U.S. patent application number 14/257296 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-23 for thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to DENSO CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is DENSO CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Takuya Fuse, Tsuyoshi Morimoto, Shigeo Nomura, Naoki Watanabe.
Application Number | 20140311165 14/257296 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51727957 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140311165 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Watanabe; Naoki ; et
al. |
October 23, 2014 |
THERMO-MAGNETIC CYCLE APPARATUS
Abstract
A vehicle air-conditioner has a magneto-caloric effect type heat
pump apparatus (MHP apparatus). MHP apparatus has a magneto-caloric
element (MCE element) which generates heat dissipation and heat
absorption in response to strength change of an external magnetic
field. The MCE element can demonstrate high performance when an
element temperature is in a highly efficient temperature zone. A
controller has an initial control part which adjusts the element
temperature so that the element temperature approaches to the
highly efficient temperature zone when the MHP apparatus is in an
initial state in which the temperature is out of the highly
efficient temperature zone. Thereby, starting of MHP apparatus is
promoted. The initial control part may activate an auxiliary
apparatus. The auxiliary apparatus heats or cools a part or all of
the MCE elements.
Inventors: |
Watanabe; Naoki;
(Nagoya-city, JP) ; Morimoto; Tsuyoshi; (Obu-city,
JP) ; Nomura; Shigeo; (Anjo-city, JP) ; Fuse;
Takuya; (Nagoya-city, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DENSO CORPORATION |
Kariya-city |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
DENSO CORPORATION
Kariya-city
JP
|
Family ID: |
51727957 |
Appl. No.: |
14/257296 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/3.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02B 30/00 20130101;
F25B 2321/0023 20130101; F25B 2321/0022 20130101; B60H 1/32
20130101; Y02B 30/66 20130101; F25B 21/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/3.1 |
International
Class: |
F25B 21/00 20060101
F25B021/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 22, 2013 |
JP |
2013-089540 |
Claims
1. A thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus comprising: a magneto-caloric
element which generates heat dissipation and heat absorption in
response to strength change of an external magnetic field; a
magnetic field modulating device which modulates an external
magnetic field applied to the magneto-caloric element; a heat
transporting device which flows heat transport medium for
performing heat exchange with the magneto-caloric element so that a
high temperature end and a low temperature end are generated on the
magneto-caloric element; and a controller which controls the
magnetic field modulating device and the heat transporting device,
wherein the magneto-caloric element demonstrates high performance
when an element temperature of the magneto-caloric element is in a
highly efficient temperature zone, and wherein the controller
comprises: an initial control part which adjusts the element
temperature of the magneto-caloric element so that the element
temperature approaches to the highly efficient temperature zone
when the magneto-caloric element is in an initial state in which
the element temperature is out of the highly efficient temperature
zone; and a regular control part which controls the magnetic field
modulating device and the heat transporting device after adjustment
of the element temperature by the initial control part is
performed.
2. The thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus in claim 1, wherein the
initial control part adjusts the element temperature of the
magneto-caloric element so that at least a temperature of a part of
the magneto-caloric element reaches to the highly efficient
temperature zone.
3. The thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus in claim 2, wherein the
initial control part adjusts the element temperature of the
magneto-caloric element so that a temperature on the high
temperature end of the magneto-caloric element reaches to the
highly efficient temperature zone.
4. The thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus in claim 2, wherein the
initial control part adjusts the element temperature of the
magneto-caloric element so that a temperature on the low
temperature end of the magneto-caloric element reaches to the
highly efficient temperature zone.
5. The thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus in claim 2, wherein the
initial control part adjusts the element temperature of the
magneto-caloric element so that a temperature on a middle
temperature portion between the high temperature end and the low
temperature end of the magneto-caloric element reaches to the
highly efficient temperature zone.
6. The thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus in claim 2, wherein the
magnetic field modulating device has a permanent magnet which
provides the external magnetic field, and wherein the initial
control part adjusts the element temperature of the magneto-caloric
element so that demagnetization of the permanent magnet is
reduced.
7. The thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus in claim 1, further
comprising: a thermal device which uses temperature obtained on the
low temperature end or the high temperature end; and an auxiliary
apparatus, which is provided differently from the thermal device,
and which adjusts the element temperature of a part or all of the
magneto-caloric element, wherein the initial control part adjusts
the element temperature by activating the auxiliary apparatus.
8. The thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus in claim 7, wherein the
auxiliary apparatus has a heater which heats the magneto-caloric
element.
9. The thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus in claim 7, wherein the
auxiliary apparatus has a cooler which cools the magneto-caloric
element.
10. The thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus in claim 7, wherein the
auxiliary apparatus has a thermal storage which stores the
temperature obtained on the high temperature end or the low
temperature end.
11. The thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus in claim 1, further
comprising: a heat exchange device which performs heat exchange
between the auxiliary apparatus and the magneto-caloric
element.
12. The thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus in claim 11, wherein the
heat exchange device includes a heat exchanger which performs heat
exchange with the heat transport medium.
13. The thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus in claim 12, wherein the
heat exchanger is disposed on a member which defines a passage
through which the heat transport medium flows or a member which
accommodates the magneto-caloric element.
14. The thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus in claim 11, wherein the
thermal device includes a heat exchanger which performs heat
exchange between a primary medium which is the heat transport
medium and a secondary medium, and wherein the heat exchange device
includes a heat exchanger which performs heat exchange with the
secondary medium.
15. The thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus in claim 12, wherein the
thermal device includes a valve system which takes out a part of
the heat transport medium, and wherein The heat exchanger includes
a heat exchanger which performs heat exchange with the heat
transport medium taken out via the valve system.
16. The thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus in claim 2, wherein the
initial control part controls the magnetic field modulating device
and the heat transporting device to provide an initial operation
condition which generates heat greater than that in the regular
operation condition provided when the magnetic field modulating
device and the heat transporting device are controlled by the
regular control part.
17. The thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus in claim 1, further
comprising: a bypass device which provides flow of the heat
transport medium so that the heat transport medium bypasses a part
of the magneto-caloric element, wherein the initial control part
adjusts the element temperature by flowing the heat transport
medium so that the heat transport medium bypasses a part of the
magneto-caloric element by the bypass device.
18. The thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus in claim 1, wherein the
highly efficient temperature zone is a temperature zone in which
the magneto-caloric element can generate a predetermined
temperature difference between the high temperature end and the low
temperature end by overcoming a thermal load by using an own
magneto-caloric effect.
19. The thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus in claim 1, wherein the
magneto-caloric element includes a plurality of element units which
have different magneto-caloric effects.
20. The thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus in claim 19, wherein the
element units are arranged to place one element unit on a position
closer to the high temperature end than the other element unit, the
one element unit demonstrates a magneto-caloric effect at a
temperature which is higher than a temperature where the other
element unit demonstrates a magneto-caloric effect.
21. A thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus comprising: a magneto-caloric
element which generates heat dissipation and heat absorption in
response to strength change of an external magnetic field; a
magnetic field modulating device which modulates an external
magnetic field applied to the magneto-caloric element; a heat
transporting device which flows heat transport medium for
performing heat exchange with the magneto-caloric element so that a
high temperature end and a low temperature end are generated on the
magneto-caloric element; and a controller which controls the
magnetic field modulating device and the heat transporting device,
wherein the controller comprises: an initial control part which
adjusts a temperature of the magneto-caloric element so that a
predetermined temperature difference is acquired between the high
temperature end and the low temperature end; and a regular control
part which controls the magnetic field modulating device and the
heat transporting device after adjustment of the element
temperature by the initial control part is performed.
22. The thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus in claim 21, wherein the
magneto-caloric element includes a plurality of element units which
have different magneto-caloric effects.
23. The thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus in claim 22, wherein the
element units are arranged to place one element unit on a position
closer to the high temperature end than the other element unit, the
one element unit demonstrates a magneto-caloric effect at a
temperature which is higher than a temperature where the other
element unit demonstrates a magneto-caloric effect.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No.
2013-89540 filed on Apr. 22, 2013, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a thermo-magnetic cycle
apparatus using magneto-caloric effect of magnetic material. The
thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus may be used as a magneto-caloric
effect type heat pump apparatus.
BACKGROUND
Patent Literature
[0003] PLT1: JP2012-255642A [0004] PLT2: US Patent Application
Publication 2011/0173993A [0005] PLT3: JP2012-229831A
[0006] PLT1, PLT2, and PLT3 disclose a magneto-caloric effect type
heat pump apparatus which is one embodiment of the thermo-magnetic
cycle apparatus. The thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus uses
temperature characteristics of a magnetic substance. PLT1, PLT2,
and PLT3 propose an arrangement in which a plurality of elements is
arranged in series between a high temperature end and a low
temperature end.
