Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic refrigerant bed, which is a column composed of n magnetic refrigerant bed components, and these n magnetic refrigerant bed components are arranged in a descending order according to Curie temperatures or phase transition temperatures of the magnetic refrigeration materials used, wherein n=1-1000. The magnetic refrigerant bed components are flat sheets (1), straight wave-shaped sheets (2) or zigzag wave-shaped sheets (3) which can easily form a magnetic refrigerant bed with high specific surface area and flow channels of low resistance.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments describe a cost and energy efficient combined lighting and air conditioning fixture. This combined system may employ a flexible distributed air handler that can employ distributed heat exchangers to a liquid loop. The described system may be comprised of distributed dampers, heat exchangers, and air handlers that are controlled from a controller integrated into a ceiling, floor, or wall unit. The controller may also be part of a combined LED lighting drop-in ceiling fixture.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a user-installable room cooling system. This system is both energy and cost efficient and utilizes distributed heat exchangers to a liquid loop. An exemplary embodiment may be comprised of a heat to air transfer plate, a heat pump, a block of heat conductive material, a pump, a pipe interface, a temperature control system, an outside radiator or evaporation cooler, and will be filled at the highest point.

Abstract: An apparatus for refrigeration and heating of bulk fluid, and particularly, but not exclusively, to the refrigeration of bulk milk freshly obtained from dairy animals such as cows. The apparatus is provided with a refrigerated bulk milk tank and magnetic refrigeration unit for refrigerating and heating, as appropriate, the fluid stored in said tank. The fluid stored in the tank is one of (i) milk, (ii) milk and one or more fermenting agents, (iii) a cleaning fluid, (iv) water, and (v) air. Normally, the fluid stored in the tank is milk.

Abstract: A composite article (1; 10; 40) comprises a plurality of inclusions (5) of a magnetocalorically active material embedded in a matrix (4) of a magnetocalorically passive material. The inclusions (5) and the matrix (4) have a microstructure characteristic of a compacted powder.

Abstract: In a magnetic refrigeration device, magnetic bodies having a magnetocaloric effect and solid heat accumulation members having heat accumulation effect are arranged alternately with gaps therebetween. Magnetic field apply units start and stop application of magnetic fields to the magnetic bodies. A contact mechanism brings each of the magnetic bodies into contact with one of the solid heat accumulation members adjacent to the each magnetic body. Alternatively, the contact mechanism brings each of the solid heat accumulation members into contact with one of the magnetic bodies adjacent to the each solid heat accumulation members.

Abstract: A magnetic cooling apparatus having an improved structure in which effective heat exchange may be performed by a heat transfer fluid is provided. The magnetic cooling apparatus includes at least one magnetic regenerator allowing a heat transfer fluid to pass therethrough and provided with a magnetocaloric material, a magnet to apply a magnetic field to the magnetic regenerator, and at least one high temperature heat exchanger allowing heat to be dissipated by the heat transfer fluid containing heat received from the magnetic regenerator.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a heat exchanger includes a container, and a plurality of heat exchange components. The container is fed with a heat transport medium. The plurality of heat exchange components is provided with a prescribed spacing inside the container. The plurality of heat exchange components is provided along a flowing direction of the heat transport medium so as not to overlap at least partly as viewed in the flowing direction of the heat transport medium.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic refrigeration system includes a first heat exchange section, a magnetic field changing section, a first heat transport medium, a second heat transport medium, and a transport section. The first heat exchange section includes a magnetocaloric effect material. The magnetic field changing section is configured to change magnetic field to the first heat exchange section. The second heat transport medium is separated from the first heat transport medium. The second heat transport medium is different from the first heat transport medium in specific heat per unit volume. The transport section is configured to sequentially feed the first heat exchange section with the first heat transport medium and the second heat transport medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for magnetically processing a specimen that couples high field strength magnetic fields with the magnetocaloric effect includes a high field strength magnet capable of generating a magnetic field of at least 1 Tesla and a magnetocaloric insert disposed within a bore of the high field strength magnet. A method for magnetically processing a specimen includes positioning a specimen adjacent to a magnetocaloric insert within a bore of a magnet and applying a high field strength magnetic field of at least 1 Tesla to the specimen and to the magnetocaloric insert. The temperature of the specimen changes during the application of the high field strength magnetic field due to the magnetocaloric effect.

