MXPA06009649A - Heat generator comprising a magneto-caloric material and thermie generating method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat generator comprising a magneto-caloric material and a method for generating efficient and reliable thermies enabling of substentially limiting displaceable inert masses in order to produce a magnetic field variation required for obtaining a magnetocaloric effect and usable by individuals and/or industries. The inventive generator (10) comprises magnetocaloric thermal elements (Ti) which are circularly arranged and crossed by conduits containing coolant flowing therethrough and magnetic elements (Gi) exposing said thermal elements (Ti) to a magnetic field action. The generator (10) also comprises magnetic convergence (Mj) and magnetic divergence (mj) elements arranged between the thermal elements (Ti) and the magnetic elements (Gi)and coupled to displacement means (not represented) for moving from one thermal element (Ti) to another thermal element (Ti+1) and initiating the magnetic flux variation in said thermal elements (Ti), thereby promoting the calorie and/or frigorie generation. The invention can be used for tempering, cooling, heating, conserving, drying and air-conditioning.

Description

THERMAL GENERATOR OF MAGNETO-CALORIC MATERIAL AND METHOD OF GENERATION OF THERMES DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention concerns a thermal generator of magneto-caloric material that contains at least one element, at least one magnetic element designed to generate a magnetic field in such a way that at least a part of the magnetic field can be subjected, the thermal generator also includes the magnetic regulation means and the means for the recovery of at least a part of the thermal baths generated by the thermal element subjected to a variable magnetic field. The invention also concerns a thermal generation method where in the course at least one thermal element is assumed in at least a part of the magnetic field generated by at least one magnetic element, in a module together with the regulating means magnetic to recover the magnetic field through the thermal element that are subjected to a variable magnetic field. The thermal generators of magneto-caloric material continue to use the magneto-caloric properties of certain materials such as gadolinium or certain alloys that have the peculiarity of heating during the effect of a magnetic field and of cooling to a temperature higher than the initial temperature, together with the disappearance of the magnetic field or continuation of the reduction of this magnetic field, in fact, when they pass through the magnetic field before, the magnetic moments of the magneto-caloric material are aligned, in such a way that an ordering of atoms that generates the heating of the magneto-caloric material. Outside the magnetic field or in case of a reduction of the magnetic field, the process is reversed and the magneto-caloric material cools to a temperature lower than the initial temperature. A group of American researchers developed and adapted a prototype of a thermal generator of magneto-caloric material comprising a disk formed by thermal sectors containing the magneto-caloric material in the form of a gadolinium alloy. This disk is designed to rotate continuously around its axis in such a way that it passes its thermal sectors in and out of a magnetic field formed by a permanent stationary flap in a part of the disk. With respect to the permanent flap, the disk passes inside a thermal transfer block that includes both circuits carrying the heat fluid directed to a calorie transporter, and cooling circuits generated by the thermal sectors included alternatively by the presence and absence of the magnetic field. The blog of thermal transfer includes the orifices, empty on the rotating disk that allow the contact between the heat carrier fluid and the rotating thermal sectors. In spite of the presence of rotating unions, it is difficult to ensure the approach between the thermal sectors and the thermal transfer block without affecting the overall output of the thermal generator. In addition, the change of time in a thermal sector is or is not subjected to the magnetic field and after heating or cooling, it is necessary to adjust the corresponding inputs and outputs of the hot circuits or the cold circuits. The device is therefore complex and unreal with a limited output that is not satisfactory. The publication WO-A-03/050456 describes a sensitive thermal generator similar to the previous one and which uses two different preferences. The thermal generator includes an annular wall surrounding a dozen thermal compartments separated by the junctions and each receiving gadolinium below the porous form. Each thermal compartment is provided with at least four holes in which one inlet orifice and one outlet orifice are joined to a hot circuit while another inlet orifice and another outlet orifice are joined to a cold circuit. The two permanent magnets are activated with a continuous rotating output movement that passes quickly through the various thermal compartments while successively undergoing a magnetic field. The hot and / or cold articles emitted towards the thermal compartments are directed towards the heat intersections through the heat and cold circuits of the heat carrier fluid to which they are connected successively through the intermediary of various rotating unions whose rotation is coupled by one or several insurances in the axis to carry out a continuous rotation of two magnets. This thermal generator then simulates the operation of a liquid ring. For operation, the thermal generator needs continuous rotations, the different rotating unions and the permanent magnets are synchronized and precise. The switching and tightness imperatives linked to these rotations make the thermal generator technically difficult and expensive to make. In addition, the principle of continuous operation returns to the perspectives of technical evolution of this thermal generator very limited. The present invention aims to solve these drawbacks by offering a thermal generator of a material of magneto-caloric efficiency, safe, conceptual, with reduced consumption of electrical energy, with good performance, which does not require any means of synchronization between the movement of the elements magneto-caloric, which does not need alternative means of communication of the hot and cold circuits that are described within the prototype of US researchers mentioned above, which allow to limit the inert masses considerably to displace and carry out the variation of the