U.S. patent application number 13/600232 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-07 for magnetic thermal module and magnetic thermal device.
This patent application is currently assigned to DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Sheng-Fan HSIEH, Chi-Hsiang KUO, Yi-Fei LEE. Invention is credited to Sheng-Fan HSIEH, Chi-Hsiang KUO, Yi-Fei LEE.
Application Number | 20130055726 13/600232 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47751468 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130055726 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEE; Yi-Fei ; et
al. |
March 7, 2013 |
MAGNETIC THERMAL MODULE AND MAGNETIC THERMAL DEVICE
Abstract
A magnetic thermal module, subjected to a magnetic field,
includes at least one magnetic thermal material and a container.
The magnetic thermal material is used for generating calories or
frigories in response to a variable and controllable magnetic
field. The container is used for containing the magnetic thermal
material. Furthermore, a magnetic thermal device is disclosed
herein.
Inventors: |
LEE; Yi-Fei; (Taoyuan Hsien,
TW) ; KUO; Chi-Hsiang; (Taoyuan Hsien, TW) ;
HSIEH; Sheng-Fan; (Taoyuan Hsien, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LEE; Yi-Fei
KUO; Chi-Hsiang
HSIEH; Sheng-Fan |
Taoyuan Hsien
Taoyuan Hsien
Taoyuan Hsien |
|
TW
TW
TW |
|
|
Assignee: |
DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
Taoyuan Hsien
TW
|
Family ID: |
47751468 |
Appl. No.: |
13/600232 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61529930 |
Sep 1, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/3.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25B 21/00 20130101;
F25B 2321/002 20130101; Y02B 30/66 20130101; Y02B 30/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/3.1 |
International
Class: |
F25B 21/00 20060101
F25B021/00 |
Claims
1. A magnetic thermal module subjected to a magnetic field,
comprising: at least one magnetic thermal material generating
calories or frigories in response to a variable and controllable
magnetic field; and a container for containing the magnetic thermal
material.
2. The magnetic thermal module of claim 1, wherein the magnetic
thermal material in the container is replaceable.
3. The magnetic thermal module of claim 1, wherein the magnetic
thermal material has a magnetic transition temperature.
4. The magnetic thermal module of claim 1, wherein the magnetic
thermal material is applied to a cold heat exchanger and/or a hot
heat exchanger.
5. A magnetic thermal device, comprising: a housing; at least one
magnetic element, for generating a variable magnetic field; and at
least one magnetic thermal module replaceably inserted into the
housing, the magnetic thermal module comprising: at least one
magnetic thermal material generating calories or frigories in
response to the variable magnetic field; and a container for
containing the magnetic thermal material.
6. The magnetic thermal device of claim 5, wherein the magnetic
element is disposed in the housing.
7. The magnetic thermal device of claim 5, further comprising:
assisting means for assisting movement of the magnetic thermal
module into or out of the housing.
8. The magnetic thermal device of claim 5, wherein the magnetic
thermal material is replaceable.
9. The magnetic thermal device of claim 5, further comprising: a
plurality of magnetic thermal modules, wherein the magnetic thermal
modules are connected in serial, in parallel or as a
serial/parallel combination in the housing with the same or
different magnetic thermal material.
10. The magnetic thermal device of claim 5, wherein the magnetic
thermal material has a magnetic transition temperature.
11. The magnetic thermal device of claim 5, wherein the variable
magnetic field is controllable.
12. The magnetic thermal device of claim 11, wherein the magnetic
element comprises at least one of permanent magnet, electromagnet
and superconducting magnet.
13. The magnetic thermal device of claim 12, wherein a relative
movement is achieved between the magnetic element and the magnetic
thermal module.
14. The magnetic thermal device of claim 13, wherein the relative
movement is achieved by turning on and off the electromagnet or the
superconducting magnet.
15. A magnetic thermal device, comprising: a housing; at least one
magnetic element, for generating a variable magnetic field;
carrying means replaceably inserted into the housing, for carrying
at least one magnetic thermal material dissipating or accumulating
heat in response to the variable magnetic field; and assisting
means for assisting movement of the carrying means into or out of
the housing.