Abstract: A magnetocaloric module for a magnetic refrigeration apparatus includes: a bed having an inner surface; a magnetocaloric material filled in the bed; and an insulating layer formed over the inner surface, isolating the magnetocaloric material from the bed. With the use of the insulating layer, thermal conduction between the magnetocaloric material and the bed can be reduced and Galvanic corrosion which may occur to the bed can be prevented. Also, a temperature gradient of the magnetocaloric module may be further extended.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating giant magnetocaloric materials, the giant magnetocaloric materials obtained thereby and their use in magnetocaloric heat pumps, magnetocaloric power converters, actuators or magnetic switches.

Abstract: A magnetic refrigeration control system, includes: a first magnetocaloric bed; a pipe, arranged through the first magnetocaloric bed; a coolant, flowing in the pipe; a pump, driving the coolant with a pumping speed; a valve, adjusting a flow period of the flowing coolant; a magnetic module, providing an increasing magnetic field to the first magnetocaloric bed during a magnetization period and providing a decreasing magnetic field to the first magnetocaloric bed during a demagnetization period; and a sensor, detecting a fluid pressure of the coolant flowing in the pipe, the temperature of a refrigerator, and a flowing rate of the coolant flowing in the pipe; and a controller, adjusting the pumping speed, the flow period, the magnetization period, and the demagnetization period according to the temperature, the fluid pressure, and the flowing rate in real time. A magnetic refrigeration control method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic cooling apparatus and a control method thereof are provided. The magnetic cooling apparatus provides a replacement having a simplified structure for motors providing driving force and power transmission systems of reciprocation type and rotation type cooling apparatuses. The magnetic cooling apparatus includes magnets forming a magnetic field, magnetic regeneration units formed of a magnetocaloric material that are provided with coils, and using electromagnetic force, generated when currents are supplied to the coils in the magnetic field, as kinetic energy, and a controller controlling the currents supplied to the coils of the magnetic regeneration units to control moving speeds and directions of the magnetic regeneration units.

Abstract: Provided is a refrigeration device for storing food within an electric field. The refrigeration device includes a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment vertically below an elevation of the fresh food compartment. A storage compartment in which a desired temperature for storing food is selectable by a user independently of a target temperature of at least one of the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment. A refrigeration system provides a cooling effect to the fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment and the storage compartment, and a conductor is arranged within close physical proximity to a bottom surface of the storage compartment. A control system controls delivery of an alternating electric signal to the conductor for generating an electric field that extends into the storage compartment, wherein the alternating electric signal comprises a frequency less than 1 kHz and a voltage greater than or equal to 1 kV.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided, by way of example, a heater for use in semiconductor processing equipment that includes a base functional layer having at least one functional zone. A substrate is secured to the base functional layer, and a tuning layer is secured to the substrate opposite the base functional layer. The tuning layer includes a plurality of zones that is greater in number than the zones of the base functional layer, and the tuning layer has lower power than the base functional layer. Further, a component, such as a chuck by way of example, is secured to the tuning layer opposite the substrate. The substrate defines a thermal conductivity to dissipate a requisite amount of power from the base functional layer.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module which has a P-type thermoelectric conversion material and an N-type thermoelectric conversion material electrically connected to each other. The P-type thermoelectric conversion material and the N-type thermoelectric conversion material are joined with insulating material particles (ceramic spherical particles) interposed therebetween, so as not to be electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: A cooling rack structure includes a cooling plate (1), a temperature conductor (2), a centrifugal fan (3), a cooling body (4) and a thermoelectric cooling component (5). A temperature-super-conducting component (13) is disposed on an inner surface (11) of the cooling plate (1). The temperature conductor (2) is arranged on the temperature-super-conducting component (13). In addition, a heat-exhausting hole (120) is arranged on an upper side of the cooling plate (1). The centrifugal fan (3) is disposed between the temperature conductor (2) and the heat-exhausting hole (120) while the cooling body (4) is disposed between the fan (3) and the heat-exhausting hole (120). A hot side face (501) of the thermoelectric cooling component (5) closely contacts the cooling body (4) while a cold side face (500) is arranged on the temperature-super-conducting component (13).

