connection point 43 a, and is connected to the fourth pipe 44 at the sixth connection point 44 a. The eighth pipe 48 is connected to the third pipe 43 at a seventh connection point 43 b and connected to the fourth pipe 44 at an eighth connection point 44 b. In the third pipe 43, the seventh connection point 43b is disposed on the MCM heat exchanger 10 side with respect to the fifth connection point 43a. In the fourth pipe 44, the sixth connection point 44a is disposed on the MCM heat exchanger 10 side with respect to the eighth connection point 44b.

  A third check valve 53 is provided between the second port 13 b at the high temperature end of the MCM heat exchanger 10 and the seventh connection point 43 b in the third pipe 43. The third check valve 53 directs the flow direction of the liquid medium to the right in the figure (the direction from the first MCM heat exchanger 10 to the external heat exchanger 70. The liquid refrigerant flows out from the MCM heat exchanger 10 Direction only).

  In addition, a third on-off valve 63 is provided between the seventh connection point 43 b and the fifth connection point 43 a in the third pipe 43. The third on-off valve 63 is a valve that allows or blocks the flow of the liquid medium, and is not particularly limited, and is, for example, a solenoid valve. As shown in FIG. 2, the third on-off valve 63 is connected to the control device 110, and opens and closes based on an instruction from the control device 110. In the present embodiment, the third on-off valve 63 is normally open (normally open), but is not particularly limited thereto.

  A fourth check valve 54 is provided between the fourth port 13 d at the low temperature end of the MCM heat exchanger 10 and the sixth connection point 44 a in the fourth pipe 44. The fourth check valve 54 moves the flow direction of the liquid medium leftward in the drawing (a direction from the MCM heat exchanger 10 toward the second external heat exchanger 90. The liquid refrigerant flows out of the MCM heat exchanger 10). Direction only).

  A fourth on-off valve 64 is provided between the sixth connection point 44a and the eighth connection point 44b in the fourth pipe 44. The fourth on-off valve 64 is a valve that allows or blocks the flow of the liquid medium, and is not particularly limited, and is, for example, a solenoid valve. As shown in FIG. 2, the fourth on-off valve 64 is connected to the control device 110 and is configured to open and close based on an instruction from the control device 110. In the present embodiment, the fourth on-off valve 64 is normally open (normally open), but is not particularly limited thereto.

  A seventh on-off valve 67 is provided in the seventh pipe 47. In addition, an eighth on-off valve 68 is provided in the eighth pipe 48 as well. The seventh and eighth on-off valves 67 and 68 are valves that allow or block the flow of the liquid medium, and are not particularly limited, and are, for example, solenoid valves. As shown in FIG. 2, the seventh and eighth on-off valves 67 and 68 are connected to the control device 110, and open and close based on an instruction from the control device 110. In the present embodiment, the seventh and eighth on-off valves 67 and 68 are normally closed (normally closed), but the present invention is not particularly limited thereto.

  The liquid medium is pressure-fed by the reciprocating pumps 80 and 100 through the heat exchangers 10, 70, 90 and the piping system 30 described above. As a specific example of a liquid medium, liquids, such as water, antifreeze, an ethanol solution, or mixtures thereof, can be illustrated, for example. The liquid medium in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the fluid in the present invention.

  The control device 110 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an A / D converter, an input / output interface, and the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 110 is connected to the magnetic field application device 20, the first to eighth on-off valves 61 to 68, and the first and second reciprocating pumps 80 and 100.

  In the present embodiment, the control device 110 selects one of the “cooling mode” (see FIG. 4) and the “heating mode” (see FIG. 5) based on an input signal input through an input device (not shown) or the like. It is possible to do either. The "cooling mode" in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the "first control" in the present invention, and the "heating mode" in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the "second control" in the present invention.

  In the “cooling mode”, the inside of the vehicle is cooled by performing heat exchange between the second external heat exchanger 90 and the air inside the vehicle, and heat exchange is performed between the first external heat exchanger 70 and the outside of the vehicle. Heat is released outside the car by doing.