[0007] PLT1 proposes a structure having a channel which bypasses a
part of the elements. PLT2 proposes a structure having a starter
element for providing an initial temperature gradient in a starting
stage after starting an apparatus. PLT3 proposes a device which has
an auxiliary heat source.
SUMMARY
[0008] The technique disclosed in PLT1 only uses a part of the
magneto-caloric elements. Therefore, an output may be reduced. The
technique disclosed in PLT2 disposes an element for starting the
apparatus, therefore, an amount of the element for operation in
regular stage has to be decreased. Therefore, an output may be
reduced. The technique disclosed in PLT3 supplies thermal energy
from an auxiliary heat source also at the time of regular steady
operation. Therefore, excessive thermal energy may be supplied. In
addition, effectiveness as the whole system may be lowered by the
energy, such as electric power, consumed by the auxiliary heat
source. It such view points, it is demanded to improve the
thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus.
[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a
thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus which is capable of reaching to a
regular operating temperature from an initial temperature in short
time.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a
thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus which is capable of reaching to a
regular operating temperature from an initial temperature in short
time, and providing high effectiveness of energy at a regular
operating temperature.
[0011] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a
thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus which is capable of starting
operation from a wide temperature range without lowering
performance at a regular operation.
[0012] The present disclosure employs the following technical
means, in order to attain the above-mentioned object.
[0013] According to the disclosure, a thermo-magnetic cycle
apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a magneto-caloric
element which generates heat dissipation and heat absorption in
response to strength change of an external magnetic field. The
apparatus comprises a magnetic field modulating device which
modulates an external magnetic field applied to the magneto-caloric
element, and a heat transporting device which flows heat transport
medium for performing heat exchange with the magneto-caloric
element so that a high temperature end and a low temperature end
are generated on the magneto-caloric element. The apparatus also
comprises a controller which controls the magnetic field modulating
device and the heat transporting device. The magneto-caloric
element demonstrates high performance when an element temperature
of the magneto-caloric element is in a highly efficient temperature
zone. The controller comprises an initial control part which
adjusts the element temperature of the magneto-caloric element so
that the element temperature approaches to the highly efficient
temperature zone when the magneto-caloric element is in an initial
state in which the element temperature is out of the highly
efficient temperature zone. The controller also comprises a regular
control part which controls the magnetic field modulating device
and the heat transporting device after adjustment of the element
temperature by the initial control part is performed.
[0014] According to this disclosure, regular operation of the
magneto-caloric element using the magnetic field modulating device
and the heat transporting device is provided by the regular control
part. In advance of regular operation performed by the regular
control part, the initial control part adjusts the element
temperature of the magneto-caloric element. In the initial state in
which the element temperature is out of the highly efficient
temperature zone, the initial control part adjusts the element
temperature toward the highly efficient temperature zone.
Accordingly, the temperature control by the initial control part is
provided only in the initial state. Therefore, it is possible to
eliminate adverse effect by the initial control part when the
apparatus is in the regular operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present disclosure will become more apparent from the following
detailed description made with reference to the accompanying
drawings. In the drawings:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a magneto-caloric effect type
heat pump apparatus (hereinafter MHP apparatus) according to a
first embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the MHP apparatus
according to the first embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the MHP apparatus
according to the first embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a graph showing temperature characteristics
according to the first embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a graph showing temperature characteristics
according to the first embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control method according to
the first embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a graph showing temperature characteristics
according to the first embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the MHP apparatus
according to a second embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the MHP apparatus
according to a third embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the MHP apparatus
according to a fourth embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the MHP apparatus
according to a fifth embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the MHP apparatus
according to a sixth embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the MHP apparatus
according to a seventh embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the MHP apparatus
according to an eighth embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the MHP apparatus
according to a ninth embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a control method according to
the ninth embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the MHP apparatus
according to a tenth embodiment; and
[0033] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a control method according to
the tenth embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Embodiments of the present disclosure are explained
referring to drawings. In the embodiments, the same parts and
components as those in each embodiment are indicated with the same
reference numbers and the same descriptions will not be reiterated.
In a case that only a part of component or part is described, other
descriptions for the remaining part of component or part in the
other description may be incorporated. Components and parts
corresponding to the components and parts described in the
preceding description may be indicated by the same reference number
and may not be described redundantly. The embodiments may be
partially combined or partially exchanged in some forms which are
clearly specified in the following description. In addition, it
should be understood that, unless trouble arises, the embodiments
may be partially combined or partially exchanged each other in some
forms which are not clearly specified.
First Embodiment
[0035] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a vehicle air-conditioner
10 for vehicle according to a first embodiment that practices the
disclosure. The vehicle air-conditioner 10 has a magneto-caloric
effect type heat pump apparatus 11. Hereinafter, the
magneto-caloric effect type heat pump apparatus 11 may be referred
as MHP apparatus 11. The MHP apparatus 11 provides the
thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus.
[0036] In this specification, the word of the heat pump apparatus
is used in a broad sense. That is, the word of the heat pump
apparatus includes both of a heat pump apparatus using cold energy
and a heat pump apparatus using hot energy. The heat pump apparatus
using cold energy may correspond to a refrigerating cycle
apparatus. The word of the heat pump apparatus may be used as a
concept that includes the refrigerating cycle apparatus.
[0037] The MHP apparatus 11 has a magneto-caloric effect element.
Hereinafter, the magneto-caloric effect element may be referred to
as MCE element. The MCE element 12 produces both heat generation
and heat absorption in response to strength change of an external
magnetic field. The MCE element 12 generates heat in response to
applying the external magnetic field, and absorbs heat in response
to removing the external magnetic field. When the external magnetic
field is applied to the MCE element 12, electron spins gather in
the direction of the magnetic field. At this time, magnetic entropy
decreases and the temperature is raised by emitting heat. When the
external magnetic field is removed from the MCE element 12, the
electron spins become to have disordered state. At this time,
magnetic entropy increases and the temperature is lowered by
absorbing heat. The MCE element 12 is made of magnetic substance
which has a high magneto-caloric effect in an ordinary temperature
region. For example, the MCE element 12 may be made of a
Gadolinium(Gd)-base material or lanthanum-iron-silicon compound.
Alternatively, a mixture of manganese, iron, phosphorus, and
germanium may be used.
[0038] One MCE element 12 and components relevant to it provide a
magneto-caloric element unit. The magneto-caloric element unit may
be referred to as an MCD unit (Magneto-Caloric effect Device unit.)
The MHP apparatus 11 uses magneto-caloric effect of the MCE element
12. The MHP apparatus 11 has a magnetic field modulating (MFM)
device 13 and a heat transporting device 14 for operating the MCE
element 12 as an AMR (Active Magnetic Refrigeration) cycle.
[0039] The MFM device 13 applies the external magnetic field to the
MCE element 12, and varies the strength of the external magnetic
field applied to the MCE element 12. The MFM device 13 periodically
switches the magnetized state where the MCE element 12 is placed in
a strong magnetic field and the demagnetized state where the MCE
element 12 is placed in a weak magnetic field or a zero magnetic
field. The MFM device 13 modulates the external magnetic field so
that the external magnetic field periodically repeats a magnetized
period PM when the MCE element 12 is placed in a strong magnetic
field and a demagnetized period PN when the MCE element 12 is
placed in the external magnetic field that is weaker than that in
the magnetized period PM. The MFM device 13 has a magnetism source
for generating the external magnetic field, for example, a
permanent magnet, and an electromagnet.
[0040] The heat transporting device 14 has fluid devices for
generating flow of a heat transport medium for transporting heat to
be dissipated or absorbed by the MCE element 12. The heat
transporting device 14 is a device which generates flow of the heat
transport medium so that the heat transport medium flows along the
MCE element 12 and performs heat exchange with the MCE element 12.
The heat transporting device 14 generates flow of a heat transport
medium so that a high temperature end and a low temperature end are
generated on the MCE element 12. The heat transporting device 14
generates a bidirectional flow including a flow FM and a flow FN of
the heat transport medium. The flow of the heat transport medium is
the bidirectional flow FM, FN switched alternately in a
synchronizing manner with change of the external magnetic field by
the MFM device 13.
[0041] In this embodiment, the heat transport medium which carries
out heat exchange to the MCE element 12 is called a primary medium.
The primary medium can be provided by fluid, such as anti-freezing
solution, water, and oil. The heat transporting device 14 generates
a bidirectional flow of the heat transport medium. The heat
transporting device 14 alternately changes flow directions of the
heat transport medium in a forward and backward manner in a
synchronizing manner with an increasing and decreasing changes of
the external magnetic field by the MFM device 13. The heat
transporting device 14 may have a pump for generating flow of the
heat transport medium. The heat transporting device 14 has pumps 41
and 42 for generating flow of the primary medium. The pumps 41 and
42 supply the bidirectional flow of the primary medium for one MCE
element 12. The pumps 41 and 42 are arranged on both ends of the
MCE element 12. The pumps 41 and 42 are arranged to perform
complementarily a suction process and a discharge process.
