JP2004317040A - Temperature regulating device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small temperature regulating device for improving heat exchange efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: When impressing a magnetic field on magnetic work substances (work substances) 12 and 13, or when removing the magnetic field from the work substances 12 and 13, by magnetic field generators 14 and 20 in the middle of a flow passage of liquid 40, the work substances 12 and 13 largely change in magnetic entropy at the ordinary temperature, and the magnetic heat quantity effect is generated. As a result of this, the liquid 40 is heated and cooled, and heat is exchanged with outside air by a heat exchanger arranged on the downstream side of the work substances 12 and 13. This temperature regulating device can dispense with a compressor for compressing gas to high pressure since the gas is not used as a medium. This temperature regulating device uses the work substances 12 and 13 such as largely changing the magnetic entropy at the ordinary temperature, and thereby dispenses with a special temperature environment such as the extremely low temperature, in its turn, a special magnet such as a superconducting magnet, for reducing a loss in energy. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

温度調整装置１０は、表１に示される「状態Ｉ」と「状態ＩＩ」との２つの状態のうち何れか一方の状態を取るようになっており、温度センサ４６及び４８によって液体４０の飽和温度が検出された場合に、制御装置３２が、この飽和温度が検出された際の状態から他の状態に切り替えるようになっている。
【００５０】
ここで、「状態Ｉ」は、磁場発生器１６に磁場を印加させて磁気透過ボックス１４で液体４０が飽和温度まで加熱された場合に、バルブ６２を開いて飽和温度に達した液体４０を磁気透過ボックス１４から発熱器２６へ流動させ、かつ、バルブ６８を閉じて磁気透過ボックス１４から吸熱器２８へ液体４０を流動させることを中断するのに並行して、磁場発生器２２に磁場の印加を中断させて磁気透過ボックス２０で液体４０を冷却し、バルブ６６を閉じて液体４０を磁気透過ボックス２０から発熱器２６へ流動させることを中断し、かつ、バルブ６４を開いて磁気透過ボックス２０から吸熱器２８へ液体４０を流動させる状態である。
【００５１】
これに対して、「状態ＩＩ」は、磁場発生器２２に磁場を印加させて磁気透過ボックス２０で液体４０が飽和温度まで加熱された場合に、バルブ６６を開いて飽和温度に達した液体４０を磁気透過ボックス２０から発熱器２６へ流動させ、かつ、バルブ６４を閉じて磁気透過ボックス２０から吸熱器２８へ液体４０を流動させることを中断するのに並行して、磁場発生器１６に磁場の印加を中断させて磁気透過ボックス１４で液体４０を冷却し、バルブ６２を閉じて液体４０を磁気透過ボックス１４から発熱器２６へ流動させることを中断し、かつ、バルブ６８を開いて磁気透過ボックス１４から吸熱器２８へ液体４０を流動させる状態である。
【００５２】
このようにして、制御装置３２は、「状態Ｉ」と「状態ＩＩ」とを交互に切り替えるようになっている。
【００５３】
以下に、本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る温度調整装置１０の作用について説明する。
【００５４】
液体４０は、パイプ１０２及びパイプ１０４のそれぞれにポンプ６０によって圧送され、磁気透過ボックス１４及び磁気透過ボックス２０に至る。磁場発生器１６及び磁場発生器２２によって磁気透過ボックス１４及び磁気透過ボックス２０内の磁気作業物質１２、１３に磁場が印加されたり磁気作業物質１２、１３から磁場が取り去られたりすると、磁気作業物質１２、１３では、常温で磁気エントロピーが変化して、磁気熱量効果を生じる。磁気作業物質１２、１３に磁場が印加された場合には、磁気作業物質１２、１３が発熱して液体４０の温度が上昇する。一方、磁気作業物質１２、１３から磁場が取り去られた場合には、磁気作業物質１２、１３が吸熱して液体４０の温度が低下する。この場合において、磁気作業物質１２、１３は細粉状又はメッシュ状とされている。この結果、磁気作業物質１２、１３の表面積が増えるので、磁気作業物質１２、１３と液体４０との接触面積を大きくすることができる。従って、磁気作業物質１２、１３と液体４０との間の熱交換を効率良く行うことができる。
【００５５】
磁気透過ボックス１４及び磁気透過ボックス２０内の液体４０を加熱及び冷却する際において、制御装置３２は、磁気透過ボックス１４内の液体４０を磁気作業物質１２に加熱（冷却）させ、これに並行して、磁気透過ボックス内２０の液体４０を磁気作業物質１３に冷却（加熱）させる。さらに、制御装置３２は、磁気透過ボックス１４（磁気作業物質２０）で飽和温度まで加熱された液体４０を流動させる際には、バルブ６２（バルブ６６）を開いてこの加熱された液体４０を発熱器２６へ流動させ、かつ、バルブ６８（バルブ６４）を閉じてこの加熱された液体を吸熱器２８へ流動させることを中断させる。これに並行して、制御装置３２は、磁気透過ボックス２０（磁気透過ボックス１４）で冷却された液体４０を流動させる際には、バルブ６６（バルブ６２）を閉じてこの冷却された液体４０を発熱器２６に流動させることを中断させ、かつ、バルブ６４（バルブ６８）を開いてこの冷却された液体４０を吸熱器２８に流動させる。このようにして制御装置３２は、「状態Ｉ」と「状態ＩＩ」とを交互に切り替える。この結果、発熱器２６には飽和温度まで加熱された液体４０が供給され、吸熱器２８には冷却された液体４０が供給されることになる。従って、飽和温度まで加熱された液体４０と冷却された液体４０とを分別して発熱器２６、吸熱器２８のそれぞれで液体４０と外気との熱交換を行うことができる。この結果、外気は加熱されたり冷却されたりして、外気の温度が調整される。
【００５６】
このような温度調整装置１０では、磁気透過ボックス１４内の液体４０及び磁気透過ボックス２０内の液体４０の飽和温度は、磁気透過ボックス１４、２０にそれぞれ設けられた温度センサ４６、４８によって検出される。温度センサ４６、４８が液体４０の飽和温度を検出すると、制御装置３２は、「状態Ｉ」と「状態ＩＩ」とを切り替える。このように、飽和温度が温度センサ４６、４８によって検出されるため、液体４０が飽和温度に達したことを検出する精度が向上する。
【００５７】
また、発熱器２６及び吸熱器２８から流動した液体４０は、発熱器２６及び吸熱器２８の下流側に設けられたタンク５８に所定量蓄えられる。このタンク５８に蓄えられた液体４０は、ポンプ６０によって汲み出されて再びパイプ１０２、１０４に圧送される。この結果、液体４０は温度調整装置１０を循環することになり、外気との間で熱交換済みの液体を再利用することができる。
【００５８】
さらに、ファン３４、３６は、それぞれ発熱器２６、吸熱器２８によって熱交換された外気を所定方向へ流動させる。この場合において、ファン３４、３６は、液体４０と外気との熱交換を促進させる。この結果、発熱器２６、吸熱器２８のそれぞれでの液体４０と外気との熱交換を効率良く行うことができる。
【００５９】
ここで、気体を媒体とした従来の温度調整装置では、気体を高圧に圧縮するための圧縮機が必要不可欠となる。この結果、装置にこの圧縮機を設置するための所定の空間を要するため、装置を小型化することが困難となる。この点、本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る温度調整装置１０では、気体を高圧に圧縮するための圧縮機を必要としないため、装置の小型化を図ることができる。またさらに、温度調整装置１０は、気体を高圧に圧縮するための圧縮機が不要であるので、低騒音かつ低振動で装置を駆動することができる。また、温度調整装置１０では、気体を高圧に圧縮するための圧縮機が不要であるため、動力は液体の圧送に（単に液体４０をパイプ１０２、１０４等に流すためだけに）必要なものに限られる。従って、温度調整装置１０は、省エネルギーを図ることができる。
【００６０】
また、温度調整装置１０は、常温で磁気エントロピーが大きく変化するような磁気作業物質１２、１３を使用しているため、超低温等の特殊な温度環境、ひいては超伝導材料を用いた超伝導磁石や強力な磁場を発生する電磁石等の特殊な磁石を不要とし、エネルギーの損失が少ない理想的な温度調整装置を得ることができる。すなわち、温度調整装置１０は、磁気エネルギーを熱エネルギーに変換する熱変換効率を向上させることができる。
【００６１】
以上説明したように、本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る温度調整装置１０は、小型で熱変換効率を向上させることができる。
【００６２】
なお、本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る温度調整装置１０では、温度センサ４６、４８を用いて液体４０が飽和温度に達したことを検出した際に、制御装置３２が、「状態Ｉ」と「状態ＩＩ」とを切り替えるものとしたが、本発明は、これに限らない。温度センサ４６、４８を用いなくとも、磁場発生器１６及び磁場発生器２２が磁場を印加してから液体４０が飽和温度に達するまでの飽和温度到達時間を予め計測しておき、制御装置３２が、飽和温度到達時間毎に「状態Ｉ」と「状態ＩＩ」とを切り替える構成としてもよい。
【００６３】
この場合においては、外気の温度を調整するにあたって、磁場発生器１６、２２が磁場を印加してから磁気透過ボックス１４、２０内の液体４０の温度が飽和温度に達するまでの飽和温度到達時間を予め計測しておき、制御装置３２にこの飽和温度到達時間を設定しておく。その後、外気の温度を調整する際には、制御装置３２が、磁場発生器１６、２２の何れか一方が磁場を印加し始めてから飽和温度到達時間毎に「状態Ｉ」と「状態Ｉ」とを切り替える。このようにして「状態Ｉ」と「状態ＩＩ」とが切り替えられるため、液体４０が飽和温度に達したことを検出する特別な温度センサ（例えば、上述した温度センサ４６、４８）を不要とすることができる。温度調整装置１０をこのような構成にしても、上述した本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る温度調整装置１０と同様の効果を奏することができる。
（第２の実施の形態）
次に、本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る温度調整装置１０について説明する。なお、上述した本発明の第１の実施の形態と同一構成・同一作用の箇所には、同一符号を付して説明を省略する。
【００６４】
図３に示されるように、本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る温度調整装置１０は、磁場発生器１６、２２に永久磁石８０及びヨーク８２を組み込んでハイブリッド型磁石（永久磁石と電磁石とを組み合わせた磁石）としたものである。
【００６５】