16. The magnetic thermal device of claim 15, wherein the magnetic
element is disposed in the housing.
17. The magnetic thermal device of claim 15, wherein the magnetic
thermal material is replaceable.
18. The magnetic thermal device of claim 17, wherein the assisting
means comprises sliding rails, grooves, tenons, locator, or the
combination thereof.
19. The magnetic thermal device of claim 15, wherein the carrying
means comprises a plurality of through-holes for passing a heat
transferring fluid, for a cold heat exchanger and/or a hot heat
exchanger.
20. The magnetic thermal device of claim 15, further comprising: a
controlling unit coupled to the magnetic element, for controlling
the magnetic element.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/529,930, filed Sep. 1, 2011, which is
herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to a magnetic
module and magnetic device. More particularly, the present
disclosure relates to a magnetic thermal module and a magnetic
thermal device adapting the magnetic thermal module.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] The use of the magneto-caloric effect (MCE) as a basis for
heat exchange system has been known for many years. MC
(magneto-caloric) material has a specific Curie temperature. To
detail, the MC material has a specific temperature range for being
magnetized or demagnetized in response into or out of a magnetic
field. In operation, the MC material is affected by the temperature
in various environments, such as in tropical regions, subtropical
regions or desert regions, resulting in limiting the performance of
the heat exchange system. Likewise, even pluralities of the MC
materials are connected in series; the temperature range or the
energy transiting efficiency of the serial combination of the MC
materials may not meet the requirement.
[0006] Therefore, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the art
to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
SUMMARY
[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a
magnetic thermal module so as to improve energy efficiency of heat
exchange and to provide convenience of upgrading or replacement.
The magnetic thermal module, subjected to a magnetic field,
includes at least one magnetic thermal material and a container.
The magnetic thermal material is used for generating calories or
frigories in response to a variable and controllable magnetic
field. The container is used for containing the magnetic thermal
material.
[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
magnetic thermal material in the container is replaceable.
[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
magnetic thermal material has a magnetic transition
temperature.
[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
magnetic thermal material is applied to a cold heat exchanger
and/or a hot heat exchanger.
[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a
magnetic thermal device so as to improve energy efficiency of heat
exchange and to provide convenience of upgrading or replacement.
The magnetic thermal device includes a housing, at least one
magnetic element and at least one magnetic thermal module. The
magnetic element is used for generating a variable magnetic field.
The magnetic thermal module is replaceably inserted into the
housing. The magnetic thermal module includes at least one magnetic
thermal material and a container. The magnetic thermal material is
used for generating calories or frigories in response to the
variable magnetic field. The container is used for containing the
magnetic thermal material.
[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
magnetic element is disposed in the housing.
[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
magnetic thermal device further includes assisting means for
assisting movement of the magnetic thermal module into or out of
the housing.
[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
magnetic thermal material is replaceable.
[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
magnetic thermal device further includes a plurality of magnetic
thermal modules, in which the magnetic thermal modules are
connected in serial, in parallel or as a serial/parallel
combination in the housing with the same or different magnetic
thermal material.
[0016] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
magnetic thermal material has a magnetic transition
temperature.
[0017] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
variable magnetic field is controllable.
[0018] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
magnetic element includes at least one of permanent magnet,
electromagnet and superconducting magnet.
[0019] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a
relative movement is achieved between the magnetic element and the
magnetic thermal module.
[0020] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
relative movement is achieved by turning on and off the
electromagnet or the superconducting magnetic.
[0021] One another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a
magnetic thermal device so as to improve energy efficiency of heat
exchange and to provide convenience of upgrading or replacement.
The magnetic thermal device includes a housing, at least one
magnetic element, carrying means and assisting means. The magnetic
element is used for generating a variable magnetic field. The
carrying means is replaceably inserted into the housing, and is
used for carrying at least one magnetic thermal material
dissipating or accumulating heat in response to the variable
magnetic field. The assisting means is used for assisting movement
of the carrying means into or out of the housing.