[0042] The MHP apparatus 11 has a motor 15 as a source of power.
The motor 15 is the source of power for the MFM device 13. The
motor 15 is the source of power for the heat transporting device
14.
[0043] The MHP apparatus 11 has a high-temperature system 16 which
conveys high temperature created by the MHP apparatus 11. The
high-temperature system 16 is also a thermal device which uses the
high temperature created by the MHP apparatus 11. The MHP apparatus
11 has a low-temperature system 17 which conveys low temperature
created by the MHP apparatus 11. The low-temperature system 17 is
also a thermal device which uses the low temperature created by the
MHP apparatus 11. The high-temperature system 16 and the
low-temperature system 17 has heat exchangers 51 and 54 which
provides heat exchange between the primary medium and a secondary
medium, respectively. The primary medium is the heat transport
medium. The structure of the heat exchangers 51 and 54 is shown and
described in Japan patent application No. 2012-208318, content of
which is incorporated by reference.
[0044] The high-temperature system 16 has a heat exchanger 51 which
provides heat exchange between the primary medium and a secondary
medium. The secondary medium is a heat transport medium used to
convey thermal energy in the high-temperature system 16. The
secondary medium can be provided by fluid, such as anti-freezing
solution, water, and oil. The high-temperature system 16 has a
passage 52 in which the secondary medium flows in a circulating
manner. The high-temperature system 16 has a heat exchanger 53
which provides heat exchange between the secondary medium and the
other medium. For example, the heat exchanger 53 provides heat
exchange between the secondary medium and air. The high-temperature
system 16 is also a device which removes heat, i.e., thermal
energy, from the high-temperature end, and cools the
high-temperature end.
[0045] The low-temperature system 17 has a heat exchanger 54 which
provides heat exchange between the primary medium and a secondary
medium. The secondary medium is a heat transport medium used to
convey thermal energy in the low-temperature system 17. The
secondary medium can be provided by fluid, such as anti-freezing
solution, water, and oil. The low-temperature system 17 has a
passage 55 in which the secondary medium flows in a circulating
manner. The low-temperature system 17 has a heat exchanger 56 which
provides heat exchange between the secondary medium and the other
medium. For example, the heat exchanger 56 provides heat exchange
between the secondary medium and air. The low-temperature system 17
is also a device which brings heat, i.e., thermal energy, to the
low-temperature end, and heats the low-temperature end.
[0046] The vehicle air-conditioner 10 is mounted on a vehicle, and
adjusts a temperature of passenger's cabin. Both heat exchangers 53
and 56 provide a part of the vehicle air-conditioner 10. The heat
exchanger 53 is a high-temperature side heat exchanger 53 which
becomes higher in temperature than that of the heat exchanger 56.
The heat exchanger 53 is also called as an inside heat exchanger
53. The heat exchanger 56 is a low-temperature side heat exchanger
56 which becomes lower in temperature than that of the heat
exchanger 53. The heat exchanger 56 is also called as an outside
heat exchanger 56. The vehicle air-conditioner 10 also has air
handling system components for using the high-temperature side heat
exchanger 53 and/or the low-temperature side heat exchanger 56 for
air-conditioning purposes, such as an air conditioning duct and a
blower.
[0047] The vehicle air-conditioner 10 is used as a cooling device
or a heating device. The vehicle air-conditioner 10 may have a
cooling heat exchanger for cooling air to be supplied to the
compartment, and a heating heat exchanger for heating air to be
supplied to the compartment. The MHP apparatus 11 is used as a cold
energy supply source or a hot energy supply source in the vehicle
air-conditioner 10. That is, the high-temperature side heat
exchanger 53 may be used as the heating heat exchanger. The
low-temperature side heat exchanger 56 may be used as the cooling
heat exchanger.
[0048] When the MHP apparatus 11 is used as a hot energy supply
source, the air passing through the high-temperature side heat
exchanger 53 is supplied to an interior of the compartment, and is
used for heating. At this time, the air passing through the
low-temperature side heat exchanger 56 is discharged to an outside
of the vehicle. When the MHP apparatus 11 is used as a cold energy
supply source, the air passing through the low-temperature side
heat exchanger 56 is supplied to the interior of the compartment,
and is used for cooling. At this time, the air passing through the
high-temperature side heat exchanger 53 is discharged to an outside
of the vehicle. The MHP apparatus 11 may be used as a dehumidifier
system. In this case, the air first passes through the
low-temperature side heat exchanger 56, and then passes through the
high-temperature side heat exchanger 53, and then is supplied to
the compartment. The MHP apparatus 11 may be used as a hot energy
supply source also in both winter and summer.
[0049] The vehicle air-conditioner 1 has a controller (CNTR) 18.
The controller 18 controls a plurality of controllable components
of the vehicle air-conditioner 10. For example, the controller 18
controls the motor 15 to at least switch the MHP apparatus 11 in an
activated mode and a deactivated mode.
[0050] The controller 18 is an electronic control unit. The
controller 18 has a processing unit (CPU) and a memory (MMR) as a
storage medium which memorizes a program. The controller 18 is
provided by a microcomputer which has a storage medium which can be
read by computer. The storage medium is a non-transitory storage
medium which stores a program readable by the computer. The storage
medium may be provided with semiconductor memory or a magnetic
disc. The program, when the controller 18 executes the program,
makes the controller 18 to function as the apparatus described in
this specification, and makes the controller 18 to function to
perform methods, such as control method, described in this
specification. Means provided by the controller 18 may also be
referred to as a functional block or a module, both of which
performs a predetermined function.
[0051] MHP apparatus 11 has a temperature sensor 19. The
temperature sensor 19 is used to detect or to estimate a
temperature on an arbitrary part of the MCE element 12. This
temperature may be referred to as an element temperature. The
temperature on the arbitrary part of the MCE element 12 can be
estimated based on the temperature detected by the temperature
sensor 19. For example, a temperature on a high temperature end of
the MCE element 12, a temperature on a low temperature end, or a
temperature on a middle temperature portion between them may be
estimated from the detected temperature of the temperature sensor
19. The temperature sensor 19 provides means for detecting or
presuming the temperature of the arbitrary part of the MCE element
12.
[0052] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 19 detects a
surface temperature on the high temperature end of the MHP
apparatus 11. In this case, the temperature detected by the
temperature sensor 19 corresponds to the temperature on the high
temperature end of the MCE element 12.
[0053] The MHP apparatus 11 has an auxiliary apparatus (AUXM) 61.
The auxiliary apparatus 61 is provided separately and independently
from the devices 16 and 17, which uses thermal energy generated on
the high temperature end and/or on the low temperature end. The
auxiliary apparatus 61 heats or cools a part of the MCE element 12
or the entire MCE element 12. Therefore, the auxiliary apparatus 61
adjusts the temperature of a part of the MCE element 12 or the
entire MCE element 12. The auxiliary apparatus 61 is controlled by
the controller 18. The controller 18 at least controls the
auxiliary apparatus 61 into an activated mode and a deactivated
mode. The controller 18 can control a heating quantity or a cooling
quantity provided by the auxiliary apparatus 61.
[0054] The controller 18 has an initial control part (INTM) 18a.
The initial control part 18a adjusts the element temperature of the
MCE element 12 so that the element temperature approaches to the
highly efficient temperature zone when the MCE element 12 is in an
initial state in which the element temperature is out of the highly
efficient temperature zone. The MCE element 12 demonstrates high
performance when the element temperature of the MCE element 12 is
in the highly efficient temperature zone. In a preferred
embodiment, the initial control part 18a adjusts the element
temperature of the MCE element 12 so that at least a part of
temperature on the MCE element 12 reaches the highly efficient
temperature zone. Here, the highly efficient temperature zone is a
temperature zone in which the MCE element 12 can generate a
predetermined temperature difference between a high temperature end
and a low temperature end by overcoming a thermal load by using an
own magneto-caloric effect. The predetermined temperature
difference is a temperature difference expected in a regular
operation, and may also be referred to as a rated temperature
difference. The initial control part 18a adjusts a temperature of
the MCE element 12 so that a temperature on the high temperature
end of the MCE element 12 reaches a highly efficient temperature
zone.