磁場発生器１６、２２の側断面図において、磁場発生器１６、２２の中央部には、矩形状の永久磁石８０が設けられている。永久磁石８０のＮ極８４とＳ極８６とのそれぞれには、磁性材からなる一対の矩形状のヨーク８２の各々が一体的に密着接合されており、これらの永久磁石８０と一対のヨーク８２とは、一体となって略「Ｉ」字状となっている。永久磁石８０は、これらの一対のヨーク８２を介してヨーク４２の左右方向中央上部及び左右方向中央下部に一体的に密着接合されている。
【００６６】
図４（Ａ）に示されるように、このような磁場発生器１６、２２では、励磁コイル４４の電流がオフの場合に、永久磁石８０から放出された磁力線（矢印Ｙを参照。）は、永久磁石８０のＮ極８４から放出されて、永久磁石８０の上方のヨーク８２とヨーク４２との連結部位からヨーク４２の励磁コイル４４側を経て、永久磁石８０の下方のヨーク８２とヨーク４２との連結部位から永久磁石８０のＳ極８６に至るようになっている。すなわち、励磁コイル４４の電流がオフの場合には磁場発生器１６は、永久磁石８０に対して励磁コイル４４側で閉ループ状の磁気回路を構成し、磁気作業物質１２、１３へ磁場を印加しないようになっている。
【００６７】
一方、図４（Ｂ）に示されるように、励磁コイル４４の電流がオンの場合には、永久磁石８０で生じた磁力線（矢印Ｚを参照。）は、励磁コイル４４で発生した磁場（矢印Ｗを参照。）の影響を受けて、永久磁石８０の上方のヨーク８２とヨーク４２との連結部位からヨーク４２の磁気透過ボックス１４、２０側を経て、永久磁石８０の下方のヨーク８２とヨーク４２との連結部位から永久磁石８０のＳ極８６に至るようになっている。すなわち、励磁コイル４４の電流がオンの場合においては、磁場発生器１６、２２は、永久磁石８０に対して磁気透過ボックス１４、２０側で閉ループ状の磁気回路を構成し、磁気作業物質１２、１３に磁場を印加するようになっている。この場合において、磁場発生器１６、２２は、永久磁石８０で発生した磁場と励磁コイル４４で発生した磁場とを重畳させて、永久磁石８０で発生した磁場の強さと励磁コイル４４で発生した磁場の強さとをそのまま加算した強さの磁場を生じさせるようになっている。
【００６８】
以下に、本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る温度調整装置１０の作用について説明する。
【００６９】
励磁コイル４４の電流がオフの場合では、永久磁石８０で生じた磁場は、磁気透過ボックス１４、２２を透過しないため、磁気作業物質１２、１３に磁場が印加されることはない（図４（Ａ））。
【００７０】
一方、励磁コイル４４の電流がオンの場合では、永久磁石８０で生じた磁場に励磁コイル４４で生じた磁場（すなわち、電磁石で生じた磁場）を重畳させることで、永久磁石８０で生じた磁力線の向きが変更される。永久磁石８０で生じた磁力線は、永久磁石８０から見て左回り方向に進み、磁気透過ボックス１４、２０の内部の磁気作業物質１２、１３を通過する。この結果、磁気透過ボックス１４の内部の磁気作業物質１２や磁気透過ボックス２０の内部の磁気作業物質１３に強い磁場を印加する（図４（Ｂ））。従って、本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る温度調整装置１０では、磁場発生器１６、２２が、ヨーク８２に接合された永久磁石８０と、ヨーク４２及び励磁コイル４４からなる電磁石とから構成されているため、例えば、超伝導磁石や強力な磁場を発生する電磁石等の特殊な磁石を用いなくても強い磁場を磁気作業物質１２、１３に印加することができる。
【００７１】
またここで、少なくとも磁場発生器１６、２２の内部、すなわちヨーク４２、８２では、永久磁石８０で発生した磁場や励磁コイル４４で発生した磁場は弱められることがない。この結果、磁場発生器１６、２２で発せられて磁気作業物質１２、１３に印加される磁場は、永久磁石８０で発生した磁場と励磁コイル４４で発生した磁場とを最も効率良く利用したものとなる。従って、温度調整装置１０は、磁気エネルギーを熱エネルギーに変換する熱変換効率をより一層向上させることができる。
【００７２】
以上説明したような本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る温度調整装置１０は、上述した本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る温度調整装置１０と同様の効果を奏することができる。
【００７３】
なお、本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る温度調整装置１０では、温度センサ４６、４８を用いて液体４０が飽和温度に達したことを検出した際に、制御装置３２が、「状態Ｉ」と「状態ＩＩ」とを切り替えるものとしたが、本発明は、これに限らない。温度センサ４６、４８を用いなくとも、磁場発生器１６及び磁場発生器２２が磁場を印加してから液体４０が飽和温度に達するまでの飽和温度到達時間を予め計測しておき、制御装置３２が、飽和温度到達時間毎に「状態Ｉ」と「状態ＩＩ」とを切り替える構成としてもよい。
【００７４】
この場合においては、外気の温度を調整するにあたって、磁場発生器１６、２２が磁場を印加してから磁気透過ボックス１４、２０内の液体４０の温度が飽和温度に達するまでの飽和温度到達時間を予め計測しておき、制御装置３２にこの飽和温度到達時間を設定しておく。その後、外気の温度を調整する際には、制御装置３２が、磁場発生器１６、２２の何れか一方が磁場を印加し始めてから飽和温度到達時間毎に「状態Ｉ」と「状態Ｉ」とを切り替える。このようにして「状態Ｉ」と「状態ＩＩ」とが切り替えられるため、液体４０が飽和温度に達したことを検出する特別な温度センサ（例えば、上述した温度センサ４６、４８）を不要とすることができる。温度調整装置１０をこのような構成にしても、上述した本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る温度調整装置１０と同様の効果を奏することができる。
（第３の実施の形態）
次いで、本発明の第３の実施の形態に係る温度調整装置１０について説明する。なお、上述した本発明の第１及び第２の実施の形態と同一構成・同一作用の箇所には、同一符号を付して説明を省略する。
【００７５】
図５に示されるように、本発明の第３の実施の形態に係る温度調整装置１０は、空間９２を設け、この空間９２の壁９４の一部を構成するように発熱器２６及び吸熱器２８を対向させて配置し、発熱器２６及び吸熱器２８付近では、発熱器２６及び吸熱器２８の配置箇所を除いて空間９２を気密にしたものである。さらに、この空間９２の内部には、送風機としての１台のファン９０が配置されている。ファン９０は、発熱器２６及び吸熱器２８で加熱及び冷却された外気を空間９２の内部側から外部側に向けて流動させるようになっている。また、このファン９０は、発熱器２６及び吸熱器２８において、液体４０と外気との間の熱交換を促進させる役割を担っている。なお、図５では、説明の都合上、パイプ１０２、１０４、１０６、１０８、及びバルブ６２、６４、６６、６８等を省略して示している。また、図５における矢印付きの破線は、ファン３４によって外気が流動する向きを示している。
【００７６】
以下に、本発明の第３の実施の形態に係る温度調整装置１０の作用について説明する。
【００７７】
外気の温度を調整する際には、発熱器２６、吸熱器２８の内部を液体４０が通過することで、外気と液体４０との間で熱交換が行われる。その後、発熱器２６、吸熱器２８によって熱交換された外気がファン９０によって空間９２の内部側から外部側に向かって流動する。
【００７８】
このような温度調整装置１０では、発熱器２６及び吸熱器２８付近では、発熱器２６及び吸熱器２８の配置箇所を除いて空間９２を気密にしているため、外気は発熱器２６及び吸熱器２８を通過する。この結果、発熱器２６、吸熱器２８で熱交換された外気を空間９２の内部側から外部側に向けて流動させるには、１台のファン９０の駆動で十分となる。従って、温度調整装置１０の部品点数を削減することができる。
【００７９】
また、発熱器２６、吸熱器２８で熱交換された外気を流動させるための動力が、ファン９０の１台分で済むため、温度調整装置１０は、省エネルギーを図ることができる。
【００８０】
以上説明したような本発明の第３の実施の形態に係る温度調整装置１０は、上述した本発明の第１及び第２の実施の形態に係る温度調整装置１０と同様の効果を奏することができる。
【００８１】
なお、本発明の第３の実施の形態に係る温度調整装置１０では、温度センサ４６、４８を用いて液体４０が飽和温度に達したことを検出した際に、制御装置３２が、「状態Ｉ」と「状態ＩＩ」とを切り替えるものとしたが、本発明は、これに限らない。温度センサ４６、４８を用いなくとも、磁場発生器１６及び磁場発生器２２が磁場を印加してから液体４０が飽和温度に達するまでの飽和温度到達時間を予め計測しておき、制御装置３２が、飽和温度到達時間毎に「状態Ｉ」と「状態ＩＩ」とを切り替える構成としてもよい。
【００８２】
この場合においては、外気の温度を調整するにあたって、磁場発生器１６、２２が磁場を印加してから磁気透過ボックス１４、２０内の液体４０の温度が飽和温度に達するまでの飽和温度到達時間を予め計測しておき、制御装置３２にこの飽和温度到達時間を設定しておく。その後、外気の温度を調整する際には、制御装置３２が、磁場発生器１６、２２の何れか一方が磁場を印加し始めてから飽和温度到達時間毎に「状態Ｉ」と「状態Ｉ」とを切り替える。このようにして「状態Ｉ」と「状態ＩＩ」とが切り替えられるため、液体４０が飽和温度に達したことを検出する特別な温度センサ（例えば、上述した温度センサ４６、４８）を不要とすることができる。温度調整装置１０をこのような構成にしても、上述した本発明の第３の実施の形態に係る温度調整装置１０と同様の効果を奏することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１乃至第３の実施の形態に係る温度調整装置の構成を示す概略図である。
【図２】本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る磁場発生器の側断面図である。
【図３】本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る磁場発生器の側断面図である。
【図４】本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る磁場発生器で発生した磁場の向きを説明するための図であり、（Ａ）は磁場印加オフの状態における図、（Ｂ）は磁場印加オンの状態における図である。
【図５】本発明の第３の実施の形態に係る発熱器及び吸熱器が壁の一部を構成している空間の概略図である。
【符号の説明】
１０・・温度調整装置、１２・・磁気作業物質（第１の磁気作業物質）、１３・・磁気作業物質（第２の磁気作業物質）、１４・・磁気透過ボックス（第１の磁気透過ボックス）、１６・・磁場発生器（第１の磁場発生器）、２０・・磁気透過ボックス（第２の磁気透過ボックス）、２２・・磁場発生器（第２の磁場発生器）、２６・・発熱器（熱交換器）、２８・・吸熱器（熱交換器）、３２・・制御装置、３４、３６・・ファン（送風機）、４０・・液体、４２・・ヨーク（電磁石）、４４・・励磁コイル（電磁石）、４６、４８・・温度センサ、５８・・タンク、６０・・ポンプ、６２・・バルブ（第１のバルブ）、６４・・バルブ（第２のバルブ）、６６・・バルブ（第３のバルブ）、６８・・バルブ（第４のバルブ）、８０・・永久磁石、１０２・・パイプ（第１の流路）、１０４・・パイプ（第２の流路）、１０６・・パイプ（第３の流路）、１０４・・パイプ（第４の流路）[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a temperature control device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A heat engine conforming to the Carnot cycle is generally used as a temperature adjustment technique applied to a refrigeration technique or the like. In a heat engine conforming to the Carnot cycle, gas is confined in a shielded space, and for example, a compressor for compressing the gas to a high pressure is operated to change the state of the gas. The gas has a role as a medium between the object of temperature adjustment (for example, outside air) and the outside world. When the compressor is operated, the gas repeatedly undergoes processes such as compression, heat release, expansion, and heat absorption, and is subjected to temperature adjustment. In this configuration, heat is exchanged between the device and the outside world, and the temperature of the temperature adjustment target is adjusted.