Abstract: Magnetic fluid cooling devices and power electronic devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a magnetic fluid cooling device includes a magnetic field generating device, a magnetic fluid chamber assembly, and a heat sink device. The magnetic field generating device includes a plurality of magnetic regions having alternating magnetic directions such that magnetic flux generated by the magnetic field generating device is enhanced on a first side of the magnetic field generating device and inhibited on a second side of the magnetic field generating device. The magnetic fluid chamber assembly defines a magnetic fluid chamber configured to receive magnetic fluid. The heat sink device includes a plurality of extending fins, and is thermally coupled to the magnetic fluid chamber assembly. Power electronic devices are also disclosed, wherein the magnetic fluid chamber may be configured as opened or closed.

Abstract: The invention discloses a heat-power conversion magnetism device. The heat-power conversion magnetism device includes a magneto caloric effect material so that the magnetic field thereof can be changed according to a temperature difference. The heat-power conversion magnetism device is rotated by changing the magnetic field of the magneto caloric effect material. A system for converting energy by use of the heat-power conversion magnetism device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shuttle type magnetic refrigerator wherein a cold-side heat exchanger 160 is thermally coupled between a far-side inlet/outlet of a first AMR bed and a far-side inlet/outlet of a second AMR bed.

Abstract: The invention provides a refrigeration device, comprising: a magnetic field source; a magnetocaloric bed, one of the magnetocaloric bed and the magnetic field source being arranged to substantially surround the other, the magnetocaloric bed being arranged for relative rotation with respect to the magnetic field source such that during said relative rotation, the magnetic field experienced by parts of the magnetocaloric bed varies; plural pathways formed within the magnetocaloric bed for the flow of a working fluid during the relative rotation between the magnetocaloric bed and the permanent magnet; and a flow distributor placed at each end of the magnetocaloric bed, for controlling the part of the magnetocaloric bed able to receive working fluid during a cycle of operation.

Abstract: An impingement plate atomizer apparatus includes a longitudinal member having an upper surface sized and shaped to receive a liquid cryogen thereon, a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, and at least one hole extending through the longitudinal member; and an ultrasonic transducer in contact with the longitudinal member for providing ultrasonic energy thereto for atomizing the liquid cryogen at the upper surface into a cryogen fog.

Abstract: A cooling system comprises a container that is conductively coupled or convectively coupled to a thermoelectric device to selectively cool and/or heat the container. A climate controlled container system for a vehicle includes a container or cavity and a conduction element configured to cool the cavity. In some embodiments, the cooling system comprises a housing, a housing inlet, a fluid passage and one or more thermoelectric devices and fluid transfer devices positioned within the housing.

Abstract: A cooling system is provided. The cooling system includes a heat transfer means, a cool transfer means, and a magnetic-cooler. The magnetic-cooler includes a first magnetic member, a second magnetic member, a bed and a magnetic valve unit. The bed includes a working material, wherein the bed rotates between a first position and a second position, and when the bed is in the first position, the working material is magnetized, and when the bed is in the second position, the working material is demagnetized. Also, when the bed is in the first position, the magnetic valve unit controls a first fluid to travel between the heat transfer means and the working material, and when the bed is in the second position, the magnetic valve unit controls a second fluid travel between the cool transfer means and the working material.