[0055] The initial control part 18a adjusts the element temperature
by controlling the auxiliary apparatus 61. The initial control part
18a adjusts the element temperature by activating the auxiliary
apparatus 61. The initial control part 18a additionally controls
the MFM device 13 and the heat transporting device 14 to operate
the MHP apparatus 11 as a heat pump. The initial control part 18a
additionally controls the MFM device 13 and the heat transporting
device 14 to make the MCE element 12 generates a high temperature
end and a low temperature end on the ends thereof. The initial
control part 18a deactivates the auxiliary apparatus 61 when the
MHP apparatus 11 is activated, i.e., when the MHP apparatus 11
reaches to operating condition from which the MHP apparatus 11 can
excite itself by using own thermo-magnetic effect.
[0056] The controller 18 has a regular control part (REGM) 18b. The
regular control part 18b controls the MFM device 13 and the heat
transporting device 14 after adjustment of the element temperature
by the initial control part 18a is performed. The regular control
part 18b may begin own control after the initial control part 18a
finished the temperature control. The regular control part 18b may
begin own control after the initial control part 18a completed the
temperature control. The regular control part 18b may begin own
control after starting the temperature control of the initial
control part 18a but initial control part 18a is still performing
the temperature control. The regular control part 18b controls the
MFM device 13 and the heat transporting device 14 to operate the
MHP apparatus 11 as a heat pump. The regular control part 18b
controls the MFM device 13 and the heat transporting device 14 to
make the MCE element 12 generates a high temperature end and a low
temperature end on the ends thereof.
[0057] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the MHP apparatus 11
according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view
of the MHP apparatus 11 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2
shows a cross-section on II-II line shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows a
cross-section on III-III line shown in FIG. 2.
[0058] A motor 15, which is disposed as a power source of the MHP
apparatus 11, is driven by a battery mounted on the vehicle. The
motor 15 rotates a rotor 13 which provides the MFM device 13.
Thereby, the motor 15 and the MFM device 13 create a periodic
alternating change between a condition in which an external
magnetic field is applied to the MCE element 12 and a condition in
which the external magnetic field is removed from the MCE element
12. The condition in which the external magnetic field is removed
may corresponds to a condition in which the external magnetic field
is not applied to the MCE element 12 or just reduced from the
applied condition. The motor 15 drives and activates pumps 41 and
42 of the heat transporting device 14. Thereby, the motor 15 and
the pumps 41 and 42 supply a bidirectional flow of the primary
medium for one MCE element 12.
[0059] The pumps 41 and 42 produce bidirectional flow of the
primary medium in the MCD unit in order to be worked the MCE
element 12 as the AMR cycle. The pumps 41 and 42 are
displacement-type bidirectional flow pumps. The pumps 41 and 42 are
cam-plate type piston pumps. The pumps 41 and 42 are axial piston
pumps having a plurality of cylinders. One cylinder of the pump 41
and one cylinder of the pump 42 are arranged to one MCE element 12.
Two cylinders arranged on one MCE element 12 to function
complementarily. Thereby, the pumps 41 and 42 supply the
bidirectional flow of the primary medium flowing along the
longitudinal direction of one MCE element 12. In this embodiment,
the MHP apparatus 11 has a plurality of MCE elements 12 which are
connected in thermally parallel. In the MHP apparatus 11, eight MCE
elements 12 are connected in thermally parallel. Therefore, each
one of the pumps 41 and 42 has 8 cylinders.
[0060] The MHP apparatus 11 has a housing 21 which may be called as
a circular cylindrical or a circular columnar shape. The housing 21
supports the rotary shaft 22 rotatably on a central axis of the
housing 21. The rotary shaft 22 is connected with the output shaft
of the motor 15. The housing 21 defines an accommodation chamber 23
for accommodating the MFM device 13 around the rotary shaft 22. The
accommodation chamber 23 is formed in a shape like a circular
columnar shape. A rotor core 24 is fixed to the rotary shaft 22.
The rotor core 24 and the housing 21 provide yoke members for
guiding and passing the magnetic flux. The rotor core 24 is
configured to form a range which is easy to pass through the
magnetic flux along the circumferential direction thereof and a
range which is hard to pass through the magnetic flux. A permanent
magnet 25 is fixed to the rotor core 24. A plurality of magnets 25
are fixed on the rotor core 24. The permanent magnet 25 is formed
in a semi-cylindrical shape which has a fan-shaped cross section.
The permanent magnet 25 is fixed on a radial outside surface of the
rotary shaft 22.
[0061] The rotor core 24 and the permanent magnet 25 form regions
around them. One region is that the external magnetic field
provided by the permanent magnet 25 is strong. The other one region
is that the external magnetic field provided by the permanent
magnet 25 is weak. In the region in which the external magnetic
field is weak, a state in which the external magnetic field is
almost completely removed is provided. The rotor core 24 and the
permanent magnet 25 rotate in a synchronizing manner with a
revolution of the rotary shaft 22. Therefore, the region of strong
external magnetic field and the region of weak external magnetic
field rotate synchronizing with the revolution of the rotary shaft
22. As a result, at one point on a circumference of the rotor core
24 and the permanent magnet 25, a period when the external magnetic
field is strongly applied and a period when the external magnetic
field becomes weak and was almost removed are alternately appears.
Therefore, the rotor core 24 and the permanent magnet 25 provide
the MFM device 13 which alternates the applied state and the
removed state of the external magnetic field. The rotor core 24 and
the permanent magnet 25 provide a device which alternately switches
the state applying the external magnetic field to the MCE element
12 and the state removing the external magnetic field from the MCE
element 12. The word of the magnetic field is interchangeable with
magnetic flux density or magnetic field strength.
[0062] The housing 21 defines at least one work chamber 26. The
work chamber 26 is located next to the accommodation chamber 23.
The housing 21 defines a plurality of work chambers 26 arranged at
equal intervals on a radial outside of the accommodation chamber
23. In this embodiment, one housing 21 defines eight work chambers
26. Each of the work chambers 26 forms a columnar-shaped chamber
which has a longitudinal direction along the axial direction of the
housing 21. One work chamber 26 is formed so that it corresponds to
one cylinder of the pump 41 and one cylinder of the pump 42. Two
cylinders are arranged on both sides of one work chamber 26.
[0063] The work chamber 26 provides a channel where the primary
medium flows. The primary medium flows along a longitudinal
direction of the work chamber 26. The primary medium flows along a
longitudinal direction of the work chamber 26 in a bidirectional
manner in which flow directions are alternately switched in one
direction and the other opposite direction.
[0064] The work chamber 26 also provides an accommodation chamber
in which the MCE element 12 is accommodated. The housing 21
provides a container in which the work chamber 26 is formed. The
MCE element 12 which provides a magnetic working material having
magneto-caloric effect is disposed in the work chamber 26.
[0065] One MCE element 12 is formed in a columnar shape, i.e., a
rod shape, having a longitudinal direction along an axial direction
of the MHP apparatus 11. The MCE element 12 is formed in a shape
which can provides sufficient heat exchange with the primary medium
flowing through within the work chamber 26. Each MCE element 12 may
also be called an element bed.
[0066] The MCE element 12 is placed under an effect of the external
magnetic field switched between an applied state and a removed
state by the MFM device 13. That is, as the rotary shaft 22
rotates, it is performed to switch the applied state in which the
external magnetic field for magnetizing the MCE element 12 is
applied and the removed state in which the external magnetic field
is removed from the MCE element 12.
[0067] The auxiliary apparatus 61 has a heater (HTDV) 62. The
heater 62 is an electric heater. Thermal energy generated by the
heater 62 is supplied to the heat exchanger 63. The heat exchanger
63 is attached to the heat exchanger 51. The heat exchanger 63 can
be provided by a connecting member which connects the heater 62 and
the heat exchanger 51 in a thermally conductive manner. The heat
exchanger 63 conveys the thermal energy supplied from the heater 62
to a member of the heat exchanger 51. The heat exchanger 51 is also
a member which defines a flow channel of the primary medium.
Accordingly, the thermal energy supplied from the heater 62 is
conveyed to the heat transport medium which is the primary medium.
Since the primary medium flows along the MCE element 12, the
thermal energy supplied from the heater 62 is transmitted to the
MCE element 12 via the primary medium. As a result, the MCE element
12 is heated by the heater 62. In a structure shown in the
drawings, since the heat exchanger 63 is attached onto the heat
exchanger 51 which is associated with the high temperature end of
the MCE element 12, the heater 62 heats the high temperature end of
the MCE element 12.