[0003]
However, in such a heat engine conforming to the Carnot cycle, a compressor for compressing gas to a high pressure is indispensable, and a predetermined space is required for installation of the compressor, so that it is difficult to reduce the size of the apparatus. There was a disadvantage that it was.
[0004]
By the way, besides such a heat engine conforming to the Carnot cycle, there is also known a temperature adjusting device that adjusts the temperature of the temperature adjustment target by using the magnetocaloric effect in a special temperature environment (for example, ultra-low temperature). Such a temperature adjusting device does not employ a gas or a compressor for compressing the gas to a high pressure, but employs a magnetic material or a magnetic field generator for applying a magnetic field to the magnetic material. Activate the magnetic field generator to increase or decrease the magnetic entropy of the magnetic material (the amount indicating the direction of the magnetic moments of the atoms that compose the magnetic material) under a special temperature environment, thereby releasing heat to the magnetic material. Or heat is absorbed (that is, a magnetocaloric effect is caused), and the temperature of the temperature adjustment target is adjusted via a medium (generally, a liquid) between the magnetic material and the temperature adjustment target accordingly. It is. In such a temperature control device, a compressor for compressing gas to a high pressure is not required, so that the device can be downsized (Patent Document 1).
[0005]
Here, such a magnetic material has such a property that when the magnetic entropy greatly increases or decreases in a special temperature environment, the amount of heat radiation (the amount of heat generation) and the amount of heat absorption also increase. Furthermore, there is also a correlation between the increase / decrease width of the magnetic entropy and the strength of the magnetic field applied to the magnetic material.To greatly increase or decrease the magnetic entropy under a special temperature environment such as ultra-low temperature, apply a strong magnetic field to the magnetic material. Therefore, it is necessary to cause magnetic transformation (phase transition) inside the magnetic material.
[0006]
However, in order to apply a strong magnetic field to a magnetic material under a special temperature environment such as an ultra-low temperature, a special temperature environment such as an ultra-low temperature is created, and a superconducting magnet using a superconducting material or a strong magnetic field is used. There is a drawback that a special magnet such as a generated electromagnet must be used.
[0007]
By the way, in addition to the above-described heat engine conforming to the Carnot cycle and a temperature adjusting device utilizing the magnetocaloric effect in a special temperature environment, a temperature adjustment object utilizing thermoelectric conversion of a thermoelectric element (Peltier element) which generates the Peltier effect is used. There is a temperature adjusting device for adjusting the temperature of the device. The Peltier element is an element that generates heat when an electric current flows, and is composed of two kinds of different metals connected at two places (two connection points) or two kinds of semiconductors, a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor. Some are connected alternately in series or in parallel. The Peltier element has a configuration in which when a current flows between two connection points (contact points), a temperature difference occurs between the two connection points (Patent Document 2).
[0008]
Generally, a Peltier device made of a semiconductor is used because of its high thermoelectric conversion efficiency. The Peltier element made of a semiconductor has a flat plate shape, and one surface is a cooling surface (collection of low-temperature contacts) and the other surface is a heat radiation surface (collection of high-temperature contacts). (Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, “Peltier device” means a Peltier device made of a semiconductor.)
[0009]
However, in such a Peltier element, since the cooling surface and the heat dissipation surface are adjacent to each other, it is necessary to suppress heat conduction between the contact on the cooling surface side and the contact on the heat dissipation surface side. Further, it is necessary to increase the electric conductivity of the Peltier device. If the number of P-type semiconductors and N-type semiconductors is increased to increase the cooling surface and the heat radiation surface of the Peltier element, and to obtain a sufficient amount of heat generation and heat absorption for adjusting the temperature of the temperature adjustment target, The electric conductivity of the Peltier element decreases, causing heat conduction between the cooling surface and the heat radiation surface. For this reason, there is a disadvantage that it is not preferable to increase the scale of the Peltier element itself.