Abstract: A magnetic cooling device is provided, including a magnetocaloric module and a magnetic unit. The magnetocaloric module includes a bed, a first magnetocaloric material, a second magnetocaloric material and a thermal insulator. The first magnetocaloric material is disposed in the bed. The second magnetocaloric material is disposed in the bed, wherein the Curie Temperature of the second magnetocaloric material is greater than the Curie Temperature of the first magnetocaloric material. The thermal insulator is disposed between the first and second magnetocaloric materials to insulate heat conduction between the first and second magnetocaloric materials. The magnetic unit is coupled to the magnetocaloric module, wherein the magnetic unit reciprocally applies different magnetic fields to the first and second magnetocaloric materials, wherein a heat transfer fluid flows through the first and second magnetocaloric to transfer heat from a low temperature end to a high temperature end of the magnetocaloric module.

Abstract: A magnetic refrigeration device for cooling a thermal load including a magnetic screening cage containing means for generating at least one magnetic field, first and second elements made from magnetocaloric material placed fixedly in said magnetic field, thermal conductors connecting one of said elements made from magnetocaloric material to a cold source, and means for suspending elements made from magnetocaloric material. The second element made from magnetocaloric material is housed in a cavity delineated internally by the first element made from magnetocaloric material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new intermetallic compounds having a crystalline structure of Ni3Sn2 type for the magnetic refrigeration, their use and a process for preparing the same. The present invention further relates to new magnetocaloric compositions for the magnetic refrigeration and their use.

Abstract: A generator comprising at least one thermal stage having magnetocaloric elements (2) arranged around an axis and a magnetic arrangement (3) supported by a drive shaft (30) that rotates about the axis to subject the elements to a variation in magnetic field. The generator comprises pistons (70) to force heat transfer fluid through the elements with the pistons being driven in reciprocating translation within chambers (73) by at least one cam (71) that is rotationally driven the drive shaft (30). The generator comprises a forced circulation unit (8a) having planet gears (80) arranged around the central axis, supported by the body (72) of the generator and meshing with an inner crown gear (81) integral with the cam (71). Each gear (80) forms a gear pump that mixes the heat transfer fluid and places the fluid in forced circulation in the tanks (74) and the chambers (73).

Abstract: An apparatus for providing air-conditioning to a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a solar photovoltaic panel positioned in a window or windshield to provide direct current to power a thermoelectric assembly to pump excess heat out of the interior of the car. The car is air-conditioned in a parked state and pre-air-conditioned before use.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, methods of condensing carbon dioxide (CO2) from a CO2 stream are provided. The method includes (i) compressing and cooling the CO2 stream to form a partially cooled CO2 stream, wherein the partially cooled CO2 stream is cooled to a first temperature. The method includes (ii) cooling the partially cooled CO2 stream to a second temperature by magneto-caloric cooling to form a cooled CO2 stream. The method further includes (iii) condensing at least a portion of CO2 in the cooled CO2 stream to form a condensed CO2 stream.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there are electrocaloric devices, pyroelectric devices and methods of forming them. A device which can be a pyroelectric energy generator or an electrocaloric cooling device, can include a first reservoir at a first temperature and a second reservoir at a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is higher than the first temperature. The device can also include a plurality of liquid crystal thermal switches disposed between the first reservoir and the second reservoir and one or more active layers disposed between the first reservoir and the second reservoir, such that each of the one or more active layers is sandwiched between two liquid crystal thermal switches. The device can further include one or more power supplies to apply voltage to the plurality of liquid crystal thermal switches and the one or more the active layers.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described herein for electrocaloric effect heat transfer devices and methods effective to facilitate thermal energy transfer while mitigating mechanical stresses caused by expansion or contraction of electrocaloric effect material layers during thermal energy transfer operations. Some example heat transfer devices may include heat transfer stacks with at least two electrocaloric effect materials. Expanding electrocaloric effect material and contracting electrocaloric effect material are utilized to cancel the aggregate longitudinal dimensional change during application of an electric field. Some example heat transfer devices may utilize segmented electrocaloric effect material layers with stress relief gaps separating segments to mitigate delamination stress caused by lateral expansion or contraction of the electrocaloric effect material.