[0068] The heat exchanger 63 provides a heat exchanger which
performs heat exchange between the auxiliary apparatus 61 and the
MCE element 12. The heat exchanger 63 performs heat exchange with
the heat transport medium which is the primary medium. The heat
exchanger 51 is a member which defines a passage through which the
heat transport medium flows. The heat exchanger 63 is disposed on
this member. The heat exchanger 63 is also a heat exchanger for
performing heat exchange with the secondary medium.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 3, the permanent magnet 25 is fixed on a
radial outside surface of the rotary shaft 22. The permanent magnet
25 is disposed over an angular range PM. The angular range PM may
be referred to as an applying period in which the external magnetic
field is applied to one MCE element 12, i.e., a magnetized period
PM. The MFM device 13 has the permanent magnet 25 that has a size
corresponding to the magnetized period PM. The permanent magnet 25
is not disposed over an angular range PN. The angular range PN may
also be referred to as a removal period in which the external
magnetic field is removed from one MCE element 12, i.e., a
demagnetized period PN. Demagnetized period does not mean condition
where magnetic field is zero. Demagnetized period includes
condition where magnetic field, which is weaker than magnetic field
in the magnetized period PM, is still applied.
[0070] Since the MCE element 12 generates heat in the magnetized
period PM, the pumps 41 and 42 are operated to make the primary
medium flows toward the high-temperature system 16. As a result,
the primary medium flows toward the high-temperature system 16 for
a first period of time. On the other hand, since the MCE element 12
absorbs heat in the demagnetized period PN, the pumps 41 and 42 are
operated to make the primary medium flows toward the
low-temperature system 17. As a result, the primary medium flows
toward the low-temperature system 17 for a second period of time.
The magnetized period PM and the first period overlap in major
range of them. The magnetized period PM and the first period may
shift slightly at a starting range and an ending range of them. The
demagnetized period PN and the second period overlap in major range
of them. The demagnetized period PN and the second period may shift
slightly at a starting range and an ending range of them. A flow
amount of the primary medium flowing toward the high-temperature
system 16 in the first period and a flow amount of the primary
medium flowing toward the low-temperature system 17 in the second
period are equal. The heat transporting device 14 provides the same
flow amounts in each of flow directions of the bidirectional flow
FM, FN.
[0071] Returning to FIG. 2, one MCE element 12 has a plurality of
element units 12a-12f. The element units 12a-12f are arranged by
stacking or laminating along a flow direction of the primary
medium, i.e., a longitudinal direction of the MCE element 12. The
plurality of element units 12a-12f are made of different material
which are differ in Curie temperature. The element units 12a-12f
demonstrate high magneto-caloric effects (Delta-S (J/kgK)) in
different temperature zones, respectively. The element unit 12f
near the high temperature end has the material composition which
demonstrates a high magneto-caloric effect at a temperature range
near a temperature which appears on the high temperature end at a
regular operating condition. The element unit 12c near the middle
temperature portion has the material composition which demonstrates
a high magneto-caloric effect at a temperature range near a
temperature which appears on the middle temperature portion at the
regular operating condition. The element unit 12a near the low
temperature end has the material composition which demonstrates a
high magneto-caloric effect at a temperature range near a
temperature which appears on the low temperature end at the regular
operating condition. The element units 12a-12f are arranged to
place one element unit, e.g., the element unit 12f, on a position
closer to the high temperature end than the other element unit,
e.g., the element unit 12e. The one element unit, e.g., the element
unit 12f, demonstrates a significant magneto-caloric effect at a
temperature which is higher than a temperature where the other
element unit, e.g., the element unit 12f, demonstrates a
significant magneto-caloric effect.
[0072] FIG. 4 shows magneto-caloric effect of the plurality of
element units 12a-12f. A diagram 4A in the drawing shows an
arrangement of the element units 12a-12f. A diagram 4B in the
drawing shows temperature on the horizontal axis and
magneto-caloric effects on the vertical axis. In the drawing, one
waveform shows a characteristic of one element unit. For example,
the waveform S12f shows a characteristic of the element unit
12f.
[0073] A temperature zone with which a high magneto-caloric effect
is demonstrated is called as a highly efficient temperature zone.
An upper limit temperature and a lower limit temperature of the
highly efficient temperature zone depend on material composition of
the MCE element 12, etc. The element units 12a-12f are arranged in
series so that the highly efficient temperature zones are located
in a side-by-side manner between the high temperature end and the
low temperature end. In other words, the highly efficient
temperature zones of the element units 12a-12f show distribution
having a shape of a stairway which is lowered step-by-step manner
from the high temperature end between the high temperature end and
the low temperature end. This stairway shaped distribution of the
highly efficient temperature zones is mostly equivalent to a
temperature distribution between the high temperature end and the
low temperature end in a regular state.
[0074] A plurality of element units 12a-12f shares a regular
temperature difference which is created between the high
temperature end and the low temperature end in the regular
operation. Thereby, high effectiveness can be acquired in each of
the element units. In other words, the element units 12a-12f is
adjusted so that each of the element units can demonstrates the
magneto-caloric effect exceeding the predetermined threshold value
Sth when the regular temperature difference is acquired.
[0075] As shown in the drawing, one element unit demonstrates the
magneto-caloric effect exceeding the first predetermined threshold
value in the predetermined first temperature range. Other element
unit which adjoins the one element unit demonstrates the
magneto-caloric effect exceeding the second predetermined threshold
value in the second temperature range which is shifted from the
first temperature range to a high-temperature side or a
low-temperature side. Waveforms showing the characteristics of the
element units are arranged and set up to overlap each other. For
example, at a temperature T6 where the element unit 12f
demonstrates the maximum magneto-caloric effect, the adjoining
element unit 12e demonstrates a magneto-caloric effect which is
higher than the minimum value but lower than a peak value.
[0076] In this embodiment, each of the element units 12a-12f
demonstrates the magneto-caloric effect exceeding the threshold
value Sth in corresponding temperature range which is assigned to
the unit to be taken charge of. All element units can demonstrate
the magneto-caloric effect over the threshold value Sth when each
unit works in the corresponding assigned temperature range. A
temperature difference between the low temperature end and the high
temperature end obtained in the regular operation, i.e., a
temperature range equivalent to the rated temperature difference,
is covered by the plurality of element units 12a-12f, without
having an excessive valley or excessive sag on total
magneto-caloric effect.
[0077] In the drawing, circular marks show operating points where
the highest magneto-caloric effect can be demonstrated. For
example, the element unit 12b demonstrates the highest
magneto-caloric effect at a temperature T2. The element unit 12f
demonstrates the highest magneto-caloric effect at a temperature
T6.
[0078] At the time of starting of the MHP apparatus 11, the whole
MCE element 12 may become the same temperature. For example, when
the MHP apparatus 11 is placed on low temperature environment like
winter, the element temperature of the MCE element 12 becomes the
same low temperature as an outside temperature. In the drawing, a
square mark shows an operating point in one example at a starting
stage of the MHP apparatus. In this example, the whole MCE element
12 is temperature T1. Thereby, the element unit 12a may demonstrate
the highest magneto-caloric effect. However, the adjoining element
unit 12b can demonstrate only a low specified value Si.
Furthermore, the element units 12c-12f located on a
high-temperature side can demonstrate only the magneto-caloric
effect which is less than the specified value Si. In such a case,
even if the MHP apparatus 11 is activated, a long time shall be
taken until the high temperature end of the MCE element 12 reaches
to a regular temperature in the regular operation. In other words,
a long time is required in order to generate sufficient temperature
difference between the ends of the MCE element 12. There may be a
case in which the high temperature end of the MCE element 12 cannot
reach to the regular temperature in the regular operation. In other
words, sufficient temperature difference between the ends of the
MCE element 12 cannot be generated.
[0079] In the drawing, triangle marks show operating points in case
the MCE element 12 is heated by the auxiliary apparatus 61. When
the auxiliary apparatus 61 heats the MCE element 12, the element
temperature on the high temperature end of the MCE element 12 is
increased. Simultaneously, temperature on the plurality of element
units 12a-12f also rise according to an amount of heat conduction
from the auxiliary apparatus 61 and an amount of heat dissipation,
etc.
[0080] For example, a temperature of the high temperature end of
the MCE element 12, i.e., the temperature of the element unit 12f
reaches a temperature T61. The element unit 12f demonstrates a
magneto-caloric effect with a predetermined value Ssp which is
higher than the predetermined value Si at a beginning period of
staring. The predetermined value Ssp may be referred to as an
assisted magneto-caloric effect which is acquired as a result of
the auxiliary temperature control. A temperature of the element
unit 12b also reaches a temperature T21. The element unit 12b
demonstrates a magneto-caloric effect with a predetermined value
Ssp which is higher than the predetermined value Si.
[0081] Thus, in a case that the MCE element 12 is heated by the
auxiliary apparatus 61, the element unit 12a, 12b, and 12f
demonstrate a magneto-caloric effect higher than the predetermined
value Si. These element units 12a, 12b, and 12f generate
temperature differences on respective ends by own magneto-caloric
effect, and enlarge the temperature difference further. As a
result, the high temperature end of the MCE element 12 reaches the
regular temperature in the regular operation in short time from the
beginning of operation of the MHP apparatus 11. In other words, a
sufficient temperature difference can be generated between the ends
in a short time.