[0010]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-31978
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-2003-92433
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a small-sized temperature control device capable of improving heat conversion efficiency.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the magnetic entropy is changed at room temperature by applying a magnetic field, and a magnetocaloric effect is generated by providing a flow path through which liquid is pumped by a pump and being provided in the middle of the flow path. A magnetic working material, a magnetic field generator that applies a magnetic field to the magnetic working material, and a heat exchanger that is provided downstream of the magnetic working material in the flow path and exchanges heat between the liquid and the outside air. And a valve provided in the flow path between the magnetic work material and the heat exchanger, and shutting off the flow of the liquid.
[0013]
According to the first aspect of the invention, in the flow path, the liquid is pumped by the pump. If a magnetic field is applied to or removed from the magnetic working material by the magnetic field generator in the middle of the flow path, the magnetic entropy of the magnetic working material changes at room temperature, causing a magnetocaloric effect. Here, the magnetic working substance is a substance that generates heat when a magnetic field is applied and decreases in temperature when the magnetic field is removed. When a magnetic field is applied to the magnetic working material, the magnetic working material generates heat and the temperature of the liquid increases. On the other hand, when the magnetic field is removed from the magnetic working material, the magnetic working material absorbs heat and the temperature of the liquid decreases. The liquid whose temperature has been changed in this way is pumped to the heat exchanger when the valve is opened. In the heat exchanger, the liquid exchanges heat with the outside air, that is, radiates (heats) or absorbs heat. As a result, the outside air is heated or cooled, and the temperature of the outside air is adjusted. In order to improve the efficiency of heat exchange between the magnetic working substance and the liquid, it is preferable to close the valve when the temperature of the liquid is changing. Further, as the magnetic working substance of the present invention, a compound containing any one element of gadolinium, lanthanum, iron, and silicon, or a hydrogen compound thereof is preferable because its magnetic entropy greatly increases and decreases at room temperature. .
[0014]
Here, in the conventional temperature control device using a gas as a medium, a compressor for compressing the gas to a high pressure is indispensable. As a result, a predetermined space for installing the compressor is required in the device, and it is difficult to reduce the size of the device. In this regard, the invention according to claim 1 does not require a compressor for compressing a gas to a high pressure, so that the size of the apparatus can be reduced. Still further, according to the present invention, since a compressor for compressing gas to a high pressure is not required, the apparatus can be driven with low noise and low vibration. Further, in the present invention, since a compressor for compressing the gas to a high pressure is not required, the power is limited to the power necessary for the pressure feeding of the liquid (only for flowing the liquid to the flow path). Therefore, the present invention can achieve energy saving.
[0015]
In addition, since the present invention uses a magnetic working substance whose magnetic entropy changes greatly at room temperature, it generates a special temperature environment such as an ultra-low temperature, and thus a superconducting magnet using a superconducting material or a strong magnetic field. This eliminates the need for special magnets, such as electromagnets, and provides an ideal temperature control device with low energy loss. That is, the present invention can improve the heat conversion efficiency of converting magnetic energy into heat energy.
[0016]
As described above, the temperature control device of the present invention is small and can improve the heat conversion efficiency.
[0017]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the first and second independent flow paths through which liquid is pumped by a pump and the first and second magnetic transmission boxes that are capable of transmitting magnetism are respectively housed in the first and second magnetic transmission boxes. First and second magnetic working materials that are provided in the middle of the first and second flow paths, respectively, and change the magnetic entropy at room temperature by applying a magnetic field to produce a magnetocaloric effect; First and second magnetic field generators for applying a magnetic field to a second magnetic work material, respectively, in each of the first and second flow paths, downstream of the first and second magnetic transmission boxes; A first and a second heat exchanger provided for exchanging heat between the liquid and the outside air, respectively, and connecting the second magnetically permeable box and the first heat exchanger, Transfer the liquid from the magnetically permeable box to the first heat exchanger. A third flow path for flowing the liquid, the first magnetically permeable box and the second heat exchanger, and the liquid is flowed from the first magnetically permeable box to the second heat exchanger. A fourth flow path, provided between the first and second magnetically permeable boxes and the first and second heat exchangers in each of the first to fourth flow paths; A first to a fourth valve for independently blocking a flow, and a magnetic field applied to one of the first and second magnetic field generators, the magnetic field being applied to the first and second magnetic transmission boxes. When the liquid is heated to the saturation temperature in one of the magnetic transmission boxes, the flow path on the first heat exchanger side among valves provided in each of the flow paths connected to the one magnetic transmission box Open the valve and let the liquid that has reached the saturation temperature By flowing the gas from the gas permeable box to the first heat exchanger, and closing the valve of the flow path on the second heat exchanger side among the valves of the flow path connected to the one magnetically permeable box, In parallel with interrupting the flow of the liquid from one magnetic transmission box to the second heat exchanger, the application of a magnetic field to the other magnetic field generator is interrupted, and the liquid is applied to the other magnetic transmission box. And closing the valve of the flow path on the side of the first heat exchanger among valves provided in each of the flow paths connected to the other magnetically permeable box to allow the liquid to flow through the other magnetically permeable box. From flowing to the first heat exchanger, and, among the valves of the flow path connected to the other magnetically permeable box, open the valve of the flow path on the second heat exchanger side The other magnetic transmission box A first state in which the liquid flows from the second heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger, and a case where the liquid is heated to the saturation temperature in the other magnetic transmission box by applying a magnetic field to the other magnetic field generator. Opening the valve of the flow path on the first heat exchanger side among the valves provided in each of the flow paths connected to the other magnetically permeable box, the liquid that has reached the saturation temperature is subjected to the other magnetic flow. The valve of the flow path on the second heat exchanger side among the valves of the flow path connected to the other magnetic transmission box is closed by closing the valve of the flow path connected to the other magnetic transmission box from the transmission box to the first heat exchanger. In parallel with interrupting the flow of the liquid from the magnetically permeable box to the second heat exchanger, the application of a magnetic field to the one magnetic field generator is interrupted, and the Cool the liquid Of the valves provided in each of the flow paths connected to the magnetically permeable box, the valve in the flow path on the first heat exchanger side is closed, and the liquid is transferred from the one of the magnetically permeable boxes to the first heat exchange. To interrupt the flow to the vessel, and, among the valves of the flow path connected to the one magnetically permeable box, open the valve of the flow path on the second heat exchanger side to open the valve from the one magnetically permeable box. And a control device that alternately switches between a second state in which the liquid flows to the second heat exchanger.
[0018]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the liquid is pumped into each of the independent first and second flow paths by the pump, and reaches the first and second magnetically permeable boxes. A magnetic field is applied to or removed from the first and second magnetic working materials in the first and second magnetic transmission boxes by the first and second magnetic field generators. If it is, the magnetic entropy of the first and second magnetic working materials changes at room temperature, and a magnetocaloric effect occurs. When a magnetic field is applied to the magnetic working material, the magnetic working material generates heat and the temperature of the liquid increases. On the other hand, when the magnetic field is removed from the magnetic working material, the magnetic working material absorbs heat and the temperature of the liquid decreases.
[0019]
When heating and cooling the liquid in the first and second magnetically permeable boxes, the control device controls the liquid in one of the first and second magnetically permeable boxes to be the first and second liquids. One of the magnetic working materials is heated (cooled), and in parallel with this, the liquid in the other magnetically permeable box is cooled (heated) to the other magnetic working material. Further, when flowing the liquid heated to the saturation temperature in the magnetically permeable box, the control device is configured to control the first heat exchanger side of the valves provided in each of the flow paths connected to the magnetically permeable box. Open the valve of the flow path to allow the heated liquid to flow to the first heat exchanger, and close the valve of the flow path on the second heat exchanger side to transfer the heated liquid to the second heat exchanger. The flow to the heat exchanger is interrupted. In parallel with this, when flowing the liquid cooled in the magnetically permeable box, the control device sets the first heat exchanger among the valves provided in each of the flow paths connected to the magnetically permeable box. Close the valve of the side flow path to interrupt the flow of the cooled liquid to the first heat exchanger, and open the valve of the flow path on the side of the second heat exchanger to open the cooled liquid. Through a second heat exchanger. In this way, the control device alternately switches between the first state and the second state. As a result, the liquid heated to the saturation temperature is supplied to the first heat exchanger, and the cooled liquid is supplied to the second heat exchanger. Therefore, the liquid heated to the saturation temperature and the cooled liquid can be separated, and the heat exchange between the liquid and the outside air can be performed in each heat exchanger. As a result, the outside air is heated or cooled, and the temperature of the outside air is adjusted. As the magnetic working material of the present invention, a compound containing any one element of gadolinium, lanthanum, iron, and silicon, or a hydrogen compound thereof is preferable because its magnetic entropy greatly increases and decreases at room temperature. .