[0022] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
magnetic element is disposed in the housing.
[0023] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
magnetic thermal material is replaceable.
[0024] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
assisting means includes sliding rails, grooves, tenons, locators,
or the combination thereof.
[0025] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
carrying means includes a plurality of through-holes for passing a
heat transferring fluid, for a cold heat exchanger and/or a hot
heat exchanger.
[0026] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
magnetic thermal device further includes a controlling unit coupled
to the magnetic element, for controlling the magnetic element.
[0027] Therefore, the replaceable magnetic thermal module or
material of the present disclosure can be adopted in a heat
exchange system or the magnetic thermal system to provide
convenience of upgrading or replacement, for improving the energy
efficiency.
[0028] These and other aspects of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment
taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although
variations and modifications therein may be affected without
departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the
disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments
of the invention and, together with the written description, serve
to explain the principles of the invention. Wherever possible, the
same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to
the same or like elements of an embodiment, and wherein:
[0030] FIG. 1 shows schematically a block diagram of a magnetic
thermal module according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 2 shows schematically a block diagram of a magnetic
thermal module according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 3 shows schematically a block diagram of a magnetic
thermal device according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows schematically a block diagram of a magnetic
thermal device according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 5 shows schematically a block diagram of a magnetic
thermal device according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 6 shows schematically a block diagram of a magnetic
thermal device according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to
the same or like parts.
[0037] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a" "an" and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," or "includes"
and/or "including" or "has" and/or "having" when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions,
integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do
not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements,
components, and/or groups thereof.
[0038] It is noted that the term "replaceable" or "replaceably"
element disclosed or used here and after in the present disclosure
generally means that one element can be completely replaced or
upgraded by other equivalent, similar, or modified elements.
[0039] It is noted that the term "relative movement" conditions or
status disclosed or used here and after in the present disclosure
generally means conditions or status that occurred between two
elements, and wherein at least one of the above-mentioned two
elements has a motion and/or variable condition or status in the
other one's perspective.
[0040] It is noted that the term "variable" and "controllable"
magnetic field or range of magnetic flux disclosed or used here and
after in the present disclosure generally means that the magnetic
field or the range of magnetic flux has conditions or status in two
different time spots, wherein the conditions or status can be
turned of, turned off, increasing in quantity, decreasing in
quantity, and wherein distance between the two different time spots
can be in a range from very short to very long.
[0041] FIG. 1 shows schematically a block diagram of a magnetic
thermal module 100 according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure. The magnetic thermal module 100, subjected to a
magnetic field, includes at least one magnetic thermal material 141
and a container 150. The magnetic thermal material 141 is used for
generating calories or frigories in response to a variable and
controllable magnetic field (not shown in FIG. 1) or range of
magnetic flux generated by the magnetic element (not shown in FIG.
1). The container 150 is used for containing the magnetic thermal
material 141. The magnetic thermal material 141 is in any shape
suitable for being contained in the container 150, and is not to be
limited.
[0042] If the magnetic thermal material 141 is subjected to the
magnetic field, the magnetic thermal material 141 heats up under
magnetization or a magneto-caloric heating effect. If the magnetic
field disappears or decreases largely, the magnetic thermal
material 141 cools down under demagnetization or a magneto-caloric
cooling effect. Therefore, the magnetic thermal material 141 can be
applied to a cold heat exchanger and/or a hot heat exchanger
accordingly.
[0043] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, there can be an
assisting means (e.g. assisting means 360 in FIG. 3) for assisting
movement of the container 150 into or out of a magnetic thermal
device (not shown in FIG. 1). The assisting means can be disposed
between the container 150 and inner surface of the magnetic thermal
device, and the assisting means can be selected from the group of
sliding rails, grooves, tenons, locators, or the combination
thereof. Since the assisting means can be provided for assisting
movement of the container 150 in relative to the magnetic thermal
device, therefore the container 150 is replaceable.
[0044] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the magnetic
thermal material 141 in the container 150 is replaceable. For
example, the magnetic thermal material 141 in the container 150 can
be replaced by another material having different magneto-caloric
characteristics, for a specific application or a specific
temperature range.