Abstract: A magnetic heat exchange unit includes a magnetocaloric material, and at least one fluid pathway. The fluid pathway is formed in the magnetocaloric material and has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A main fluid flowing direction is defined between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, and the cross-section of the fluid pathway varies along the main fluid flowing direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cooling unit including a case, a magnet which is mounted on a lower portion of the case, a magnetic fluid which is provided on a lower portion of the magnet to absorb heat, and a bracket which supports a lower portion of the magnetic fluid.

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.

Abstract: A method for generating a thermal flow from a thermal module comprising at least two magnetocaloric elements connected, two-by-two, through which a heat transfer fluid flows and is exposed to a magnetic field. The circulation exposes alternating elements of the magnetocaloric elements to an opposite variation in the magnetic field, and causes the transfer fluid to circulate simultaneously and in opposite directions in such a manner that the fluid flowing out of one of the magnetocaloric elements, at the end of a heating phase, is circulated, during the following phase, in the following magnetocaloric elements exposed to heating, while the fluid flowing out of one of the magnetocaloric elements, at the end of a cooling phase, is circulated in the following element exposed to cooling, and conversely. The heat transfer fluid is stored an intermediate receiving area. This invention also relates to a thermal generator implementing the method.

Abstract: A cooling device includes a magnetocaloric unit disposed between a heat sink and a heat load, an electromagnet operably connected with the magnetocaloric unit, and at least one thermostat switch disposed between the magneto caloric unit and the heat load. The at least one thermostat switch is configured to make the magnetocaloric unit in contact with either the heat load or the heat sink according to a temperature of the magnetocaloric unit.

Abstract: A suspension device for use with a low temperature refrigeration system, such as an adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator is provided. A support ring is provided with three spring-loaded tension assemblies equally spaced about the periphery of the support ring. The tension assemblies each have a pulley, about which is entrained a band of material. Connected to this band is a ring that laterally supports a cylindrical salt pill. Undesired variations in the amount of slack in the band as the salt pill cools are compensated for by the spring loading of the tension assemblies.

Abstract: Techniques described herein are generally related to a thermal management with an electrocaloric effect layer. Example embodiments include systems, articles, methods and apparatus, as well as other embodiments that are described and claimed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a low exhaust heat engine (ME) for driving the driven wheels and a system for conditioning the air temperature of the passenger compartment (CAB). The conditioning system includes a reversible heat pump (PAC) which conditions in temperature respectively a distribution loop (DI) and an exhaust loop (RE) through which flows a coolant. The distribution loop (DI) is connected to an exchanger (H2) with the air entering the space compartment (CAB) and is connectable via an electromagnetic valve (EV1) to another exchanger (H1) with the air entering the passenger compartment (CAB). The exhaust loop (RE) is connected to an exchanger (F1) with the outside air. The exhaust loop being further connected to the engine (ME) for exchanging heat with the engine.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide (CO2) removal system includes an external heat transfer device. The CO2 removal system also includes a magnetocaloric heat transfer device coupled in flow communication with the external heat transfer device. The CO2 removal system further includes a cryogenic CO2 capture system coupled in flow communication with the magnetocaloric heat transfer device.

Abstract: A method includes identifying at least partial degradation of a magnetocaloric material in a magnetic cooling system, wherein the magnetiocaloric material has a Curie temperature. The method also includes regenerating the magnetocaloric material by maintaining the magnetocaloric material at a regenerating temperature, wherein the regenerating temperature is different from the Curie temperature of the magnetocaloric material.