[0020]
Here, in the conventional temperature control device using a gas as a medium, a compressor for compressing the gas to a high pressure is indispensable. As a result, a predetermined space for installing the compressor is required in the device, and it is difficult to reduce the size of the device. In this regard, according to the second aspect of the present invention, since a compressor for compressing gas to a high pressure is not required, the size of the apparatus can be reduced. Still further, according to the present invention, since a compressor for compressing gas to a high pressure is not required, the apparatus can be driven with low noise and low vibration. Further, in the present invention, since a compressor for compressing the gas to a high pressure is not required, the power is limited to the power necessary for the pressure feeding of the liquid (only for flowing the liquid to the flow path). Therefore, the present invention can achieve energy saving.
[0021]
In addition, since the present invention uses a magnetic working substance whose magnetic entropy changes greatly at room temperature, it generates a special temperature environment such as an ultra-low temperature, and thus a superconducting magnet using a superconducting material or a strong magnetic field. This eliminates the need for special magnets, such as electromagnets, and provides an ideal temperature control device with low energy loss. That is, the present invention can improve the heat conversion efficiency of converting magnetic energy into heat energy.
[0022]
As described above, the temperature control device of the present invention is small and can improve the heat conversion efficiency.
[0023]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the magnetic working material is in the form of fine powder or mesh.
[0024]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the contact area between the magnetic working material and the liquid can be increased by increasing the surface area of the first and second magnetic working materials. As a result, heat exchange between the magnetic working material and the liquid can be performed efficiently.
[0025]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect of the invention, the first and second magnetically permeable boxes are provided with temperature sensors for detecting a saturation temperature of the liquid, respectively. The control device switches between the first state and the second state when the temperature sensor detects the saturation temperature of the liquid.
[0026]
According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the saturation temperature of the liquid in the first magnetic transmission box and the saturation temperature of the liquid in the second magnetic transmission box are the temperatures provided in the first and second magnetic transmission boxes, respectively. Detected by sensor. When the temperature sensor detects the saturation temperature of the liquid, the control device alternately switches between the first state and the second state. Thus, since the saturation temperature is detected by the temperature sensor, the accuracy of detecting that the liquid has reached the saturation temperature is improved.
[0027]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect of the present invention, the first and second magnetic field generators apply a magnetic field and then the first and second magnetic transmission boxes have the same structure. Preliminarily measuring a saturation temperature reaching time until the temperature of the liquid reaches the saturation temperature, and the control device switches between the first state and the second state for each saturation temperature reaching time. It is characterized by.
[0028]
According to the invention described in claim 5, when adjusting the temperature of the outside air, the temperature of the liquid in the first and second magnetic transmission boxes is reduced after the first and second magnetic field generators apply a magnetic field. The time until the saturation temperature is reached before reaching the saturation temperature is measured in advance, and the time to reach the saturation temperature is set in the control device. Thereafter, when adjusting the temperature of the outside air, the control device sets the first state and the second state every time the saturation temperature is reached after one of the first and second magnetic field generators starts applying a magnetic field. Switch between states. Since the first state and the second state are switched in this manner, a special temperature sensor for detecting that the liquid has reached the saturation temperature can be omitted.
[0029]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the magnetic field generator includes a permanent magnet and an electromagnet.
[0030]
According to the invention described in claim 6, since the magnetic field generator includes the permanent magnet and the electromagnet, by superposing the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet on the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet, for example, superconductivity A strong magnetic field can be applied to a magnetic work material without using a special magnet such as a magnet or an electromagnet that generates a strong magnetic field.
[0031]
In the invention according to claim 7, in the invention according to claim 6, the magnetic field generator superimposes a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet and a magnetic field generated by the electromagnet to generate a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet. And the strength of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet is generated as it is.
[0032]
According to the invention described in claim 7, at least inside the magnetic field generator, the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet or the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet is not weakened. As a result, the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator and applied to the magnetic work material is a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet and the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet in the most efficient manner. Therefore, the invention according to claim 7 can further improve the heat conversion efficiency of converting magnetic energy into heat energy.
[0033]
The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the first and second flow paths are downstream of the first and second heat exchangers. And the pump is connected to the first heat exchanger, and further includes a tank for storing a predetermined amount of the liquid flowing from the first and second heat exchangers, and for storing the stored liquid by the pump. It is characterized by.
[0034]
According to the invention described in claim 8, the liquid flowing from the first and second heat exchangers is stored in a predetermined amount in a tank provided on the downstream side of the first and second heat exchangers. Further, the liquid stored in this tank is pumped out by the pump and is again pumped to the first and second flow paths. As a result, the liquid circulates through the temperature control device, and the liquid that has undergone heat exchange with the outside air can be reused.
[0035]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, a blower is further provided for flowing the outside air heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger in a predetermined direction. It is characterized by.
[0036]
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the blower causes the outside air heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger to flow in a predetermined direction. In this case, the blower promotes heat exchange between the liquid and the outside air in the heat exchanger. As a result, heat exchange between the liquid and the outside air can be performed efficiently.
[0037]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a temperature adjusting device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The temperature control device 10 is provided with a pump 60 for pumping a liquid (for example, water or a mixture of water and alcohol) 40 under pressure. A pipe 102 and a pipe 104 as first and second flow paths are independently connected to the pump 60, and the liquid 40 flows from the pump 60 side to each.
[0038]
A magnetic transmission box 14 and a magnetic transmission box 20 as first and second magnetic transmission boxes are provided in the middle of the pipe 102 and the pipe 104, respectively. The magnetic transmission box 14 and the magnetic transmission box 20 are formed of a paramagnetic material and can transmit magnetism. The magnetically permeable box 14 and the magnetically permeable box 20 are respectively provided with magnetic work materials 12 and 13 as first and second magnetic work materials in the form of fine powder or mesh (fine powder in the present embodiment). Is housed. The magnetic working materials 12 and 13 are compounds containing any one element of gadolinium, lanthanum, iron, and silicon (for example, compounds of Gd, compounds of La, Fe, Si, and the like), or hydrogen compounds thereof. The magnetic working materials 12 and 13 accommodated in the magnetically permeable boxes 14 and 20, respectively, are applied with magnetic fields by the magnetic field generators 16 and 22 as the first and second magnetic field generators, respectively. The entropy changes to produce a magnetocaloric effect.
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 2, the magnetic field generators 16 and 22 each have an exciting coil 44 wound around a magnetic yoke 42 having a substantially “C” -shaped cross section. That is, the yoke 42 and the exciting coil 44 constitute an electromagnet. A pair of edges of the yokes 42 of the magnetic field generators 16 and 22 are opposed to each other at a predetermined interval, and the magnetically permeable boxes 14 and 20 are spaced apart between the pair of edges. The magnetic field generators 16 and 22 constitute a closed-loop magnetic circuit (see arrow X) when a current flows through the exciting coil 44, and flow or cut off the current through the exciting coil 44. Thus, a magnetic field can be applied to or removed from the magnetically permeable boxes 14 and 20, and thus the magnetic work materials 12 and 13 contained in the magnetically permeable boxes 14 and 20. ing.
[0040]
The liquid 40 is stored inside the magnetically permeable box 14 and the magnetically permeable box 20, and the magnetic working materials 12 and 13 contained in the magnetically permeable box 14 and the magnetically permeable box 20 are immersed therein. When the magnetic working material 12 generates and absorbs heat due to the magnetocaloric effect, the liquid 40 is heated and cooled according to the heat generation and endothermic action of the magnetic working material 12.
[0041]
Temperature sensors 46 and 48 are attached to the magnetic transmission boxes 14 and 20, respectively, so that the temperature of the liquid 40 in the magnetic transmission box 14 and the saturation temperature of the liquid 40 in the magnetic transmission box 20 can be detected. It has become.
[0042]
As shown in FIG. 1, a heater 26 as a first heat exchanger and a heat absorber 28 as a second heat exchanger are provided downstream of 14 and 20 in each of 102 and 104. ing. A pipe 106 as a third flow path is provided between the magnetic transmission box 20 and the heater 26. The pipe 106 connects the magnetically permeable box 20 and the heater 26 so that the liquid 40 flows from the magnetically permeable box 20 to the heater 26. Further, a pipe 108 as a fourth flow passage is provided between the magnetic transmission box 14 and the heat absorber 28. Reference numeral 108 connects the magnetic transmission box 14 and the heat absorber 28 so that the liquid 40 flows from the magnetic transmission box 14 to the heat absorber 28.
[0043]
The heat generator 26 and the heat absorber 28 exchange heat between the liquid 40 and the outside air, respectively. In the heat generator 26, the liquid 40 heated by the magnetic working materials 12 and 13 by applying the magnetic field from the magnetic field generators 16 and 22 passes through the inside of the heat generator 26 and releases heat to the outside air. ing. On the other hand, in the heat absorber 28, the liquid 40 cooled by the magnetic work materials 12 and 13 is interrupted by the magnetic field generators 16 and 22 by stopping the application of the magnetic field. It is designed to take away the heat.