[0082] Once the MCE element 12 becomes possible to generate a
temperature difference and to maintain the temperature difference
by own magneto-caloric effect, the auxiliary temperature control by
the auxiliary apparatus 61 can be completed. Thus, the auxiliary
apparatus 61 assists starting of the MHP apparatus 11, and make it
possible to shorten a time which is necessary to start up the MHP
apparatus 11. Furthermore, since the auxiliary apparatus 61 stops
auxiliary temperature control in the regular operational status, it
is possible to reduce energy consumption.
[0083] FIG. 5 shows temperature distribution on the plurality of
element units 12a-12f. 5A in the drawing shows an arrangement of
the plurality of element units 12a-12f. In 5B in the drawing, the
horizontal axis shows location on the plurality of element units
12a-12f, and the vertical axis shows temperature.
[0084] The MCE element 12 demonstrates the highest magneto-caloric
effect at the high performance temperature Tef shown by circular
marks. In a case of an example of starting in a low temperature
environment, the initial temperature Tin of the MCE element 12 may
be the initial temperature TinL shown by square marks. In the
drawing, the initial temperature TinL is a temperature T1 that is
equal to the high performance temperature Tef of the element unit
12a on the low temperature end. The auxiliary apparatus 61 heats
the high temperature end of the MHP apparatus 11 by the heater 62.
Thereby, the element temperature of the MCE element 12 changes to
the auxiliary heating temperature Tsp shown by triangle marks. In
this embodiment, since the auxiliary apparatus 61 heats only the
high temperature end of the MCE element 12, a temperature
distribution illustrated may appear on the MCE element 12.
[0085] The initial control part 18a heats the high temperature end
so that the element temperature of the element unit 12f reaches
near the high performance temperature Tef from the initial
temperature TinL. Heating capacity of the heater 62 is set up so
that the heater 62 can raise and increase the element temperature
of the element unit 12f on the high temperature end to reach to a
temperature near the high performance temperature Tef=T6 when an
environmental temperature is equal to the high performance
temperature Tef of the element unit 12a on the low temperature end,
i.e., a temperature T1. The initial control part 18a makes the
element temperature of the element unit 12f on the high temperature
end to reach to the temperature T61 which is higher than the high
performance temperature Tef=T5of the element unit 12e located next
to the element unit 12f. In other words, the initial control part
18a heats the high temperature end so that the element temperature
of the element unit 12f on the high temperature end reaches near
the temperature as which the element unit 12f works a
magneto-caloric element, i.e., Curie temperature. Thereby, the
element unit 12f on the high temperature end demonstrates a high
magneto-caloric effect.
[0086] In addition, other element units 12b-12e are heated.
Therefore, other element units 12b-12e also demonstrate high
magneto-caloric effects. For example, the element temperature of
the element unit 12b is heated from the initial temperature T1 to a
temperature T21. Thereby, the element unit 12b may demonstrate a
high magneto-caloric effect.
[0087] An amount of temperature adjustment by the auxiliary
apparatus 61 is set up to reduce or prevent demagnetization of the
permanent magnet 25. In other words, the initial control part 18a
adjusts the element temperature of the MCE element 12 so that
demagnetization of the permanent magnet 25 is reduced. The initial
control part 18a adjusts the temperature of the MCE element 12 so
that irreversible demagnetization of the permanent magnet 25 is
reduced. The initial control part 18a controls the auxiliary
apparatus 61 so that the element temperature of the element unit
12f reaches a temperature T61 which is slightly lower than the high
performance temperature Tef=T6. According to this structure,
demagnetization resulting from a temperature of the permanent
magnet 25 and irreversible demagnetization resulting from a high
temperature or a low temperature caused by temperature adjustment
performed by the initial control part 18a may be reduced.
[0088] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart which shows a control processing
170 for the MHP apparatus 11 performed by the controller 18. At
step 171, it is determined that whether it is in a starting period
after the MHP apparatus 11 is just started. For example, it is
determined that whether it is after a turned off period over a long
time period in which the MCE element 12 may reach to an
environmental temperature, and it is within a predetermined period
after the MHP apparatus 11 is started. If it is not in the starting
period, the processing progresses to step 176. If it is in the
starting period, the processing progresses to step 172.
[0089] At step 172, starting control for making the element
temperature of the MCE element 12 shift from the initial
temperature Tin to the high performance temperature Tef is
performed. Step 172 may contain step 173 and step 174. The
auxiliary apparatus 61 is activated at step 173. Thereby, the high
temperature end of the MCE element 12 is heated by the heater 62
and the heat exchanger 63. At step 174, in order to operate the MHP
apparatus 11, the MFM device 13 and the heat transporting device 14
are activated. Thereby, the external magnetic field applied to a
part of the MCE element 12 is modulated in an alternately increased
and decreased manner. Simultaneously, the primary medium
alternately flows in a forward direction and a backward direction
in a synchronizing manner with the change of the external magnetic
field.
[0090] In step 174, the element units 12a-12f works as a heat pump
in a period in which the element temperature of the element units
12a-12f changes from the initial temperature Tin towards the
auxiliary heating temperature Tsp, and a period in which the
element temperature of the element units 12a-12f changes from the
auxiliary heating temperature Tsp towards the high performance
temperature Tef. In the starting control, the element units 12a-12f
change, i.e., by heating or cooling, the element temperature of the
element units 12a-12f to approach toward the high performance
temperature Tef from the initial temperature Tin by using the
magneto-caloric effect of themselves. In addition, in the starting
control, the auxiliary apparatus 61 changes, i.e., heats, the
element temperature of the element units 12a-12f to approach
towards the high performance temperature Tef from the initial
temperature Tin. In the starting control, at least a part of the
element units cannot function at the high performance temperature
Tef. Accordingly, it may take a long time to reach to the high
performance temperature Tef, or may be unable to reach the high
performance temperature Tef by only using the magneto-caloric
effect of the MCE element 12. However, in this embodiment, since
the auxiliary apparatus 61 is activated in the starting control,
starting of the MHP apparatus 11 can be promoted.
[0091] At step 175, it is determined whether the termination
conditions of the starting control by step 172 were fulfilled. Step
172 is repeated when the starting control is not terminated. The
starting control has been terminated, then, the processing
progresses to step 176. At step 175, the determination may be
performed by determining whether a temperature of a portion under
temperature control by the auxiliary apparatus 61 reaches to a
target temperature or not. The target temperature may be the Curie
temperature of the element unit located on the portion where the
auxiliary apparatus 61 supplies heat, for example. In this case, at
least the element unit located on the portion can be activated and
operated with high performance.
[0092] In this example, the high temperature end of the MCE element
12 is heated, and the temperature sensor 19 detects the temperature
on the high temperature end. In this case, the determination at
step 175 can be provided by a determination of whether the
temperature of the element unit 12f reaches the high performance
temperature T6or not. In other examples, the low temperature end of
the MCE element 12 may be cooled, and the temperature sensor 19
detects the temperature on the low temperature end. In this case,
the determination at step 175 can be provided by a determination of
whether the temperature of the element unit 12a reaches the high
performance temperature T1or not. Furthermore, in other examples,
the middle portion of the MCE element 12 is heated or cooled, and
the temperature sensor 19 detects or presumes the temperature on
the middle portion. In this case, the determination at step 175 can
be provided by a determination of whether the temperature of the
element unit 12c or 12d reaches the high performance temperature
T3or T4or not.
[0093] The target temperature in step 175 is set up to reduce
demagnetization of the permanent magnet 25 or to avoid generating
demagnetization of the permanent magnet 25. In a case that the
auxiliary apparatus 61 heats the MCE element 12, in order to avoid
generating irreversible demagnetization of the permanent magnet 25,
the target temperature is set up to be less than a high-temperature
range in which the permanent magnet 25 may get irreversible
demagnetization. In a case that the auxiliary apparatus 61 cools
the MCE element 12, in order to avoid generating irreversible
demagnetization of the permanent magnet 25, the target temperature
is set up to be higher than a high-temperature range in which the
permanent magnet 25 may get irreversible demagnetization. Thus, the
target temperature is set to avoid temperature range in which the
permanent magnet 25 generates irreversible demagnetization.
[0094] At step 176, a regular control for performing a regular
operation or a regular steady operation of the MHP apparatus 11 is
performed. Step 176 may contain step 177. At step 177, in order to
work the MHP apparatus 11 as the AMR cycle, the MFM device 13 and
the heat transporting device 14 are activated. Thereby, the
external magnetic field applied to a part of the MCE element 12 is
modulated in an alternately increased and decreased manner.