magnetic field necessary to obtain the magneto-caloric effect that is capable of being easily used both within large-scale industrial installations and in domestic applications. In this aim, the invention concerns a thermal generator of magneto-caloric material of the group indicated in the preamble, characterized in the means of magnetic regulation include the means of a magnetic regulation element, magnetic conductor, coupled to the means of displacements ordered by the displacement alternatively to register a magnetic element and a thermal element between an active position within which the magnetic element approaches and the thermal element which is arranged to channel at least the part of the magnetic chamber intended to receive the thermal element and a inactive position within which it is distant from the magnetic element and / or the thermal element and arranged to have no effect on the magnetic field. The magnetic regulation element can be a magnetic convergence element made of a material that has a magnetic conductivity higher than that existing in the environment that separates the magnetic element and the thermal element, where the magnetic convergence element is arranged in an active position to favor the passage of the magnetic field in the direction of the thermal element that it has in order to increase the magnetic field that it crosses. The magnetic regulating element may also have a magnetic divergence element made of a material having a magnetic conductivity higher than that of the thermal element, this magnetic divergence element having a means in a suitable form for surrounding a thermal element and arranged in an active manner , to divert in the middle a part of the magnetic field of the thermal element that it has to reduce the magnetic field that it crosses. The magnetic regulating element is advantageously carried out in a medium which is of a material selected from the group comprising light iron, ferrites, iron, chromium, vanadium alloys, compounds, nanocomposites, permalloys. According to a preferred form of performance, the thermal generator includes at least one magnetic convergence element known as magnetic torsion and at least one magnetic divergence element known as divergent or short-circuit arranged to alternatively allow the improvement of the magnetic field pitch in direction of the technical element and to divert the magnetic field from the thermal element.

In the active position, the magnetic regulating element is advantageously interposed between the magnetic element and the thermal element. The magnetic element preferably behaves at least as a positive magnetic terminal and at least as a negative magnetic terminal, the thermal element is arranged between the magnetic terminals and the magnetic regulating element is at least in an active position, interposed between minus the magnetic terminals. Advantageously: the magnetic convergence element can include two convergence pads placed in active position, by another thermal element located between the thermal element and the magnetic terminals and / or the magnetic divergence element can have a U-shape or of C intended as an overlap at least in active position, the element of the thermal between the thermal element and the magnetic terminals. According to another advantageous form, the magnetic divergence element mj includes at least one contact intended to be arranged in an active position, tangent to the thermal elements Ti and the magnetic terminals, the air gap separating the thermal element Ti from the terminals free remaining thermostats 40, 41. This air gap comprises between 0 mm and 50 mm and preferably less than 1 mm. The magnetic element can have a U or C shape, without limitation of shape, intended to be superposed before the magnetic regulating element. The displacement means can be arranged to enter the magnetic regulating element according to at least one displacement selected from the group comprising the continuous rotation, the step-by-step rotation, the alternate pivoting, the continuous translation, the step-by-step translation, the alternative translation and a combination of these displacements. The displacement means are preferably coupled to the actuating means selected from the group comprising a motor, a winch, a spring mechanism, a wind turbine, an electromagnet, a hydrogenerator, a mechanism of muscular force. The magnetic regulating element is advantageously placed for coupling a support of the displacement means and making an isolation of magnetic material selected from the group that notably comprises synthetic materials such as brass, bronze, aluminum, ceramics. The thermal generator preferably comprises at least as a total of magnetic elements, a total of hot thermal elements for trying to subject the magnetic field of at least one magnetic element, together with the magnetic adjustment elements placed by a support coupled in the means of displacement and arranged to simultaneously move the magnetic regulation elements where each one reports a thermal element and a given magnetic element, alternately in active position and inactive position. According to a first embodiment, the support includes at least one sensitive circular tray, movable in rotation about its axis, the thermal elements are arranged annularly and the magnetic elements form at least one pair of crowns which define the magnetic terminals positive and negative. In this configuration, the tray is preferably elongated to guarantee a defined interval for separating the convergence pads from the magnetic convergence elements between them and / or the opening of the U-shaped or C-shaped magnetic divergence elements. This elongation can be arranged separately and in a sensitive and parallel manner on the tray axis or radially and sensitively perpendicular to the tray axis. According to a second mode of processing, the support includes at least one substantially rectilinear bar, mobile translation, the thermal elements are arranged according to at least one line carried out by crossing and the magnetic elements form at least a pair of orders that define the Positive and negative magnetic terminals. In this configuration, the thermal elements can be arranged according to two substantially parallel lines placed in definition at a site. Advantageously, the magnetic elements can be formed in one piece. The magnetic elements are preferably selected from the group comprising a magnetic assembly, a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, a superconducting magnet, a supraconducting electromagnet, a supraconduct. According to a particular embodiment, the magnetic element