[0044]
In each of the pipes 102, 104, 106, and 108, a valve 62 as a first to a fourth valve is provided between the magnetic transmission box 14 and the magnetic transmission box 20 and the heater 26 and the heat absorber 28. 64, 66, and 68 are provided. These valves 62, 64, 66, 68 independently block the flow of the liquid 40.
[0045]
A tank 58 is provided downstream of the heat generator 26 and the heat absorber 28 in the pipes 102 and 104. The tank 58 stores a predetermined amount of the liquid 40 flowing from the heat generator 26 and the heat absorber 28. In the tank 58, the liquid 40 returns to normal temperature by radiating or absorbing heat within a predetermined time after the flow of the liquid 40. Further, the above-described pump 60 is connected to the tank 58 so that the liquid 40 stored in the tank 58 is pumped out by the pump 60.
[0046]
Such a temperature adjusting device 10 is provided with fans 34 and 36 as blowers corresponding to the heat generator 26 and the heat absorber 28, respectively. The fan 34 causes the outside air heated by the heater 26 to flow in a predetermined direction. On the other hand, the fan 36 allows the outside air cooled by the heat absorber 28 to flow in a predetermined direction.
[0047]
Further, the temperature adjusting device 10 includes a control device 32. The control device 32 is connected to each of the temperature sensors 46 and 48, the magnetic field generators 16 and 22, and the valves 62, 64, 66 and 68. The control device 32 determines whether or not the magnetic field generators 16 and 22 apply a magnetic field to the magnetic work material 12 based on the temperature of the liquid 40 in the magnetic transmission box 14 and the temperature of the liquid 40 in the magnetic transmission box 20. And independently controls the opening and closing of the valves 62, 64, 66, 68, and the like.
[0048]
Table 1 below shows possible states of the temperature adjustment device 10.
[0049]
[Table 1]

The temperature adjustment device 10 takes one of two states, “state I” and “state II” shown in Table 1, and the temperature sensors 46 and 48 saturate the liquid 40. When the temperature is detected, the control device 32 switches from the state when the saturation temperature is detected to another state.
[0050]
Here, “state I” means that when the magnetic field is applied to the magnetic field generator 16 and the liquid 40 is heated to the saturation temperature in the magnetic transmission box 14, the valve 62 is opened and the liquid 40 that has reached the saturation temperature is magnetized. Applying a magnetic field to the magnetic field generator 22 in parallel with flowing the liquid 40 from the transmission box 14 to the heater 26 and closing the valve 68 to stop the flow of the liquid 40 from the magnetic transmission box 14 to the heat absorber 28. , The liquid 40 is cooled in the magnetically permeable box 20, the valve 66 is closed to interrupt the flow of the liquid 40 from the magnetically permeable box 20 to the heater 26, and the valve 64 is opened to open the magnetically permeable box 20. In a state in which the liquid 40 flows from the heat sink 28 to the heat absorber 28.
[0051]
On the other hand, in the “state II”, when the magnetic field is applied to the magnetic field generator 22 and the liquid 40 is heated to the saturation temperature in the magnetic transmission box 20, the valve 66 is opened to open the liquid 40 that has reached the saturation temperature. The magnetic field is applied to the magnetic field generator 16 in parallel with the flow of the liquid 40 from the magnetically permeable box 20 to the heater 26 and closing the valve 64 to interrupt the flow of the liquid 40 from the magnetically permeable box 20 to the heat absorber 28. , The liquid 40 is cooled in the magnetically permeable box 14, the valve 62 is closed to stop the flow of the liquid 40 from the magnetically permeable box 14 to the heater 26, and the valve 68 is opened to open the magnetically permeable box. In this state, the liquid 40 flows from the box 14 to the heat absorber 28.
[0052]
In this way, the control device 32 alternately switches between “state I” and “state II”.
[0053]
Hereinafter, the operation of the temperature adjusting device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0054]
The liquid 40 is pumped by the pump 60 to each of the pipes 102 and 104 and reaches the magnetically permeable box 14 and the magnetically permeable box 20. When a magnetic field is applied to or removed from the magnetic working materials 12 and 13 in the magnetic transmission box 14 and the magnetic transmission box 20 by the magnetic field generator 16 and the magnetic field generator 22, the magnetic work is performed. In the substances 12 and 13, the magnetic entropy changes at room temperature to produce a magnetocaloric effect. When a magnetic field is applied to the magnetic working materials 12 and 13, the magnetic working materials 12 and 13 generate heat and the temperature of the liquid 40 increases. On the other hand, when the magnetic field is removed from the magnetic working materials 12 and 13, the magnetic working materials 12 and 13 absorb heat and the temperature of the liquid 40 decreases. In this case, the magnetic working materials 12, 13 are in the form of fine powder or mesh. As a result, the surface area of the magnetic working materials 12 and 13 increases, so that the contact area between the magnetic working materials 12 and 13 and the liquid 40 can be increased. Therefore, heat exchange between the magnetic working materials 12 and 13 and the liquid 40 can be performed efficiently.
[0055]
When heating and cooling the liquid 40 in the magnetically permeable box 14 and the magnetically permeable box 20, the control device 32 causes the magnetic work material 12 to heat (cool) the liquid 40 in the magnetically permeable box 14, and in parallel with this, Then, the liquid 40 in the magnetically permeable box 20 is cooled (heated) by the magnetic work substance 13. Further, when flowing the liquid 40 heated to the saturation temperature in the magnetically permeable box 14 (magnetic work substance 20), the control device 32 opens the valve 62 (valve 66) to generate heat from the heated liquid 40. And the valve 68 (valve 64) is closed to interrupt the flow of the heated liquid to the heat sink 28. In parallel with this, when flowing the liquid 40 cooled in the magnetically permeable box 20 (magnetically permeable box 14), the control device 32 closes the valve 66 (the valve 62) to remove the cooled liquid 40. The flow to the heat generator 26 is interrupted, and the valve 64 (valve 68) is opened to flow the cooled liquid 40 to the heat absorber 28. In this way, control device 32 alternately switches between “state I” and “state II”. As a result, the liquid 40 heated to the saturation temperature is supplied to the heat generator 26, and the cooled liquid 40 is supplied to the heat absorber 28. Therefore, the liquid 40 heated to the saturation temperature and the cooled liquid 40 can be separated, and the heat exchange between the liquid 40 and the outside air can be performed by the heat generator 26 and the heat absorber 28, respectively. As a result, the outside air is heated or cooled, and the temperature of the outside air is adjusted.
[0056]
In such a temperature adjusting device 10, the saturation temperature of the liquid 40 in the magnetically permeable box 14 and the saturation temperature of the liquid 40 in the magnetically permeable box 20 are detected by temperature sensors 46 and 48 provided in the magnetically permeable boxes 14 and 20, respectively. You. When the temperature sensors 46 and 48 detect the saturation temperature of the liquid 40, the control device 32 switches between “state I” and “state II”. As described above, since the saturation temperature is detected by the temperature sensors 46 and 48, the accuracy of detecting that the liquid 40 has reached the saturation temperature is improved.
[0057]
Further, a predetermined amount of the liquid 40 flowing from the heat generator 26 and the heat absorber 28 is stored in a tank 58 provided on the downstream side of the heat generator 26 and the heat absorber 28. The liquid 40 stored in the tank 58 is pumped out by the pump 60 and sent again to the pipes 102 and 104 by pressure. As a result, the liquid 40 circulates through the temperature control device 10, and the liquid that has undergone heat exchange with the outside air can be reused.
[0058]
Further, the fans 34 and 36 allow the outside air heat-exchanged by the heat generator 26 and the heat absorber 28 to flow in a predetermined direction. In this case, the fans 34 and 36 promote heat exchange between the liquid 40 and the outside air. As a result, heat exchange between the liquid 40 and the outside air in each of the heater 26 and the heat absorber 28 can be performed efficiently.
[0059]
Here, in the conventional temperature control device using a gas as a medium, a compressor for compressing the gas to a high pressure is indispensable. As a result, a predetermined space for installing the compressor is required in the device, and it is difficult to reduce the size of the device. In this regard, the temperature control device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention does not require a compressor for compressing gas to a high pressure, so that the size of the device can be reduced. Further, the temperature control device 10 does not require a compressor for compressing gas to a high pressure, so that the device can be driven with low noise and low vibration. Further, in the temperature control device 10, since a compressor for compressing the gas to a high pressure is not required, the power is required for the pressure feeding of the liquid (only for flowing the liquid 40 through the pipes 102, 104, etc.). Limited. Therefore, the temperature adjusting device 10 can save energy.