  Specifically, when the “cooling mode” is instructed, as shown in FIG. 4, the control device 110 first opens the first to fourth on-off valves 61 to 64 and The first to eighth on-off valves 61 to 68 are controlled to close the eight on-off valves 65 to 68. As a result, the high temperature end of the MCM heat exchanger 10 and the first external heat exchanger 70 are connected via the first and third pipes 41 and 43, and the second and fourth pipes 42 and 44 are The low temperature end of the MCM heat exchanger 10 and the second external heat exchanger 90 are connected to each other to form a "first path" as shown by solid and broken thick arrows in FIG. That is, in the “cooling mode”, the high temperature end of the MCM heat exchanger 10 is connected to the first external heat exchanger 70, and the low temperature end of the MCM heat exchanger 10 is connected to the second external heat exchanger 90. Connected The “first path” in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the “first path” in the present invention.

  When the above-mentioned "first path" is formed, the control device 110 controls the magnetism applying device 20 so as to move the permanent magnet 21 alternately with the above-mentioned "second position" and "first position". Control the first and second reciprocating pumps 80, 100 to interlock with it.

  Specifically, in the “cooling mode”, the control device 110 moves the permanent magnet 21 to the “second position” to remove the magnetic field from the MCMs 11 and 12 by the first reciprocating pump 80. While pushing out the liquid refrigerant, the second reciprocating pump 100 is controlled to draw in the liquid refrigerant (see solid thick arrows in FIG. 4). Thus, the liquid medium cooled by the MCM heat exchanger 10 is supplied to the second external heat exchanger 90, and the interior of the vehicle is cooled via the second external heat exchanger 90.

  On the other hand, when the controller 110 moves the permanent magnet 21 to the “first position” and applies a magnetic field to the MCMs 11 and 12, the second reciprocating pump 100 pushes out the liquid refrigerant and The pump 80 is controlled to draw in the liquid refrigerant (see dashed thick arrow in FIG. 4). Thus, the liquid medium heated by the MCM heat exchanger 10 is supplied to the first external heat exchanger 70 and dissipated outside the vehicle via the first external heat exchanger 70.

  On the other hand, in the "heating mode", the inside of the vehicle is warmed by performing heat exchange between the second external heat exchanger 90 and the air inside the vehicle, and the first external heat exchanger 70 and the air outside the vehicle The heat is absorbed from the outside of the vehicle by exchanging heat.

  Specifically, when the “heating mode” is instructed, as shown in FIG. 5, the control device 110 first closes the first to fourth on-off valves 61 to 64 and The first to eighth on-off valves 61 to 68 are controlled so that the eight on-off valves 65 to 68 are opened. As a result, the low temperature end of the MCM heat exchanger 10 and the first external heat exchanger 70 are connected via the fifth and seventh pipes 45, 47, and the sixth and eighth pipes 46, 48 are The high temperature end of the MCM heat exchanger 10 and the second external heat exchanger 90 are connected to each other to form a “second path” as shown by solid and broken thick arrows in FIG. That is, in the “heating mode”, the low temperature end of the MCM heat exchanger 10 is connected to the first external heat exchanger 70, and the high temperature end of the MCM heat exchanger 10 is connected to the second external heat exchanger 90. Connected The "second path" in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the "second path" in the present invention.

  When the above-mentioned "second path" is formed, control device 110 moves magnetism applying device 20 so as to move permanent magnet 21 alternately with the above-mentioned "first position" and "second position". The first and second reciprocating pumps 80, 100 are controlled to control and interlock with it.

  Specifically, in the “heating mode”, when the control device 110 moves the permanent magnet 21 to the “first position” and applies a magnetic field to the MCMs 11 and 12, the first reciprocating pump 80 While pushing out the liquid refrigerant, the second reciprocating pump 100 is controlled to draw in the liquid refrigerant (see solid thick arrow in FIG. 5). Thereby, the liquid medium heated by the MCM heat exchanger 10 is supplied to the second external heat exchanger 90, and the vehicle interior is heated via the second external heat exchanger 90.

  On the other hand, when the control device 110 moves the permanent magnet 21 to the “second position” to remove the magnetic field from the MCMs 11 and 12, the second reciprocating pump 100 pushes out the liquid refrigerant and the first reciprocation The pump 80 is controlled to draw in the liquid refrigerant (see dashed thick arrow in FIG. 5). Thus, the liquid medium cooled by the MCM heat exchanger 10 is supplied to the first external heat exchanger 70 and absorbs heat from the outside of the vehicle via the first external heat exchanger 70.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the piping system 30 can switch between the first path shown in FIG. 4 and the second path shown in FIG. Therefore, even when a plurality of MCMs 11 and 12 are used, a complex structure or the like for mechanically reversing the arrangement of the MCMs 11 and 12 is not necessary, and the cooling mode / heating mode is switched with a simple configuration. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the increase in cost of the so-called cascade connection type magnetic heat pump device.

<< Second Embodiment >>
FIG. 6 is a piping circuit diagram showing a magnetic heat pump apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 7 and 8 show the magnetic heat pump apparatus in the “cooling mode” and the “heating mode” according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

  Similar to the magnetic heat pump device 1 described in the first embodiment, the magnetic heat pump device 1 </ b> B in the present embodiment is a heat pump device using the magnetocaloric effect. In the present embodiment, an example in which the magnetic heat pump device 1B is applied to an air conditioner of a car will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, this magnetic heat pump apparatus 1B includes two MCM heat exchangers 10A and 10B, a magnetic field application device 20B, a piping system 30B, and first and second external heat exchangers 70 and 90. , A rotary pump 105, and a control device 110. The first external heat exchanger 70, the second external heat exchanger 90, and the control device 110 each have the same configuration as that described in the first embodiment.

  The first MCM heat exchanger 10A has the MCM heat exchange described in the first embodiment except that it has only one port 13a at the high temperature end and only one port 13c at the low temperature end. It has the same configuration as the vessel 10. The second MCM heat exchanger 10B also has only one port 13b at the high temperature end and the MCM heat exchange described in the first embodiment except that it has only one port 13d at the low temperature end. It has the same configuration as the vessel 10.

  In the present embodiment, the first and second MCM heat exchangers 10A and 10B are supported by the rotating body 15. The rotating body 15 is rotatable by a rotary actuator 16. The first and second MCM heat exchangers 10A and 10B are connected to first to fourth pipes 41 to 44 via the rotary joint 17. In addition, as a specific example of the rotary actuator 16, an electric motor etc. can be illustrated, for example.

  That is, as the rotating body 15 rotates, the port 13a at the high temperature end of the first MCM heat exchanger 10A is connected to one of the first pipe 41 or the third pipe 43 through the rotary joint 17. In addition, the port 13b at the high temperature end of the second MCM heat exchanger 10B is configured to be connected to the other of the third pipe 43 or the first pipe 41 via the rotary joint 17.

  Similarly, as the rotating body 15 rotates, the port 13c at the low temperature end of the first MCM heat exchanger 10A is connected to one of the second pipe 42 or the fourth pipe 44 via the rotary joint 17. And the low temperature end port 13d of the second MCM heat exchanger 10B is configured to be connected to the other of the fourth pipe 44 or the second pipe 42 through the rotary joint 17. .

  The magnetic field application device 20 B has a pair of permanent magnets 21. The magnetic field application device 20B moves the permanent magnet 21 between the “first position” and the “second position”, and also the permanent magnet 21 at the “first position” or the “second position”. It is possible to fix it on The “first position” in the present embodiment is a position where the MCM heat exchanger 10A (10B) located between the first pipe 41 and the second pipe 42 is sandwiched by the permanent magnets 21 (FIG. 6 in FIG. 6). Position of the permanent magnet 21 shown by a broken line of On the other hand, the “second position” in the present embodiment is a position where the MCM heat exchanger 10B (10A) located between the third pipe 43 and the fourth pipe 44 is sandwiched by the permanent magnets 21 (see FIG. The position of the permanent magnet 21 shown by the solid line in 6).

  The piping system 30B has the same configuration as the piping system 30 of the first embodiment except that the first to fourth check valves 51 to 54 are not provided. The rotary pump 105 is provided between the fourth connection point 42 b and one port 90 a of the second external heat exchanger 90 in the second pipe 42 of the pipe system 30 B.

  Also in the magnetic heat pump device 1B of the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to execute the “cooling mode” (see FIG. 7) and the “heating mode” (see FIG. 8). The "cooling mode" in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the "first control" in the present invention, and the "heating mode" in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the "second control" in the present invention.

  Specifically, when the “cooling mode” is instructed, as shown in FIG. 7, the control device 110 first moves the permanent magnet 21 to the “second position” and fixes it at that position. Thus, the first to eighth on-off valves 61 are controlled so as to control the magnetic field application device 20B and to open the first to fourth on-off valves 61 to 64 and close the fifth to eighth on-off valves 65 to 68. Control ~ 68. Thereby, the high temperature end of the first and second MCM heat exchangers 10A and 10B and the first external heat exchanger 70 are connected via the first and third pipes 41 and 43, and The low temperature end of the first and second MCM heat exchangers 10A and 10B and the second external heat exchanger 90 are connected via the fourth pipes 42 and 44, as shown by solid solid arrows in FIG. A "first path" is formed. That is, in the "cooling mode", the high temperature ends of the first and second MCM heat exchangers 10A and 10B are connected to the first external heat exchanger 70, and the first and second MCM heat exchangers The low temperature end of 10 A, 10 B is connected to the second external heat exchanger 90. The “first path” in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the “first path” in the present invention.

  When the above “first path” is formed, the control device 110 drives the rotary pump 105 and drives the rotary actuator 16 to rotate the rotary body 15. Thus, a magnetic field is applied to the MCMs 11 and 12 of one MCM heat exchanger 10B (10A) by the permanent magnet 21 located at the “second position”, and the heated liquid refrigerant is transferred to the MCM heat exchanger 10B ( 10A) is supplied to the first external heat exchanger 70 and dissipated outside the vehicle through the first external heat exchanger 70. On the other hand, since the magnetic field is removed from the MCMs 11 and 12 of the other MCM heat exchanger 10A (10B), the cooled liquid refrigerant flows from the MCM heat exchanger 10A (10B) to the second external heat exchanger 90. The interior of the vehicle is cooled via the second external heat exchanger 90.

  On the other hand, when the "heating mode" is instructed, as shown in FIG. 8, the control device 110 first moves the permanent magnet 21 to the "first position" and fixes it at that position. Control the magnetic field application device 20B and close the first to fourth on-off valves 61 to 64 and open the fifth to eighth on-off valves 65 to 68. Control 68 As a result, the low temperature end of the MCM heat exchanger 10 and the first external heat exchanger 70 are connected via the fifth and seventh pipes 45, 47, and the sixth and eighth pipes 46, 48 are The high temperature end of the MCM heat exchanger 10 and the second external heat exchanger 90 are connected to each other to form a "second path" as indicated by solid thick arrows in FIG. That is, in the “heating mode”, the low temperature end of the MCM heat exchanger 10 is connected to the first external heat exchanger 70, and the high temperature end of the MCM heat exchanger 10 is connected to the second external heat exchanger 90. Connected The “second path” in the embodiment corresponds to an example of the “second path” in the present invention.

  When the above-mentioned “second path” is formed, the control device 110 drives the rotary pump 105 and drives the rotary actuator 16 to rotate the rotary body 15. Thus, a magnetic field is applied to the MCMs 11 and 12 of one of the MCM heat exchangers 10A (10B) by the permanent magnet 21 located at the “first position”, and the heated liquid refrigerant is transferred to the MCM heat exchanger 10A ( 10B) is supplied to the second external heat exchanger 90, and the interior of the vehicle is heated via the second external heat exchanger 90. On the other hand, since the magnetic field is removed from the MCMs 11 and 12 of the other MCM heat exchanger 10B (10A), the cooled liquid refrigerant flows from the MCM heat exchanger 10B (10A) to the first external heat exchanger 70. , And absorbs heat from the outside of the vehicle via the first external heat exchanger 70.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the piping system 30B can switch between the first path shown in FIG. 7 and the second path shown in FIG. . Therefore, even when a plurality of MCMs 11 and 12 are used, a complicated structure or the like for mechanically reversing the arrangement of the MCMs 11 and 12 is not necessary, so that the cooling mode / heating mode can be Since switching is possible, it is possible to suppress the increase in cost of so-called cascade connection type magnetic heat pump devices.

  The embodiments described above are described to facilitate the understanding of the present invention, and are not described to limit the present invention. Therefore, each element disclosed in the above embodiment is intended to include all design changes and equivalents that fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although it explained that "cooling mode" and "heating mode" were automatically switched using a control device, it is not limited in particular to this, For example, the 1st-8th on-off valve 61 to 68 may be opened and closed manually.

  As long as the magnetic heat pump device 1 has the function of the first reciprocating pump 80 and the function of the second reciprocating pump 100, the reciprocating pump device for realizing these functions is not particularly limited to the above. For example, one port is connected to the ninth connection point 41c of the first pipe 41 by using a single reciprocating pump device having a cylinder in which two ports are formed with the piston interposed therebetween. The other port may be connected to the tenth connection point 42c of the second pipe 42 to realize the function of the first reciprocating pump and the function of the second reciprocating pump.

  For example, although the above-mentioned embodiment explained the example which applied a magnetic heat pump device to the air conditioner of a car, the use in particular of a magnetic heat pump device is not limited to this. For example, the magnetic heat pump apparatus may be applied to a home air conditioner. Alternatively, the magnetic heat pump device according to the present invention is applied to an application in a cryogenic region such as a refrigerator or an application in a somewhat high temperature region by selecting an MCM having an appropriate Curie temperature according to the application. You may

1, 1B: Magnetic heat pump device 10, 10A, 10B: MCM heat exchanger 11: first MCM
12: Second MCM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Case 13a-13d 1st-4th port 15 Rotor 16 Rotational actuator 17 Rotary joint 20 Magnetic field application device 21 Permanent magnet 22 Reciprocation actuator 30 Piping system 41-48 1st-4th Eighth piping 41a, 41b, 41c ... first, third, ninth connection points 42a, 42b, 42c ... second, fourth, tenth connection points 43a, 43b ... fifth, seventh connection points Sixth and eighth connection points 51 to 54 First to fourth check valves 61 to 68 First to eighth on-off valves 70 First external heat exchanger 70a, 70b Port 80 First reciprocating pump 81 Piston 82 Piping 90 Second external heat exchanger 90a, 90b Port 100 Second reciprocating pump 101 Piston 102 Piping 105 Rotary pump 110 Control Location

Claims (5)

An internal heat exchanger having a plurality of magnetocaloric effect materials different in Curie point;
A magnetic field applying device configured to apply a magnetic field to the magnetocaloric effect material and to change the magnitude of the magnetic field;
A piping system connecting the internal heat exchanger and the first external heat exchanger, and connecting the internal heat exchanger and the second external heat exchanger;
Fluid supply for supplying fluid from the internal heat exchanger to the first or second external heat exchanger through the piping system in accordance with a change in magnitude of a magnetic field applied to the magnetocaloric effect material Means, and
The piping system is
A first path connecting one end of the internal heat exchanger to the first external heat exchanger and connecting the other end of the internal heat exchanger to the second external heat exchanger;
Selectively connecting the other end of the internal heat exchanger and the first external heat exchanger, and selectively connecting one end of the internal heat exchanger and the second external heat exchanger; Magnetic heat pump device that is configured to form a. A magnetic heat pump apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The piping system is
A first pipe connecting one end of the internal heat exchanger to the first external heat exchanger;
A second pipe connecting the other end of the internal heat exchanger and the second external heat exchanger;
A third pipe connecting one end of the internal heat exchanger to the first external heat exchanger;
A fourth pipe connecting the other end of the internal heat exchanger and the second external heat exchanger;
A fifth pipe connected to the first pipe at a first connection point and connected to the second pipe at a second connection point;
A sixth pipe connected to the first pipe at a third connection point and connected to the second pipe at a fourth connection point;
A seventh pipe connected to the third pipe at a fifth connection point and connected to the fourth pipe at a sixth connection point;
An eighth pipe connected to the third pipe at a seventh connection point and connected to the fourth pipe at an eighth connection point;
The first to eighth on-off valves respectively provided in the first to the eighth pipes;
The third connection point is disposed on the internal heat exchanger side with respect to the first connection point,
The second connection point is disposed on the internal heat exchanger side with respect to the fourth connection point,
The seventh connection point is disposed on the internal heat exchanger side with respect to the fifth connection point,
The sixth connection point is disposed on the internal heat exchanger side with respect to the eighth connection point,
The first on-off valve is disposed between the first connection point and the third connection point.
The second on-off valve is disposed between the second connection point and the fourth connection point.
The third on-off valve is disposed between the fifth connection point and the seventh connection point,
The fourth on-off valve is disposed between the sixth connection point and the eighth connection point,
The first path is formed by opening the first to fourth on-off valves and closing the fifth to eighth on-off valves.
The magnetic heat pump device according to claim 1, wherein the second path is formed by closing the first to fourth on-off valves and opening the fifth to eighth on-off valves. The magnetic heat pump device according to claim 2,
The fluid supply means is
A first reciprocating pump connected to the first pipe;
A second reciprocating pump connected to the second pipe;
The said heat pump system is a magnetic heat pump apparatus containing the 1st-4th non-return valve provided in the said 1st-4th piping, respectively. A magnetic heat pump apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
The first reciprocating pump is connected between the first connection point and the first external heat exchanger;
The second reciprocating pump is connected between the fourth connection point and the second external heat exchanger;
The first check valve is provided between one end of the internal heat exchanger and the third connection point, and the fluid flow direction is from the first external heat exchanger to the internal heat exchanger Restrict to the direction towards
The second check valve is provided between the other end of the internal heat exchanger and the second connection point, and the flow direction of the fluid is changed from the second external heat exchanger to the internal heat exchange Limited to the direction towards the
The third check valve is provided between one end of the internal heat exchanger and the seventh connection point, and the fluid flow direction is from the internal heat exchanger to the first external heat exchanger Restrict to the direction towards
The fourth check valve is provided between the other end of the internal heat exchanger and the sixth connection point, and the fluid flow direction is from the internal heat exchanger to the second external heat exchange. Magnetic heat pump device that restricts in the direction towards the It is a magnetic heat pump apparatus of Claim 3 or 4, Comprising:
The magnetic heat pump device includes a control device that controls the magnetic field application device, the first and second reciprocating pumps, and the first to eighth on-off valves.
The controller is configured to selectively execute the first control and the second control,
The first control pushes out the fluid by the first reciprocating pump when weakening the magnetic field to the magnetocaloric effect material, whereas the second reciprocating pump pushes the fluid when the magnetic field to the magnetocaloric material is strengthened. Control to push out the fluid by
The second control pushes the fluid by the first reciprocating pump when strengthening the magnetic field to the magnetocaloric effect material, whereas the second reciprocating pump pushes the fluid when weakening the magnetic field to the magnetocaloric material. Control to push out the fluid by
The controller is
When the first control is performed, the first to eighth on / off valves are opened so as to open the first to fourth on / off valves and close the fifth to eighth on / off valves. Control
When the second control is performed, the first to eighth on / off valves are closed so as to close the first to fourth on / off valves and open the fifth to eighth on / off valves. Magnetic heat pump device to control.

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