Abstract: An apparatus for magnetically processing a specimen that couples high field strength magnetic fields with the magnetocaloric effect includes a high field strength magnet capable of generating a magnetic field of at least 1 Tesla and a magnetocaloric insert disposed within a bore of the high field strength magnet. A method for magnetically processing a specimen includes positioning a specimen adjacent to a magnetocaloric insert within a bore of a magnet and applying a high field strength magnetic field of at least 1 Tesla to the specimen and to the magnetocaloric insert. The temperature of the specimen changes during the application of the high field strength magnetic field due to the magnetocaloric effect.

Abstract: Methods for cooling fluorescent material are provided. A first method includes providing a sample of the material having an elongated direction of light propagation, exhibiting fluorescence at a mean fluorescence wavelength and capable of emitting superradiant pulses with a formation delay time. The method then involves generating a pump pulsed laser beam having a wavelength longer than the mean fluorescence wavelength, a pump power at which superradiant pulses are emitted and a pulse duration shorter than the formation delay time. The pulses are directed onto the sample along the direction of light propagation to produce the superradiant pulses in an anti-Stokes process inducing a cooling of the sample. A second laser cooling method includes a combination of a traditional anti-Stokes cooling cycle and an upconversion cooling cycle, wherein the two cooling cycles act cooperatively to cool the sample.

Abstract: A magnetic heat pump apparatus includes: a container defining a work chamber; a magnetic working element arranged in the work chamber; a magnetic-field applier that alternately applies a magnetic field to the magnetic working element and removes the magnetic field from the magnetic working element in a magnetic-field direction; and a transportation device that transports heat medium to reciprocate in a reciprocation direction. The magnetic-field direction and the reciprocation direction intersect with each other. The magnetic working element is one of a plurality of magnetic working elements. Each of the plurality of magnetic working elements has a column shape extending in the magnetic-field direction.

Abstract: A magnetic refrigeration device, which can be reduced in size and improve magnetic refrigeration efficiency, and a magnetic refrigeration system can be provided. The magnetic refrigeration device has a heat exchanger vessel of a helical structure filled with magnetic particles having a magnetocaloric effect, a magnetic circuit, a driving unit configured to relatively move the heat exchanger vessel and the magnetic circuit so that a magnetic field can be applied to and removed from the magnetic particles, a low temperature side heat exchanging unit, a high temperature side heat exchanging unit, a refrigerant flow device, and a refrigerant circuit formed by connecting the heat exchanger vessel, the low temperature side heat exchanging unit, the high temperature side heat exchanging unit, and the refrigerant flow device by a pipe for circulating a refrigerant. The magnetic refrigeration system is arranged to use the magnetic refrigeration device.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for cooling a component of a downhole tool is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first desiccant configured to adsorb a refrigerant gas. A transmitter is configured to transmit electromagnetic energy into the first desiccant to enable desorption of the refrigerant gas from the first desiccant. A condenser condenses the desorbed refrigerant gas into a liquid phase. The condensed refrigerant evaporates from a liquid phase to a gaseous phase to cool the component. A second desiccant can be used, wherein the processor is configured to operate the cooling system in a first mode of operation in which the first desiccant is in thermal communication with the component and the second desiccant is thermally isolated from the component and a second mode of operation in which the second desiccant is in thermal communication with the component and the first desiccant is thermally isolated from the component.

Abstract: A thermo-magnetic cycle apparatus includes: a magnetic element having a Curie temperature distribution in a predetermined distribution direction; a magnetic-field supplier which supplies an external magnetic field to the magnetic element; a pump pumping heat transport medium to flow frontward and backward in the predetermined distribution direction, the heat transport medium transporting heat of the magnetic element; and a shift device which causes a position of a high temperature end and/or a low temperature end of the magnetic element to move.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for thermally conditioning and pumping a fluid. The system includes a thermoelectric heat exchanger having a thermoelectric device configured to pump heat. Heat exchangers are provided for transferring heat to and from the thermoelectric device and for generating a fluid flow across the thermoelectric device. The conditioned fluid may be placed in thermal communication with a variety of objects, such as a vehicle seat, or anywhere localized heating and cooling are desired. Thermal isolation may also be provided in the direction of flow to enhance efficiency.