[0060]
In addition, since the temperature adjusting device 10 uses the magnetic working materials 12 and 13 whose magnetic entropy greatly changes at room temperature, a special temperature environment such as an ultra-low temperature, and a superconducting magnet using a superconducting material, A special magnet such as an electromagnet that generates a strong magnetic field is not required, and an ideal temperature control device with little energy loss can be obtained. That is, the temperature adjustment device 10 can improve the heat conversion efficiency of converting magnetic energy into heat energy.
[0061]
As described above, the temperature adjustment device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is small and can improve the heat conversion efficiency.
[0062]
In the temperature adjusting device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when detecting that the liquid 40 has reached the saturation temperature using the temperature sensors 46 and 48, the control device 32 sets the “state I”. And "state II" are switched, but the present invention is not limited to this. Without using the temperature sensors 46 and 48, the saturation temperature reaching time from when the magnetic field generator 16 and the magnetic field generator 22 apply the magnetic field to when the liquid 40 reaches the saturation temperature is measured in advance, and the control device 32 Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which “state I” and “state II” are switched every time the saturated temperature reaches.
[0063]
In this case, when adjusting the temperature of the outside air, the saturation temperature reaching time from the application of the magnetic field by the magnetic field generators 16 and 22 to the temperature of the liquid 40 in the magnetic transmission boxes 14 and 20 reaches the saturation temperature. It measures in advance and sets this saturation temperature reaching time in the control device 32. Thereafter, when adjusting the temperature of the outside air, the control device 32 changes the “state I” and the “state I” at each saturation temperature reaching time after one of the magnetic field generators 16 and 22 starts applying a magnetic field. Switch. In this manner, the state is switched between the “state I” and the “state II”, so that a special temperature sensor (for example, the above-described temperature sensors 46 and 48) for detecting that the liquid 40 has reached the saturation temperature is not required. be able to. Even when the temperature control device 10 is configured as described above, the same effects as those of the temperature control device 10 according to the above-described first embodiment of the present invention can be obtained.
(Second embodiment)
Next, a temperature adjustment device 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the same components and operations as those in the first embodiment of the present invention described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
[0064]
As shown in FIG. 3, the temperature control apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is a hybrid type magnet (permanent magnet and electromagnet including a permanent magnet 80 and a yoke 82 incorporated in the magnetic field generators 16 and 22). ).
[0065]
In the side sectional views of the magnetic field generators 16 and 22, a rectangular permanent magnet 80 is provided at the center of the magnetic field generators 16 and 22. A pair of rectangular yokes 82 made of a magnetic material are integrally and closely bonded to the N pole 84 and the S pole 86 of the permanent magnet 80, respectively. And have a substantially "I" shape integrally. The permanent magnet 80 is integrally and closely bonded to the upper center in the left-right direction and the lower center in the left-right direction of the yoke 42 via the pair of yokes 82.
[0066]
As shown in FIG. 4A, in such magnetic field generators 16 and 22, when the current of the exciting coil 44 is off, the magnetic force lines (see the arrow Y) emitted from the permanent magnet 80 are: The yoke 42 is emitted from the N pole 84 of the permanent magnet 80, passes from the connection portion between the yoke 82 and the yoke 42 above the permanent magnet 80, passes through the exciting coil 44 side of the yoke 42, and connects to the yoke 82 and the yoke 42 below the permanent magnet 80. Is connected to the S pole 86 of the permanent magnet 80. That is, when the current of the exciting coil 44 is off, the magnetic field generator 16 forms a closed-loop magnetic circuit on the exciting coil 44 side with respect to the permanent magnet 80, and does not apply a magnetic field to the magnetic working materials 12 and 13. It has become.
[0067]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the current of the exciting coil 44 is on, the magnetic lines of force (see arrow Z) generated by the permanent magnet 80 are generated by the magnetic field (arrow: arrow) generated by the exciting coil 44. Under the influence of the above, the yoke 82 and the yoke below the permanent magnet 80 pass from the connection portion between the yoke 82 and the yoke 42 above the permanent magnet 80 through the magnetic transmission boxes 14 and 20 of the yoke 42. The connection portion 42 is connected to the S pole 86 of the permanent magnet 80. That is, when the current of the exciting coil 44 is on, the magnetic field generators 16 and 22 form a closed-loop magnetic circuit on the side of the magnetically permeable boxes 14 and 20 with respect to the permanent magnet 80, and the magnetic work material 12 and 13, a magnetic field is applied. In this case, the magnetic field generators 16 and 22 superimpose the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 80 and the magnetic field generated by the excitation coil 44, and the intensity of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 80 and the magnetic field generated by the excitation coil 44 And a magnetic field having a strength obtained by adding the strength of the magnetic field as it is.
[0068]
Hereinafter, the operation of the temperature adjusting device 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0069]
When the current of the exciting coil 44 is off, the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 80 does not pass through the magnetic transmission boxes 14 and 22, so that no magnetic field is applied to the magnetic work materials 12 and 13 (FIG. 4 ( A)).
[0070]
On the other hand, when the current of the excitation coil 44 is on, the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 80 is superimposed on the magnetic field generated by the excitation coil 44 (that is, the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet) by the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 80. Is changed. The lines of magnetic force generated by the permanent magnet 80 travel counterclockwise as viewed from the permanent magnet 80, and pass through the magnetic working materials 12 and 13 inside the magnetic transmission boxes 14 and 20. As a result, a strong magnetic field is applied to the magnetic work material 12 inside the magnetic transmission box 14 and the magnetic work material 13 inside the magnetic transmission box 20 (FIG. 4B). Therefore, in the temperature adjusting device 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic field generators 16 and 22 are configured by the permanent magnet 80 joined to the yoke 82 and the electromagnet including the yoke 42 and the exciting coil 44. Therefore, a strong magnetic field can be applied to the magnetic working materials 12 and 13 without using a special magnet such as a superconducting magnet or an electromagnet that generates a strong magnetic field.
[0071]
Here, the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 80 and the magnetic field generated by the excitation coil 44 are not weakened at least inside the magnetic field generators 16 and 22, that is, the yokes 42 and 82. As a result, the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generators 16 and 22 and applied to the magnetic working materials 12 and 13 is a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 80 and the magnetic field generated by the excitation coil 44 most efficiently. Become. Therefore, the temperature adjusting device 10 can further improve the heat conversion efficiency of converting magnetic energy into heat energy.
[0072]
The temperature adjusting device 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention as described above can provide the same effects as those of the temperature adjusting device 10 according to the above-described first embodiment of the present invention.
[0073]
In the temperature adjustment device 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when detecting that the liquid 40 has reached the saturation temperature using the temperature sensors 46 and 48, the control device 32 sets the “state I”. And "state II" are switched, but the present invention is not limited to this. Without using the temperature sensors 46 and 48, the saturation temperature reaching time from when the magnetic field generator 16 and the magnetic field generator 22 apply the magnetic field to when the liquid 40 reaches the saturation temperature is measured in advance, and the control device 32 Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which “state I” and “state II” are switched every time the saturated temperature reaches.
[0074]
In this case, when adjusting the temperature of the outside air, the saturation temperature reaching time from the application of the magnetic field by the magnetic field generators 16 and 22 to the temperature of the liquid 40 in the magnetic transmission boxes 14 and 20 reaches the saturation temperature. It measures in advance and sets this saturation temperature reaching time in the control device 32. Thereafter, when adjusting the temperature of the outside air, the control device 32 changes the “state I” and the “state I” at each saturation temperature reaching time after one of the magnetic field generators 16 and 22 starts applying a magnetic field. Switch. In this manner, the state is switched between the “state I” and the “state II”, so that a special temperature sensor (for example, the above-described temperature sensors 46 and 48) for detecting that the liquid 40 has reached the saturation temperature is not required. be able to. Even when the temperature control device 10 is configured as described above, the same effects as those of the above-described temperature control device 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be achieved.
(Third embodiment)
Next, a temperature adjusting device 10 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the same reference numerals are given to portions having the same configuration and the same operation as those of the above-described first and second embodiments of the present invention, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0075]
As shown in FIG. 5, a temperature control device 10 according to a third embodiment of the present invention has a space 92, and a heat generator 26 and a heat absorber so as to constitute a part of a wall 94 of the space 92. 28 are arranged to face each other, and the space 92 is made airtight in the vicinity of the heat generator 26 and the heat absorber 28 except for where the heat generator 26 and the heat absorber 28 are arranged. Further, inside the space 92, one fan 90 as a blower is arranged. The fan 90 allows the outside air heated and cooled by the heat generator 26 and the heat absorber 28 to flow from the inside of the space 92 to the outside. The fan 90 plays a role in the heat generator 26 and the heat absorber 28 to promote heat exchange between the liquid 40 and the outside air. In FIG. 5, for convenience of explanation, the pipes 102, 104, 106, 108, the valves 62, 64, 66, 68 and the like are omitted. A broken line with an arrow in FIG. 5 indicates a direction in which the outside air flows by the fan 34.