Simultaneously, the primary medium alternately flows in a forward
direction and a backward direction in a synchronizing manner with
the change of the external magnetic field. At step 177, each of the
element units 12a-12f functions at each of the high performance
temperatures T1-T6. As a result, the MHP apparatus 11 demonstrates
the high heat pump performance expected.
[0095] The auxiliary apparatus 61 is deactivated under the regular
control. That is, heating by the heater 62 is stopped. Therefore,
it is possible to avoid that the heater 62 is operated over a long
time period.
[0096] In FIG. 7, the horizontal axis shows temperature TEMP and
the vertical axis shows the average work performance Delta-S of the
material of the MCE element 12. In the drawing, a start-limit line
Lmt shows a border line where the MHP apparatus 11 can works as a
heat pump or not. In the illustrated embodiment, the start-limit
line Lmt shows a limit line, i.e., a lower limit, therefore, when
an operating point, i.e., the temperature, is higher than the
star-limit line Lmt the MHP apparatus 11 can enlarge the
temperature difference between the high temperature end and the low
temperature end. When the operating point of the MHP apparatus 11
is less than the start-limit line Lmt, the MHP apparatus 11 cannot
enlarge the temperature difference between the high temperature end
and the low temperature end. In the drawing, the temperature shown
on the horizontal axis corresponds to a temperature difference
between the low temperature end and the high temperature end. Here,
a case where the low temperature end is constant temperature is
illustrated, therefore, the horizontal axis shows the temperature
of the high temperature end.
[0097] In case that the apparatus has no auxiliary apparatus 61, it
is necessary to set an operating line CMP not less than the
start-limit line Lmt as shown in a broken line. At the time of
starting, the operating point gradually moves from the operating
point shown by the square mark at the initial temperature Tin
toward the operating point, the regular operating point, shown by
the circular mark at the regular temperature TH. The operating line
CMP is set up not to intersect with the start-limit line Lmt over
an expected temperature range from Tin to TH. Only a low
magneto-caloric effect Sc may be acquired by this operating line
CMP.
[0098] In this embodiment, as shown by solid line, an operating
line EMB can be set without limitation caused by the start-limit
line Lmt. At the time of starting, the operating point gradually
moves from the operating point shown by the square mark at the
initial temperature Tin toward the operating point, the regular
operating point, shown by the circular mark at the regular
temperature TH. The auxiliary apparatus 61 can heat the MCE element
12 to the auxiliary heating temperature Tsp shown by the triangular
mark. The auxiliary heating temperature Tsp is the temperature
higher than the start-limit line Lmt. According to this structure,
since the auxiliary apparatus 61 provide the temperature exceeding
the start-limit line Lmt at the time of starting, the MHP apparatus
11 can be started as a heat pump without being restricted by the
start-limit line Lmt. In this structure, although the operating
line EMB intersects the start-limit line Lmt, it provides a higher
magneto-caloric effect Se.
[0099] According to this structure, regular operation of the MCE
element 12 using the MFM device 13 and the heat transporting device
14 is provided by the regular control part 18b. In advance of the
regular operation performed by the regular control part 18b, the
initial control part 18a adjusts the element temperature of the MCE
element 12. In the initial state in which the element temperature
is out of the highly efficient temperature zone, the initial
control part 18a adjusts the element temperature toward the highly
efficient temperature zone. Accordingly, the temperature control by
the initial control part 18a is provided only in the initial state.
Therefore, it is possible to eliminate adverse effect by the
initial control part 18a when the apparatus is in the regular
operation.
Second Embodiment
[0100] This embodiment is one of modifications based on a basic
form provided by the preceding embodiment. In the preceding
embodiment, the auxiliary apparatus 61 uses a heater 62.
Alternatively, or additionally, in this embodiment, a cooler that
cools a part of or all of the MCE element 12 is used for the
auxiliary apparatus 61.
[0101] In FIG. 8, the auxiliary apparatus 61 has the cooler (CLDV)
264 which cools the MCE element 12. The cooler 264 may be provided
by variety of devices which can supply cold energy, i.e., low
temperature. For example, the cooler 264 may be provided by Peltier
device which produces low temperature electrically. The cooler 264
may be provided by a refrigerating cycles, such as a steam
compression type cycle. The cooler 264 may be provided by the
apparatus using the coolant which takes a thermal energy with
evaporative latent heat, for example, cooling spray equipment.
[0102] Low temperature provided by the cooler 264 is supplied to a
heat exchanger 263. The heat exchanger 263 is attached on the heat
exchanger 54. The heat exchanger 263 can be provided by a
connecting member which connects the cooler 264 and the heat
exchanger 54. The heat exchanger 263 conducts cold energy supplied
from the cooler 264 to the member of the heat exchanger 54. The
heat exchanger 54 is also a member which defines the channel for
the primary medium. Accordingly, the thermal energy supplied from
the cooler 264 is conducted to the heat transport medium which is
the primary medium. Since the primary medium flows along the MCE
element 12, the thermal energy supplied from the cooler 264 is
conveyed to the MCE element 12 via the primary medium. As a result,
the MCE element 12 is cooled by the cooler 264. With the structure
illustrated, since the heat exchanger 263 is attached on the heat
exchanger 54 associated with the low temperature end of the MCE
element 12, the cooler 264 cools the low temperature end of the MCE
element 12.
[0103] The heat exchanger 263 provides the heat exchange device
which performs heat exchange between the auxiliary apparatus 61 and
the MCE element 12. The heat exchanger 263 performs heat exchange
with the heat transport medium which is the primary medium. The
heat exchanger 54 is a member which defines the passage through
which the heat transport medium flows. The heat exchanger 263 is
disposed on this member. The heat exchanger 263 is also a heat
exchanger which carries out heat exchange with the secondary
medium.
[0104] In a case that the MHP apparatus 11 is located on a high
temperature environment, the element temperature of the MCE element
12 may exceed the high performance temperature Tef of some element
units. In a case of example to start the apparatus in such a high
temperature environment, the initial temperature Tin of the MCE
element 12 may be the initial temperature TinH shown in FIG. 5 with
a broken line. In this case, the auxiliary apparatus 61 cools the
MCE element 12. For example, the auxiliary apparatus 61 cools the
low temperature end of the MCE element 12.
[0105] In this case, the controller 18 is also adopted. The initial
control part 18a activates the auxiliary apparatus 61, i.e., the
cooler 264. The initial control part 18a adjusts the element
temperature so that the temperature on the low temperature end of
the MCE element 12 reaches to the highly efficient temperature
zone.
Third Embodiment
[0106] This embodiment is one of modifications based on a basic
form provided by the preceding embodiment. In the preceding
embodiment, the temperature of the high temperature end or the low
temperature end of the MCE element 12 is adjusted. Alternatively,
in this embodiment, a temperature of the middle portion between the
high temperature end and the low temperature end of the MCE element
12 is adjusted.
[0107] As shown in FIG. 6, a heat exchanger 363 is disposed on the
middle portion of the housing 21. The heat exchanger 363 indirectly
controls temperature of the middle portion of the MCE element 12 by
conducting the cold energy supplied from a cooler 264 to the
housing 21. The initial control part 18a adjusts the element
temperature so that the temperature on the middle portion of the
MCE element 12 reaches to the highly efficient temperature
zone.
Fourth Embodiment
[0108] This embodiment is one of modifications based on a basic
form provided by the preceding embodiment. In the preceding
embodiment, the element temperature is indirectly adjusted from a
surface of a member which constitutes the MHP apparatus 11.
Alternatively, in this embodiment, a heat exchange device which
performs heat exchange directly with the secondary medium is
used.
[0109] As shown in FIG. 10, a heat exchanger 463 is disposed on the
passage 55. The heat exchanger 463 provides heat exchange between
the secondary medium flowing through the passage 55 and the cooler
264.
Fifth Embodiment
[0110] This embodiment is one of modifications based on a basic
form provided by the preceding embodiment. The preceding embodiment
employs the heater 62 or the cooler 264. Alternatively, or
additionally, in this embodiment, a thermal storage which can store
thermal energy such as hot energy or cold energy, and can discharge
the stored thermal energy is used.
[0111] As shown in FIG. 11, the auxiliary apparatus 61 has a
thermal storage 565. The thermal storage 565 stores low
temperature, i.e., cold energy acquired during the period the MHP
apparatus 11 is operating. The thermal storage 565 cools the low
temperature end of the MCE element 12 by discharging the stored
cold energy. Thus, the auxiliary apparatus 61 has the thermal
storage 565 which stores the temperature obtained on the high
temperature end or the low temperature end. The thermal storage 565
can also be applied to embodiments which heats or cools the high
temperature end or the middle temperature portion of the NICE
element 12. The thermal storage 565 can be used together with the
heater 62 and/or the cooler 264.