[0045] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the magnetic
thermal material 141 has a magnetic transition temperature. For
example, various magnetic thermal materials have different magnetic
transition temperatures (or so-called Curie temperatures), at which
a ferromagnetic or a ferrimagnetic material becomes paramagnetic on
heating, and the effect is reversible. The magnetic thermal
material 141 will lose its magnetism if heated above the Curie
temperature. Therefore, the magnetic thermal material 141 can be
chosen flexibly to meet the specific temperature ranges in
different applications or environments.
[0046] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the magnetic
thermal material 141 includes at least one of rare earth metal,
alloy and the combination thereof. For example, the magnetic
thermal material 141 can be, such as FeRh,
Gd.sub.5Si.sub.2Ge.sub.2, Gd.sub.5(Si.sub.1-xGe.sub.x).sub.4,
RCo.sub.2, La(Fe.sub.13-xSi.sub.x), MnAs.sub.1-xSb.sub.x, MnFe(P,
As), Co(S.sub.1-xSe.sub.x).sub.2, NiMnSn, MnCoGeB,
R.sub.1-xM.sub.xMnO.sub.3, (where R=lanthanide, M=Ca, Sr and Ba), .
. . etc.
[0047] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the magnetic
field is variable and controllable. The magnetic field can be
controlled to increase or decrease the temperature of the magnetic
thermal material 141, in order to control the temperature of the
heat exchanger, or the equivalent devices, or other devices.
[0048] FIG. 2 shows schematically a block diagram of a magnetic
thermal module 200 according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure. The magnetic thermal module 200 as shown in FIG. 2 is
similar to the magnetic thermal module 100 as shown in FIG. 1. The
magnetic thermal module 200 includes four magnetic thermal
materials 241.about.244 and a container 250. The magnetic thermal
materials 241.about.244 are used for generating calories or
frigories in response to a variable and controllable magnetic field
(not shown in FIG. 2) or range of magnetic flux generated by the
magnetic element (not shown in FIG. 2). The container 250 is used
for containing the magnetic thermal materials 241.about.244.
[0049] The magnetic thermal materials 241.about.244 have similar or
different magneto-caloric characteristics. Therefore, they can be
used for the specific temperature range in different applications
or environments. The other structures of the magnetic thermal
module and correlations between FIG. 2 and FIG. 1 are the same or
similar, and without superfluous illustration herein.
[0050] The advantage of the present disclosure lies in the
performance of the heat exchanger or the equivalent devices can be
adjusted easily by replacing the magnetic thermal module and/or the
magnetic thermal material to another one having different
magneto-caloric characteristic. Moreover, the specific temperature
range can be defined by adding the same or different magnetic
thermal materials in the heat exchanger or the equivalent
devices.
[0051] FIG. 3 shows schematically block diagrams of a magnetic
thermal device 300 according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure. The magnetic thermal device 300 includes a housing 310,
at least one magnetic element 320 and at least one magnetic thermal
module, for example, a first magnetic thermal module 331 and a
second magnetic thermal module 332 in this embodiment shown in FIG.
3. The magnetic element 320 is used for generating a magnetic field
(not shown in FIG. 3) and is disposed in the housing 310, for
example. It is noted that the magnetic element 320 may be disposed
out of the housing 310, and the present disclosure will not limit
this embodiment. The magnetic thermal modules 331 and 332 are
intended to be replaceably inserted into the housing 310. The first
magnetic thermal module 331 includes a first magnetic thermal
material 341 and a container 351, and the second magnetic thermal
module 332 includes a second magnetic thermal material 342 and a
container 352. The magnetic thermal materials 341 and 342 are used
for generating calories or frigories in response to a relative
movement within the magnetic field or range of magnetic flux
generated by the magnetic element 320. The container 351 is used
for containing the first magnetic thermal material 341, and the
container 352 is used for containing the second magnetic thermal
material 342.