[0076]
Hereinafter, the operation of the temperature adjusting device 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0077]
When adjusting the temperature of the outside air, heat exchange is performed between the outside air and the liquid 40 by passing the liquid 40 through the heat generator 26 and the heat absorber 28. After that, the outside air heat-exchanged by the heat generator 26 and the heat absorber 28 flows from the inside of the space 92 to the outside by the fan 90.
[0078]
In such a temperature control device 10, since the space 92 is air-tight near the heat generator 26 and the heat absorber 28 except where the heat generator 26 and the heat absorber 28 are arranged, the outside air is supplied to the heat generator 26 and the heat absorber 28. Pass through. As a result, the drive of one fan 90 is sufficient to allow the outside air heat exchanged by the heat generator 26 and the heat absorber 28 to flow from the inside to the outside of the space 92. Therefore, the number of parts of the temperature control device 10 can be reduced.
[0079]
Further, the power for flowing the outside air heat exchanged by the heat generator 26 and the heat absorber 28 is sufficient for one fan 90, so that the temperature control device 10 can save energy.
[0080]
The temperature adjusting device 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention as described above has the same effects as the temperature adjusting devices 10 according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention described above. it can.
[0081]
In the temperature adjustment device 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, when the temperature sensor 46, 48 is used to detect that the liquid 40 has reached the saturation temperature, the control device 32 sets “state I And "state II" are switched, but the present invention is not limited to this. Without using the temperature sensors 46 and 48, the saturation temperature reaching time from when the magnetic field generator 16 and the magnetic field generator 22 apply the magnetic field to when the liquid 40 reaches the saturation temperature is measured in advance, and the control device 32 Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which “state I” and “state II” are switched every time the saturated temperature reaches.
[0082]
In this case, when adjusting the temperature of the outside air, the saturation temperature reaching time from the application of the magnetic field by the magnetic field generators 16 and 22 to the temperature of the liquid 40 in the magnetic transmission boxes 14 and 20 reaches the saturation temperature. It measures in advance and sets this saturation temperature reaching time in the control device 32. Thereafter, when adjusting the temperature of the outside air, the control device 32 changes the “state I” and the “state I” at each saturation temperature reaching time after one of the magnetic field generators 16 and 22 starts applying a magnetic field. Switch. In this manner, the state is switched between the “state I” and the “state II”, so that a special temperature sensor (for example, the above-described temperature sensors 46 and 48) for detecting that the liquid 40 has reached the saturation temperature is not required. be able to. Even when the temperature control device 10 is configured as described above, the same effects as those of the above-described temperature control device 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention can be achieved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a temperature adjusting device according to first to third embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the magnetic field generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of a magnetic field generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the direction of a magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. It is a figure in the state of application ON.
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a space in which a heat generator and a heat absorber according to a third embodiment of the present invention form a part of a wall.
[Explanation of symbols]
10. temperature control device, 12 magnetic working material (first magnetic working material), 13 magnetic working material (second magnetic working material), 14 magnetic transmission box (first magnetic transmission box) ), 16 ... magnetic field generator (first magnetic field generator), 20 ... magnetic transmission box (second magnetic transmission box), 22 ... magnetic field generator (second magnetic field generator), 26 ... Heater (heat exchanger), 28 heat absorber (heat exchanger), 32 control device, 34, 36 fan (blower), 40 liquid, 42 yoke (electromagnet), 44 Excitation coils (electromagnets), 46, 48 Temperature sensors, 58 Tanks, 60 pumps, 62 valves (first valve), 64 valves (second valve), 66 valves Valve (third valve), 68 valve (fourth valve), 80 permanent Magnets, 102 ... pipe (first flow path), 104 ... pipe (second flow passage), 106 ... pipe (third channel), 104 ... pipe (fourth channel)

Claims (9)

A channel through which the liquid is pumped,
A magnetic working substance that is provided in the middle of the flow path and changes magnetic entropy at room temperature when a magnetic field is applied, and generates a magnetocaloric effect,
A magnetic field generator for applying a magnetic field to the magnetic working material,
A heat exchanger that is provided downstream of the magnetic work material in the flow path and exchanges heat between the liquid and outside air.
A valve provided between the magnetic work material and the heat exchanger in the flow path, for shutting off the flow of the liquid;
A temperature adjustment device comprising: Independent first and second flow paths through which liquid is pumped;
The magnetic entropy changes at room temperature when a magnetic field is applied by being housed in first and second magnetic transmission boxes, each of which is capable of transmitting magnetism, and provided in the middle of the first and second flow paths, respectively. A first and a second magnetic working material producing a magnetocaloric effect,
First and second magnetic field generators for applying a magnetic field to the first and second magnetic working materials, respectively;
First and second heat exchanges provided in each of the first and second flow paths downstream of the first and second magnetically permeable boxes and exchanging heat between the liquid and the outside air, respectively. Vessels,
A third flow path connecting the second magnetic permeable box and the first heat exchanger, and allowing the liquid to flow from the second magnetic permeable box to the first heat exchanger;
A fourth flow path connecting the first magnetically permeable box and the second heat exchanger, and flowing the liquid from the first magnetically permeable box to the second heat exchanger;
In each of the first to fourth flow passages, a second one is provided between the first and second magnetically permeable boxes and the first and second heat exchangers, and independently blocks the flow of the liquid. First to fourth valves;
The liquid is heated to a saturation temperature in one of the first and second magnetic transmission boxes by applying a magnetic field to one of the first and second magnetic field generators. In this case, among the valves provided in each of the flow paths connected to the one magnetically permeable box, a valve in the flow path on the first heat exchanger side is opened to allow the liquid that has reached the saturation temperature to flow into the one side. From the magnetically permeable box to the first heat exchanger, and, among the valves of the flow path connected to the one magnetically permeable box, close the valve of the flow path on the second heat exchanger side. In parallel with interrupting the flow of the liquid from the one magnetic transmission box to the second heat exchanger, the application of a magnetic field to the other magnetic field generator is interrupted, and the other magnetic transmission box stops applying the magnetic field. Cool the liquid and the other Of the valves provided in each of the flow paths connected to the magnetically permeable box, the valve in the flow path on the side of the first heat exchanger is closed, and the liquid is transferred from the other magnetically permeable box to the first heat transfer box. Interrupting the flow to the exchanger, and opening the valve of the flow path on the second heat exchanger side among the valves of the flow path connected to the other magnetically permeable box to open the other magnetically permeable box A first state in which the liquid flows from the second heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger;
A valve provided in each of the flow paths connected to the other magnetic transmission box when the liquid is heated to the saturation temperature in the other magnetic transmission box by applying a magnetic field to the other magnetic field generator. And opening the valve of the flow path on the first heat exchanger side to allow the liquid that has reached the saturation temperature to flow from the other magnetically permeable box to the first heat exchanger, and Closing the valve of the flow path on the side of the second heat exchanger among the valves of the flow path connected to the transmission box to allow the liquid to flow from the other magnetic transmission box to the second heat exchanger. In parallel with the interruption, the application of the magnetic field to the one magnetic field generator is interrupted to cool the liquid in the one magnetic transmission box, and the flow is connected to each of the flow paths connected to the one magnetic transmission box. Provided Closing the valve of the flow path on the side of the first heat exchanger in the first heat exchanger to interrupt the flow of the liquid from the one magnetically permeable box to the first heat exchanger; A second valve that opens the valve of the flow path on the side of the second heat exchanger among the valves of the flow path connected to the transmission box to flow the liquid from the one magnetic transmission box to the second heat exchanger. And a control device that alternately switches between
A temperature adjustment device comprising: The magnetic working material is in the form of fine powder or mesh,
The temperature control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first and second magnetic transmission boxes are provided with temperature sensors for detecting the saturation temperature of the liquid, respectively.
The control device switches between the first state and the second state when the temperature sensor detects a saturation temperature of the liquid,
The temperature adjusting device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The saturation temperature reaching time from when the first and second magnetic field generators apply the magnetic field until the temperature of the liquid in the first and second magnetic transmission boxes reaches the saturation temperature is measured in advance. ,
The control device switches between the first state and the second state for each saturation temperature reaching time,
The temperature adjusting device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The magnetic field generator includes a permanent magnet and an electromagnet,
The temperature adjusting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The magnetic field generator superimposes the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet and the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet, and adds the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet and the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet as they are. A magnetic field of
7. The temperature adjusting device according to claim 6, wherein: The first and second flow paths are provided downstream of the first and second heat exchangers, and the pump is connected thereto. The liquid flowing from the first and second heat exchangers is discharged from the first and second heat exchangers. Storing a predetermined amount, further comprising a tank in which the stored liquid is pumped by the pump,
The temperature adjusting device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein Further comprising a blower for flowing the outside air heat exchanged by the heat exchanger in a predetermined direction,
The temperature adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein

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