Sixth Embodiment
[0112] This embodiment is one of modifications based on a basic
form provided by the preceding embodiment. In this embodiment, a
heat exchange device for adjusting the element temperature has an
original heat transport medium.
[0113] As shown in FIG. 12, the heat exchange device 663 is
disposed between the cooler 264 and the heat exchanger 54. The heat
exchange device 663 has a pump, a primary heat exchanger, a
secondary heat exchanger, and a heat-transport-medium passage which
connects the above components in a ring circuit. According to this
structure, the cooler 264 adjusts the element temperature
indirectly via the heat exchange device 663.
Seventh Embodiment
[0114] This embodiment is one of modifications based on a basic
form provided by the preceding embodiment. In this embodiment, the
high temperature end of the MCE element 12 is heated, and also, the
low temperature end is cooled.
[0115] As shown in FIG. 13, the auxiliary apparatus 61 has both the
heater 62 and the cooler 264. According to this structure, the
temperature of both the high temperature end and the low
temperature end can be adjusted near the desirable temperature, for
example, the high performance temperature Tef.
Eighth Embodiment
[0116] This embodiment is one of modifications based on a basic
form provided by the preceding embodiment. In the preceding
embodiment, the MHP apparatus 11 conveys the thermal energy to the
outside by using the secondary medium. Alternatively, in this
embodiment, the thermal energy is conveyed to the outside by using
the primary medium.
[0117] FIG. 14 shows an MHP apparatus 11 according to this
embodiment. The MHP apparatus 11 has a valve system 857 and 858.
The valve system 857 and 858 make it possible to take a part of the
heat transport medium, which is the primary medium, out to the
outside. The valve system 857 and 858 provide a suction valve and a
discharge valve corresponding to each of a plurality of MCE
elements 12. The valve system 857 and 858 provide a channel for
taking out the primary medium to the outside. For example, the
valve system 858 provides the suction valve 859a and the discharge
valve 859b between one MCE element 12 and corresponding one of the
cylinder of the pump 42. As shown in the drawing, a heat exchanger
863 is disposed on a passage between the pump 42 and the suction
valve 859a.
[0118] The high-temperature system 16 is provided by the valve
system 857 and a heat exchanger 853 which carries out heat exchange
with the heat transport medium taken out via the valve system 857.
The low-temperature system 17 is provided by the valve system 858
and a heat exchanger 856 which carries out heat exchange with the
heat transport medium taken out via the valve system 858.
[0119] According to this structure, by using no secondary medium,
it is possible to take thermal energy from the MHP apparatus 11 by
using the primary medium, and also to supply thermal energy to the
MHP apparatus 11 by using the primary medium. The structure of this
embodiment is shown and described in Japan patent application No.
2012-128820, content of which is incorporated by reference.
Ninth Embodiment
[0120] This embodiment is one of modifications based on a basic
form provided by the preceding embodiment. In the preceding
embodiment, the element temperature is adjusted by using the
auxiliary apparatus 61. Alternatively or additionally, in this
embodiment, the element temperature of the MCE element 12 is
actively adjusted by a thermal function different from the
magneto-caloric effect by using a heat generating capacity of the
MHP apparatus 11.
[0121] As shown in FIG. 15, an initial control part 918a is adopted
in this embodiment. The initial control part 918a controls a device
which belongs to the MHP apparatus 11 so that the MHP apparatus 11
generates heat. The initial control part 918a controls the MFM
device 13 and the heat transporting device 14 to generate heat. The
regular control part 18b also controls the MFM device 13 and the
heat transporting device 14. The MFM device 13 and the heat
transporting device 14 provide a regular operation condition when
both are controlled by the regular control part 18b. The initial
control part 918a controls the MFM device 13 and the heat
transporting device 14 to provide an initial operation condition
which is different from the regular operation condition. A greater
amount of heat is generated in the initial operation condition than
that in the regular operation condition in the MHP apparatus
11.
[0122] As shown in FIG. 16, steps 973 and 974 are employed in this
embodiment. At step 973, the initial control is performed. The
initial control is provided by a processing for performing setting
of the MHP apparatus 11 for the initial operation condition. For
example, the initial control sets the MHP apparatus 11 to operate
the motor 15 at a higher rotational speed than that in the regular
operation. At step 974, devices in the MHP apparatus 11 are
controlled based on the setting set at step 973.
[0123] For example, in the initial operation condition, the
rotating speed of the motor 15 and the rotating speed of the pumps
41 and 42 are set up more highly than that in the regular operation
condition. As a result, electric and mechanical heat generation in
the motor 15 and the pumps 41 and 42 are increased. Therefore,
electric and mechanical heat generation in those devices may
contribute to heat the MCE element 12. The high rotating speed of
the motor 15 in the initial operation condition obtains alternating
flow of the heat transport medium with a frequency that is higher
than that in the regular operation condition. Such flow heats the
MCE element 12 by frictional heat.
[0124] According to this structure, the element temperature of the
MCE element 12 can be changed to approach to the highly efficient
temperature zone by using the thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus
itself, without disposing the auxiliary apparatus 61 for auxiliary
temperature control.
Tenth Embodiment
[0125] This embodiment is one of modifications based on a basic
form provided by the preceding embodiment. In this embodiment,
alternatively or additionally to the preceding embodiments, a
temperature control on a part of the MCE element 12 is provided by
cancelling or bypassing partially the flow of the heat transport
medium to the MCE element 12.
[0126] As shown in FIG. 17, the MHP apparatus 11 has a bypass
channel 1027 which allows flow of the heat transport medium to
bypass a region of the low temperature end of the MCE element 12.
An open-close valve 1028 which opens and closes the bypass channel
1027 is disposed in the bypass channel 1027. The bypass channel
1027 and the open-close valve 1028 provide a bypass device which
enables flow of the heat transport medium bypasses a part of the
MCE element 12. In this structure, the initial control part 1018a
adjusts the element temperature of the MCE element 12 by flowing
the heat transport medium to bypass, i.e., to jump, a part of the
MCE element 12 by the bypass device. According to this structure,
the temperature of the MCE element 12 can be changed to approach to
the highly efficient temperature zone by controlling the flow of
the heat transport medium, without disposing the auxiliary
apparatus 61 for auxiliary temperature control.
[0127] As shown in FIG. 18, this embodiment employs step 1073. An
initial control is performed at step 1073. The initial control is
provided by a bypass control which opens and closes the open-close
valve 1028. The open-close valve 1028 is opened only in the initial
control, and is closed in the regular control.
Other Embodiments
[0128] The present disclosure is not limited to the above
embodiments, and the present disclosure may be practiced in various
modified embodiments. The configuration, function, and advantages
of the above described embodiments are just examples. The technical
scope of the present disclosure shall not be limited by the above
descriptions. The present disclosure is not limited to the above
combination, and disclosed technical means can be practiced
independently or in various combinations. Some extent of the
disclosure may be shown by the scope of claim, and also includes
the changes, which is equal to and within the same range of the
scope of claim.
[0129] For example, means and functions of the control device 10
may be provided by only software, only hardware or a combination of
the software and the hardware. For example, the control device may
be made of an analogue circuit.
[0130] In the preceding embodiments, the multi-cylinder pump is
provided by the swash plate type pump. Alternatively, the other
type of displacement pump may be used. In the first embodiment, one
work chamber is disposed to be associated with one cylinder of the
pump. Alternatively, a plurality of cylinders and one work chamber
may be disposed to be associated with, one cylinder and a plurality
of work chambers may be disposed to be associated with, or a
plurality of cylinders and a plurality of work chambers may be
disposed to be associated with.
[0131] In the preceding embodiments, the present disclosure is
applied to the air-conditioner for vehicle. Alternatively, the
present disclosure may be applied to an air-conditioner for
residences. Further alternatively, the present disclosure may be
utilized to provide a hot-water-supply apparatus which heats water.
In the embodiments, the MHP apparatus 11 uses the outside air as
the main heat source. Alternatively, the other heat sources, such
as water or soil, may be used as the main heat source.
[0132] In the preceding embodiments, the MHP apparatus 11 is shown
as one example of the thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus.
Alternatively, the present disclosure may be applied to a
thermo-magnetic engine apparatus which is another one of the
thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus. For example, a thermo-magnetic
engine apparatus can be provided by adjusting the phase angle of
the magnetic-field change and the heat transport medium flow on the
MHP apparatus 11.
[0133] While the present disclosure has been described with
reference to embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the
disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and constructions. The
present disclosure is intended to cover various modification and
equivalent arrangements. In addition, while the various
combinations and configurations, are preferred, other combinations
and configurations, including more, less or only a single element,
are also within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
* * * * *