[0052] If the magnetic thermal materials 341 and 342 are subjected
to the magnetic field, the magnetic thermal materials 341 and 342
heat up under magnetization or a magneto-caloric heating effect. If
the magnetic field disappears or decreases largely, the magnetic
thermal materials 341 and 342 cool down under demagnetization or a
magnetocaloric cooling effect. Therefore, the magnetic thermal
materials 341 and 342 can be applied to a cold heat exchanger
and/or a hot heat exchanger in the magnetic thermal device, or the
equivalent devices, or other devices.
[0053] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the magnetic
thermal device 300 further includes assisting means 360 for
assisting movement of the containers 351 and 352 into or out of the
housing 310. The assisting means 360 can be disposed between the
containers 351 and 352 and inner surface of the housing 310, and
the assisting means 360 can be sliding rails, grooves, tenons,
locators, or the combination thereof. Since the assisting means 360
can be provided for assisting movement of the containers 351 and
352 in relative to the magnetic thermal device 300, thus the
magnetic thermal modules 331 and 332 are replaceable.
[0054] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the magnetic
thermal material 341 in the container 351 is replaceable, and so
does the magnetic thermal material 342 in the container 352. For
example, the magnetic thermal material 341 in the container 351 can
be replaced by another material having different magnetocaloric
characteristics, for a specific application or a specific
temperature range. Similarly, the magnetic thermal material 342 in
the container 352 is replaceable, and without superfluous
illustration herein.
[0055] Please refer to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 at the same time. FIG. 4
shows schematically a block diagram of a magnetic thermal device
400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The
magnetic thermal device 400 as shown in FIG. 4 is similar to the
magnetic thermal device 300 as shown in FIG. 3, and without
superfluous illustration herein.
[0056] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the magnetic
thermal modules 331 and 332 are connected in serial in the housing
310 with the same or different magnetic thermal materials as shown
in FIG. 3, and the magnetic thermal modules 431 and 432 are
connected in parallel in the housing 410 with the same or different
magnetic thermal materials as shown in FIG. 4. If there are more
than two magnetic thermal modules in the magnetic thermal device
400, the magnetic thermal modules can even be connected in serial
and/or in parallel at the same time.
[0057] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, each magnetic
thermal material 341, 342, 441 and 442 in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 has a
magnetic transition temperature, and the magnetic transition
temperature may be different with each other. For example, various
magnetic thermal materials have different magnetic transition
temperatures (or so-called Curie temperatures), at which a
ferromagnetic or a ferrimagnetic material becomes paramagnetic on
heating, and the effect is reversible. The magnet thermal material
will loses its magnetism if heated above the Curie temperature.
Therefore, the magnetic thermal material can be chosen flexibly to
meet the specific temperature ranges in different applications or
environments.
[0058] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, both the
magnetic elements 320 and 420 in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 include at least
one of group of permanent magnet, electromagnet and superconducting
magnet. In one embodiment, the magnetic field is variable and
controllable. For example, if the magnetic element 320 is the
electromagnet, controlling electric currents passing through the
magnetic element 320 can adjust the intensity of the magnetic
field, therefore to control the magneto-caloric effect of the
magnetic thermal materials 341 and 342. It is noted that in a
special case with afore-mentioned electromagnet and/or
superconducting magnet right here, the magnetic element and the
magnetic thermal modules are not moving, however, a variable and
controllable magnetic field within the magnetic thermal device is
existed.
[0059] Therefore, the advantage of the present disclosure lies in
the operation temperature of the magnetic thermal device, or the
equivalent devices, or other devices can be adjusted easily by
replacing the magnetic thermal module and/or the magnetic thermal
material to another one having different magneto-caloric
characteristic. Moreover, the specific temperature range can be
defined by disposing the magnetic thermal modules in serial, in
parallel or in the serial/parallel combination in the magnetic
thermal device, or the equivalent devices, or other devices, such
as heat exchanger, magnetic cooling device, magnetic thermal
engine, magnetic thermal generator, . . . etc.