and the thermal element are fixed and only the magnetic regulating element is mobile. Advantageously, the recovery means include at least one of the elements selected from the group comprising a transport circuit containing a heat-carrying fluid, the means for circulating the heat-carrying fluid, a heat exchanger. The invention also concerns a method of generating hot springs of the kind indicated in the preamble, characterized in that the magnetic field is varied to recover the thermal element, at least one magnetic regulating element, a magnetic conductor, is used, which moves between less an active position where the magnetic element approaches and the thermal element arranged to channel at least the part of the magnetic field designed to be recovered by the thermal element and an inactive position within that distance of the magnetic element and / or the thermal element and only to be without effect in this part of the magnetic field. Preferably, at least one magnetic element defined at least by a positive terminal and a negative terminal is used between those arranged in the thermal element and in a certain active position, the magnetic regulation element is interposed between at least the magnetic terminals of the element. magnetic. The present invention and its apparent advantages are improved in the description followed by the various modes of production, provide the non-limiting examples of title that refer to the attached figures, which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a thermal generator partially arranged according to a first embodiment of the invention, Figures 2A-2C are two perspective views substantially similar to the preceding one in which the thermal generator is represented in different states of placement, Figure 3A is an overlapping view of the generator Figure 2A and Figures 3B and 3C is a view on the section plane AA of Figure 3A, Figures 4A and 4B are respectively perspective views of the magnetic regulation element of Figure 3A and Figure 4C is a view. superimposed according to the plane of section BB of figure 4A, figure 5A is a view similar to figure 3A of the thermal generator of the invention according to a second embodiment, figures 5B and 5C are views according to the plane of section CC of figure 5A, figures 6A and 6B are respectively bottom and perspective views of the magnetic regulation element of figure 5A, the Figure 6C is a sectional view according to the section plane DD of Figure 6A, Figures 7A-7D are respectively perspective, lower plane and sectional views of the thermal generator of the invention according to a processing variant, Figure 7D is a perspective view of the magnetic regulation element of Figure 7C. Figures 8A and 8B are respectively sectional and perspective views of some other variant of elaboration of the magnetic regulation element, Figures 9A and 9B are respectively perspective and bottom views of a third embodiment of a thermal generator according to the invention , and Figures 9C and 9D are sectional views of the device of the respective figures according to the tray of the cutting lines EE and FF of the generator of Figure 9A, and Figure 10 represents in section a fourth embodiment of a generator thermal according to the invention. In a known way, a thermal generator of magneto-caloric material includes the thermal elements Ti, subjected to the magnetic field generated by the magnetic elements Gi. The thermal elements Ti contain a magneto-caloric material such as for example gadolinium (Gd), a gadolinium alloy containing for example silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P) ), arsenic (As) or any other material or equivalent magnetocaloric alloy. Generally, the magneto-caloric material may be in the form of a block, a tablet, powder, an agglomerate of pieces or other shapes adapted to form a material base alone or in combination with various magneto-caloric materials. The magnetic elements Gi may include one or several permanently full magnets, in parts or in sheets, associated with one or more magnetizable materials concentrated and directed in magnetic field lines from the permanent magnet. The magnetizable materials may contain iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), Vanadium (V), light iron, a set of these materials or other equivalent materials. Those types of equivalent magnets such as a magnetic assembly, an electromagnet, a supraconducting magnet, a supraconducting electromagnet, a supraconductor that can be used safely. For reasons of simplification, in the continuation of the description, a thermal generator according to the invention is known as a "generator", as the general principle of operation explained here with reference to all the figures. Before going into detail to carry out the different embodiments of the generator according to the invention, as the general principle of operation explained here with reference to all the figures. The generator 10-14 includes the magnetic regulating elements Mj, mj made of conductors of magnetic material such as, for example, light iron, ferrites, iron alloys, chromium, vanadium, compounds, nanocomposites, permalloys or other types of materials that have similar characteristics. Each magnetic regulating element Mj, mj is coupled at least in the displacement (not shown) moving alternatively between an active position and an inactive position that reports the thermal elements Ti and the magnetic elements Gi in order to generate the variation of the magnetic field recovered by the thermal elements Ti. In active position, each magnetic regulating element Mj, mj is close to a magnetic element gi and a thermal element Ti to favor the passage of the magnetic field emitted by the magnetic element Gi through the magnetic regulating element Mj, mj in the direction of the thermal element Ti, which generates an increase in the magnetic field recovered by the thermal element Ti. In the inactive position, the magnetic regulating element Mj, mj is far from the magnetic element Gi and / or the thermal element Ti so as not to have a significant impact on the magnetic field emitted by the magnetic element Gi, which generates a reduction or variation of the magnetic element. magnetic field recovered by the thermal element Ti. It is understood that the active position of the magnetic regulating element Mj, mj to report a coupling of the magnetic elements Gi and thermal Ti may correspond to the inactive position always of the magnetic regulating element Mj, mj to report a coupling of the magnetic elements Gi. + 1 and thermal Ti + 1 which are less established, for example adjacent to the preceding ones.

The elements of magnetic regulation can be the elements of magnetic convergence Mj made with a material having a magnetic conductivity higher than that between the magnetic elements Gi and the thermal elements Ti, for example, one of air. In the active position, the elements of magnetic convergence favor the passage of the magnetic field through these when crossing the thermal elements Ti shown in the view. In addition, those elements of magnetic convergence Mj tested for coupling the magnetic elements Gi and thermal Ti, in active position the thermal element Ti is subjected to a magnetic field superior to that shown when the magnetic convergence element Mj is distant from the magnetic elements Gi and thermal Ti, in inactive position. The elements of thermomagnetic regulation can also be the elements of magnetic divergence mj, generated from a material that has a magnetic conductivity higher than those thermal elements Ti in the presence of each suitable form to surround the contour of the element. In active position, the elements of magnetic divergence mj favor the passage of the magnetic field through each one, the magnetic field surrounds the thermal element Ti arranged in the view. In addition, those elements of magnetic divergence mj are close to the coupling of magnetic elements Gi and thermal Ti, in active position, the thermal element Ti is subjected to a magnetic field neutral or at least lower than the sudden time of the magnetic divergence element mj that it remains distant from the magnetic divergence element mj distant from the coupling of magnetic elements Gi and thermal Ti, in the inactive position. As it is detailed hereinafter, it is understood that it is possible to accumulate the efficiency of the two types of magnetic regulation elements Mj, mj when using alternatively, always a pair of magnetic elements Gi and thermal Ti, a magnetic divergence element mj and a magnetic convergence element Mj. With reference to figures 1 to 6, and being a first mode of manufacture, the generator 10-11 includes a set of twelve thermal elements Ti arranged in a circle where the center A plus an interface plate 20, annular, to form a ring thermal. The remote element includes a block of magneto-caloric material 30 and passes through the two conduits (not shown) through the cold remote inlet openings and the cold hot outlet openings. These conduits are designated as a reservoir respectively of the heat carrier fluid for heating or cooling the heat carrier fluid. The interface plate 20 is made of a mechanically rigid and thermally insulating material, for example a mixture of material, a synthetic material or any other equivalent material. The tension is ensured by a tension plate 22 made of a mechanically rigid and thermally insulating material, for example a mixture of material, a synthetic material or any other type of equivalent material. This includes four openings 21 where it consists of an opening of entrance to the cold circuit, an exit opening of the cold circuit, an opening of entrance to the hot circuit and an exit opening of the hot circuit. These openings 21 are intended to be limited by traditional recording and distribution means (not shown) of a hot external circuit and a cold external circuit (not shown). The thermal elements Ti are fixed, the adjustment of the cold and hot external circuits of the inlet and outlet openings 21 are made of quick simple hydraulic joints or not. The hot and cold external circuits are for example formed of rigid, semi-rigid or flexible conduits in which the heat-carrying fluids circulate and adjust each of the various thermal intersections (not shown) or those other equivalent means that allow the recovery of heat or cold. As described below, this thermal intersection 10-11 also allows to simultaneously recover the heat and cold emitted by the thermal elements Ti of the thermal ring.

The circulation of heat-carrying fluids is for example ensured by forced or free circulation means (not shown) in such a manner, for example, by a pump or any other equivalent means. The heat transfer fluids used are selected remarkably according to the coast temperature sought. When using for example pure water for positive temperatures and additional water of antifreeze for negative temperatures. For lower temperatures, a gas such as helium can be used as a heat carrier fluid. The inlet and outlet openings 21 for adjusting the hot and cold circuits are limited between them by hot and cold piping (not shown), internal to the interface plate 20 and can be rinsed by virtue of the inlet and inlet openings. output of the heating elements 21. In addition, the hot pipe connects the hot circuit inlet and outlet openings to the hot inlet and outlet openings. In the same way, the cold duct connects the inlet and outlet openings of the cold circuit to the cold inlet and outlet openings. These pipelines can be anticipated to join the thermal elements Ti in series or parallel. They can be made for example, for mechanisms or for grinding. The generator 10-11 includes a dozen magnetic elements Gi each having a U-shape or a C-shape defining a positive magnetic terminal 40 and a negative magnetic terminal 41. These magnetic elements Gi are arranged at a certain distance in the concentric circle of the center A in such a way that there is superposition of the thermal elements Ti in the thermal ring. The magnetic elements Gi can be understood as having other forms of adaptation. With reference to figures 1 to 4C, the U-shaped or C-shaped openings of the magnetic elements Gi are axially oriented, substantially parallel to the axis of the circle passing through A and defined by the magnetic elements Gi, in such a way as to define for example a negative and an inner magnetic crown for example positive, or conversely a combination of positive or negative terminal pairs without a particular order. In addition, each thermal element Ti is disposed between a positive magnetic terminal 40 and a negative magnetic terminal 41. The means of magnetic regulation include six elements of magnetic convergence Mj and six elements of magnetic divergence mj arranged in a circle in the center A, alternating and carried by a support 52a. The magnetic convergence elements Mj include two convergence pads 50 disposed with respect to one another and separated by a sufficient intercalation to receive a thermal element Ti without having contact between other thermal elements Ti and the magnetic terminals 40, 41 that structure them. The magnetic divergence elements mj are each defined according to their shape 51 in U or C by superimposing certain thermal elements Ti, between the thermal elements Ti and the magnetic terminals 40, 41 that structure them. In this example, the magnetic convergence elements Mg and the magnetic divergence elements mj are arranged alternately on the support 52a. Furthermore, at a given position, the magnetic convergence elements Mj are in the immediate environment of a thermal element Ti, Ti + 2, on two and the magnetic divergence elements are in the immediate environment of a thermal element Ti + 1, Ti +3 over two. The support includes a tray 52a substantially circular, coaxial to the magnetic crowns and to the thermal ring. The convergence pads 50 and the divergence shapes 51 in U or C are integrated in a tray 52 which includes a certain load effect 53a (see FIGS. 4B, 4C) which are received in a slot 54a (see FIGS. 4A, 4B) which define the intervals in which the Ti thermal elements circulate freely and without contact. The tray 52a is made of a magnetically insulating material such as, for example, synthetic materials, brass, bronze, aluminum, ceramics, etc.

This is coupled to the movement means (not shown) to be mobile in the rotation of the axis passing through A. The displacement means are for example, the coupling to the driving means such as a motor, a turnstile, a mechanism of spring, a wind turbine, an electromagnet, a hydrogenerator or any other adapted actuator. The trawl of the tray 52a is displaced, for example, in continuous rotation, in step-by-step rotation, in reciprocating pivoting or in any combination of these displacements. The operation of the generator 10 can be broken down into two steps carried out continuously, step by step or alternately depending on the displacement means used. The two steps are, as an example of a title, described below in a sequential manner. It is understood that the passage from one stage to the other can be progressively. By arbitrarily considering that the magnetic elements Gi are provided in permanence of the magnetic field. During the time of the first stage and simultaneously: 1) The magnetic convergence elements Mj are arranged between each thermal element Ti, Ti + 2 and the corresponding magnetic elements Gi that concentrate the lines of magnetic fields generated for the magnetic elements Gi. to favor the passage through them and of the thermal elements Ti, Ti + 2. In addition, the magnetic convergence elements Tim Ti + 2, which recover a quantity of the magnetic field higher than that which can be recovered in the absence of the elements of magnetic convergence Mj are in inactive position to report the magnetic fields that are submitted. The thermal elements Ti, Ti + 2, subject an increase of the magnetic field that is heated. These transmit their heat to the hot heat carrier fluid in the hot circuit in the direction of heat exchanges. 2) The magnetic divergence elements mj arranged between each thermal element ti + 1, Ti + 3, and the corresponding magnetic elements Gi diverge and deflect the length of the U or C shape of the magnetic field lines generated for the elements magnetic elements that contain the thermal elements Ti + 1, Ti + 3. In addition, the thermal elements Ti + 1, Ti + 3 that receive a quantity of the magnetic field almost nonexistent and in any state of cause clearly inferior to that which they would have received in the absence of the elements of magnetic convergence mj. On the other hand, the same magnetic divergence elements are in inactive position in relation to the adjacent Ti, Ti + 2 thermal elements for which they have no influence in relation to the magnetic fields to which they are subjected.

The thermal elements Ti, Ti + 2 subjected to the reduction of the magnetic field are cooled and transmit their cooling to the heat transfer fluid of the cold circuit towards the heat exchangers. In addition, in a simulated way we obtain: a magnetic convergence in the direction of the thermal elements Ti, Ti + 2 that are heated by the intermediary of the magnetic convergence elements Mj and a magnetic divergence by report of the thermal elements Ti + 1, Ti +3 that get cold. In order to pass from the first to the second stage, the displacement means drag the tray 52a of a passage corresponding to the entrances separating two adjacent Ti, Ti + 1 thermal elements so that the magnetic convergence elements Mj are transported between the thermal elements Ti + 1, Ti + 3 and the magnetic elements Corresponding gi and the magnetic divergence elements mj between the thermal elements Ti, Ti + 2 and the corresponding magnetic elements Gi. The thermal elements Ti + 1, Ti + 3 are subjected to an increase of the magnetic field that is heated and transmits the heat and the thermal elements Ti, Ti + 2 that are subjected to a reduction of the magnetic field to cool and transmit the cooling. The second stage is then passed to a new stage of rotation of the tray 52a as well as the continuation of each thermal element Ti, Ti + 1, Ti + 2, Ti + 3, are also alternatively subjected to the increase and reduction of the magnetic field causing a variation of the magnetic field which is favorable for the cooling and / or heating processes. With reference to Figures 5 and 6, the generator 11 differs from the previous one in that it causes the magnetic regulation means to include six magnetic convergence elements Mj plus the magnetic divergence elements. The magnetic convergence elements Mj are arranged substantially identically as in the previous example, the tray 52b is loaded between the magnetic convergence elements Mj. YES operation of generator 11 is substantially similar to that of generator 10 above. A thermal element Ti, Ti + 2 over two is subjected to the intermediary of a magnetic convergence element Mj, for an increase in the magnetic field. The other thermal elements (not shown) are subjected to a reduction of the magnetic field, the latter is diffuse and restricts the U-shaped tray 52b of the branches 55 (see figures 6A, 6B and 6C) in the magnetically insulating or neutral material which is interposed between the magnetic elements Gi and the thermal elements Ti. With reference to figures 7 and 8, the generators 12 are substantially identical to the previous ones. There is a notable difference in the fact that they include eight magnetic elements Gi and eight thermal elements Ti. In addition, the U-shaped and C-shaped openings of the magnetic elements Gi are radially oriented and substantially perpendicular to the axis passing through A and define two magnetic crowns with a substantially equal diameter and center A. Thus, the grooves 54 cd of the 52 cd trays are previously radial. The operation of the generators 12 is substantially similar to that of the previous generators. In the example of Figures 7A-7D, the magnetic regulation means includes four magnetic convergence elements Mj and four magnetic divergence elements mj alternatively and transported by the tray 52c. In the example of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the magnetic regulation means comprise four magnetic convergence elements Mj plus the magnetic divergence elements. The magnetic convergence elements Mj include the U or C shapes where the branches define the convergence pads 51 arranged in a substantially identical manner as in the previous example, the tray 52d is loaded between the magnetic convergence elements Mj to interpose the field magnetic. Figures 9A-9D illustrate another embodiment of the generator 14 according to the invention. The generator 14 includes ten thermal elements Ti disposed according to two lines loaded by two transverse lines 70 which limit and form a square 72. the square 72 includes two openings 71 for entry and exit of the cold and hot circuits and the heat is limited as is described above for pipes not shown. The generator 14 includes three magnetic regulating elements Mj loaded by a support including a previously substantially straight bar 52e between the thermal element lines Ti. This bar 52e is made of a mechanically rigid and magnetically insulating material, such as a mixture of materials, a synthetic material or any other equivalent material. The magnetic regulating elements are arranged on one side and the other on the bar 52e, in such a way that a pair of thermal elements Ti, Ti + 2 or Ti + 1, Ti + 3 is superimposed on the two. In this example, the magnetic regulation elements are the magnetic convergence elements Mj. It is understood that it is possible to anticipate a substantially similar generator and which also includes the magnetic divergence elements. The bar 52e is coupled in the displacement means to move and transport and further displace the magnetic convergence elements Mj to report the thermal elements Tí. This transport can be continuous, step by step or alternate. The generator 14 includes ten magnetic elements Gi in the form of a U, V or similar, aligned to define positive magnetic terminals 40 and negative 41 (see figures 9C and 9D), overlaying the thermal elements Ti partly not on the elements of magnetic convergence Mj. The operation of this generator 14 is substantially similar to the generator 11, figures 6 and 8. However, it is differentiated by the fact that between the two magnetic convergence elements Mj, the magnetic field is not stopped or limited by the bar 52e that is for the tray 52b, 52d, more simply for the air and / or the environment comprised between the magnetic elements Gi and the thermal elements Ti. The variation of the magnetic field is also obtained by the magnetic conduction difference between the air and / or environment and the magnetic conductive material of the magnetic convergence elements Mj. In the examples described, the magnetic materials Gi and the thermal elements Ti are fixed, it is understood that if necessary for the general operation of an installation, some and / or others may become mobile. According to a variant not shown, the magnetic elements can be formed in one piece. In the case of circular generators, this may be close to the outer and inner crowns loaded and / or an interior medium. According to another processing method represented by FIG. 10, the magnetic regulating elements are arranged tangent to the magnetic elements and the thermal elements are not arranged between them. In this example, the generator 13 includes the magnetic divergence elements mj loaded in the tray 52f of the axis A, which is mobile in rotation and alternates with the loaded areas of the tray 52f. Each magnetic divergence element mj includes at least one contact 500 with many complementary shapes for the thermal elements Ti and the magnetic terminals 40, 41 in such a way that it can be in the active position, interposed between the magnetic terminals 40, 41 without interposing much between the magnetic terminals 40, 41 and the thermal element Ti. In the active position, the thermal element Ti is arranged tangentially to the thermal elements Ti and the magnetic terminals 40, 41. The thermal elements are separated from the magnetic terminals 40, 41 by an air opening E comprising between 0 mm and 50 mm and preferably less than 1 mm. This air inlet E is free in the active position and in the inactive position and allows the passage of magnetic fields between the magnetic terminals 40, 41 and the thermal element Ti. The operation of the generator 13 is substantially similar to the generator 11 described above, with difference in the performance here of the magnetic divergence elements mj and not in the magnetic convergence elements. In the inactive position, the magnetic divergence element mj is spaced from the thermal element Ti and the magnetic terminals 40, 41. In fact, the magnetic field passes freely through the thermal element Ti which is superimposed. In active position, the magnetic divergence element mj is tangent to the thermal elements and to the magnetic terminals 40, 41. The magnetic divergence element mj is magnetically more conductive than the air or the environment of the air opening E, the field magnetic deviates and avoids the thermal element Ti that cools. This thermal generator 10-14 can be coupled to other similar generators or can not be connected in series or in parallel and / or a combination of serial / parallel connections to increase the thermal capacity of an installation without complicating the operation or architecture , the displacement of the magnetic regulation elements can be carried out to achieve the performance. Each generator 10-14 may include a name of thermal element, of magnetic elements and / or of magnetic regulating elements different from those described, the name is not limited. This generator 10-14 also allows in a simple way to produce cooling and / or heating since each magnetic regulation element can be displaced. The cooling and heating can be used to heat, cool, temper, heat a room, a device, a place and can be used in many industrial and domestic applications. The particular structure of the generator 10-14 makes it possible to release the voltage problems in the thermal circuits and to limit the inert masses considerably in order to displace and be able to carry out the variation of the magnetic field necessary to obtain the magneto-caloric effect. In the examples described, the environment is air. It is understood that the generator 10-14 can be used within another type of adapted environment. It is also possible to use a generator 10-14 that includes a specific internal environment such as a gas, the generator 10-14 can be placed in a different environment, for example another gas or another fluid. In this case, the two environments can be isolated from one another, for example by means of a cover.

This description shows that the generator 10-14 according to the invention allows to respond to the fixed objectives in proposing an effective generator 10-14, of simple concept, operation and service and therefore less expensive than the manufacture and utility of the traditional generators. It also allows to considerably limit the inert masses of a displacement to carry out the variation of the magnetic field necessary to obtain the magneto-caloric effect. The present invention is not limited by the described processing examples and it is understood that any modification and variation by the skilled professional will remain in the understanding of the protection that is defined in the appended claims.

Claims (28)

1. CLAIMS 1. A thermal generator of a magneto-caloric material that includes at least one thermal element, at least one magnetic element designed to generate a magnetic field, the thermal element is arranged with respect to the magnetic element in such a way that it can be subjected to the magnetic element. less a part of the magnetic field, the thermal generator also includes a plane of magnetic regulation means arranged to make the recovery of at least a part of the thermal generated by the thermal element subjected to the variable magnetic field, characterized in that the means of magnetic regulation they include at least one magnetic regulating element, a magnetic conductor, coupled to the displacement means placed for reciprocating displacement in relation to the magnetic element and the thermal element, between an active position in which it approaches the magnetic element and the element thermal is placed to channel at least one part e of the magnetic field intended to be received by the thermal element in an inactive position in which it is remote from the magnetic element and / or the thermal element that is arranged without exerting effect on this part of the magnetic field.
2. 2. The thermal generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic regulating element is a magnetic convergence element made of a material having a magnetic conductivity and the thermal element where the magnetic convergence element is arranged in an active position, to favor the passage of the magnetic field in the direction of the thermal element in order to achieve the effect of increasing the magnetic field that passes through it.
3. The thermal generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic divergence magnetic regulation element made of a material having a magnetic conductivity higher than that of the thermal element, where the magnetic divergence element achieves at least one suitable shape to surround the thermal element and place it in an active position to divert at least a part of the magnetic field towards the thermal element in order to achieve an effect of reducing the magnetic field that passes through it.
4. 4. The thermal generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic regulating element is advantageously produced in at least one of the materials selected from the group comprising light iron, compounds, nanocomposites, permalloys.
5. 5. The thermal generator according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that it comprises at least one magnetic convergence element and at least one magnetic divergence element, in order to alternately allow the passage of the magnetic field in the direction towards the thermal element and to divert the magnetic field towards the thermal element.
6. 6. The thermal generator according to claim 1, characterized in that at least in the active position, the thermal regulating element is interposed between the magnetic element and the thermal element.
7. The thermal generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic element includes at least one positive magnetic terminal and at least one negative magnetic terminal, where the thermal element is arranged between the magnetic terminals and where at least in active position, the magnetic regulation element is interposed between at least the magnetic terminals.
8. The thermal generator according to claims 2, 6 and 1, characterized in that the magnetic convergence element includes two convergence pads placed in an active position, partly separated from the thermal element between the thermal element and the magnetic terminals.
9. The thermal generator according to claims 3, 6 and 7, characterized in that the magnetic divergence element has a U or C shape without limiting the shape intended to be adjusted at least in the active position, the thermal element between the thermal element and the magnetic terminals.
10. The thermal generator according to claims 3 and 7, characterized in that the magnetic divergence element includes at least one contact intended to be placed in active position, tangent to the thermal elements and the magnetic terminals, the air gap separates the thermal element of the remaining free magnetic terminals.
11. 11. The thermal generator according to claim 10, characterized in that the air opening is between 0 mm and 50 mm and is preferably less than 1 mm.
12. 12. The thermal generator according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the magnetic element has a U or C shape without limiting the shape intended to adjust the magnetic regulation element.
13. The thermal generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the displacement means are arranged to adjust the magnetic regulating element in at least one of the selected displacements of the group comprising continuous rotation, step-by-step rotation, reciprocating pivoting, Continuous transfer, step by step transfer, alternative transfer and a combination of these trips.
14. 14. The thermal generator according to claim 11, characterized in that the displacement means are coupled to the actuating means selected from the group comprising a motor, a tourniquet, a spring mechanism, a wind turbine, an electromagnet, a hydro generator, a mechanism of muscular strength.
15. 15. The thermal generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic regulating element is positioned to support the coupling of the displacement elements made of an insulating magnetic material selected from the group comprising synthetic materials, brass, bronze, aluminum, ceramics
16. 16. The thermal generator according to claim 14, characterized by including at least one set of magnetic elements, a set of thermal elements, each of which intended to be subjected to a magnetic field of at least one of the magnetic elements, a set of magnetic regulation elements adapted by a support coupled to the movement means and placed simultaneously in the magnetic regulation elements so that each one is, in relation to a given thermal element and a magnetic element, alternately in active position and in inactive position.
17. 17. The thermal generator according to claims 7 and 15, characterized in that the support includes at least one substantially circular tray, of rotation movable about its axis, where the thermal elements are arranged annularly and where the magnetic elements form at least one pair of crowns that define the positive and negative magnetic terminals.
18. 18. The thermal generator according to claim 17, characterized in that the tray is provided with a neck that defines the separation interval of the convergence pads of the magnetic convergence elements between them and / or the opening of the U-shape. or C of the magnetic divergence elements.
19. 19. The thermal generator according to claim 18, characterized in that the neck is arranged axially and substantially parallel to the axis of the tray.
20. 20. The thermal generator according to claim 16, characterized in that the neck is arranged radially and substantially perpendicular to the tray.
21. 21. The thermal generator according to claims 7 and 15, characterized in that the support includes at least one substantially rectilinear bar, movable in the transfer where the thermal elements are arranged at least on a crossing line and where the magnetic elements form at least a couple of intervals that define the positive and negative magnetic terminals.
22. 22. The thermal generator according to claim 21, characterized in that the thermal elements are arranged in the two substantially parallel lines having two transverse junctions and defining a frame.
23. 23. The thermal generator according to claim 16, characterized in that the magnetic elements are formed in one piece.
24. 24. The thermal generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic element is selected from the group comprising a magnetic assembly, a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, a supraconducting magnet, a supraconducting electromagnet, a supraconductor.
25. 25. The thermal generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic element and the thermal element are fixed and only the magnetic regulating element is movable.
26. 26. The thermal generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the recovery means include at least one of the elements selected from the group comprising a transport circuit containing a heat carrier fluid, the fluid carrying means of heat and a heat exchanger.
27. 27. A thermal generation method during which a magnetic field is created with at least one magnetic element, at least one thermal element made of magneto-caloric material is subjected to at least a part of the magnetic field, the magnetic field received by the thermal element is modulated with magnetic regulation means and at least a part of the berms generated by the thermal element subjected to this variable magnetic field, characterized in that the magnetic field received by the thermal element is varied, at least one magnetic modulation element is used, magnetically conductive regulation, which moves between less an active position in which it approaches the magnetic element and the thermal element is arranged to channel at least part of the magnetic field intended to be received by the thermal element between an inactive position, in which it is remote from the magnetic element and / or of the thermal element and arranged so as not to channel this part of the magnetic field.
28. 28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that at least one magnetic element defines at least one positive terminal and one negative terminal between which the thermal element is disposed and where in the active position, the magnetic regulation element is it interposes between at least the magnetic terminals of the magnetic element (Gi).