[0060] FIG. 5 shows schematically a block diagram of a magnetic
thermal device 500 according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure. The magnetic thermal device 500 includes a housing 510,
at least one magnetic element 520, carrying means 550 and assisting
means 560. The magnetic element 520 is used for generating a
magnetic field (not shown in FIG. 5) and is disposed in the housing
510, for example. It is noted that the magnetic element 520 may be
disposed out of the housing 510, and the present disclosure will
not limit this embodiment. The carrying means 550 is replaceably
inserted into the housing 510 and is used for carrying at least one
magnetic thermal material 541 dissipating or accumulating heat in
response to a relative movement within the magnetic field or range
of magnetic flux generated by the magnetic field. The assisting
means 560 is used for assisting movement of the carrying means 550
into or out of the housing 510, and the assisting means 560 can be
selected from the group of sliding rails, grooves, tenons,
locators, or the combination thereof. Since the assisting means 560
can be provided for assisting movement of the carrying means 550 in
relative to the magnetic thermal device 500, therefore the carrying
means 550 is replaceable. In one embodiment, the magnetic thermal
material 541 in the carrying means 550 is replaceable.
[0061] For example, the carrying means 550 can be a container, an
extraction box or the combination thereof. The magnetic thermal
material 541 can be exchanged by replacing the carrying means 550
to another one having different magnetic thermal material, for
another application or another specific temperature range.
[0062] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the carrying
means 550 includes a plurality of through-holes (e.g. a first
through-hole 581 and a second through-hole 582) for passing a heat
transferring fluid, for a cold heat exchanger and/or a hot heat
exchanger (not shown in FIG. 5). For example, the first
through-hole 581 disposed at an exit of the carrying means 550,
transmits the heat transferring fluid to an external device (not
shown in FIG. 5) to dissipate, circulate, exchange, or accumulate
heat, and the heat transferring fluid is used to perform the heat
exchange function with outside environment, and then, the heat
transferring fluid is returned to the second through-hole 582
disposed at an inlet of the carrying means 550, after that, a
plurality of heat exchange cycles are performed to adjust the
temperature of the device and/or the outside environment.
[0063] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the magnetic
thermal device 500 further includes a controlling unit 570 coupled
to the magnetic element 520, for controlling the magnetic element
520 to adjust conditions, such as an intensity of the magnetic
field. The controlling unit 570 further has a temperature sensor
(not shown in FIG. 5), for detecting temperature of the heat
transferring fluid and/or detecting an environment temperature. If
the environment temperature is higher than a predetermined
temperature, the controlling unit 570 controls the magnetic element
520 to decrease the intensity of the magnetic field, in order to
cool down the environment temperature. In contrast, if the
environment temperature is lower than the predetermined
temperature, the controlling unit 570 controls the magnetic element
520 to increase the intensity of the magnetic field, in order to
heat up the environment temperature. Thus, the specific temperature
range can be controlled with foregoing operations of the
controlling unit 570.
[0064] FIG. 6 shows schematically a block diagram of a magnetic
thermal device 600 according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure. The magnetic thermal device 600 as shown in FIG. 6 is
similar to the magnetic thermal device 500 as shown in FIG. 5.
[0065] Comparing FIG. 6 with FIG. 5, the carrying means 660 as
shown in FIG. 6 is used for carrying a first magnetic thermal
material 641 and a second magnetic thermal material 642 having the
same or different magneto-caloric characteristics, and the first
magnetic thermal material 641 can be connected to the second
magnetic thermal material 642 in serial or n parallel, for the
specific applications or the specific temperature ranges. The other
structures and correlations between FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are the same
or similar, and without superfluous illustration herein.
[0066] In sum, the present disclosure provides a simple,
replaceable magnetic thermal module by choosing a proper magnetic
thermal material to perform the heat exchange functions in
different applications or environments in many area or territories,
such as cold area and tropic area, to achieve the best energy
efficiency, such as transition efficiency of the energy or heat
exchange. By the way, a fast system upgrade or a simple elements
replacement when elements are broken can be also achieved by just
replacing the magnetic thermal module and/or the magnetic thermal
material.
[0067] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the
present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the
invention. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the
present invention cover modifications and variations of this
invention provided they fall within the scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *