Using Electrical Or Magnetic Effect Patents (Class 62/3.1)
- Heat pump, selective heating and cooling (Class 62/3.3)
- Including dehumidifying and condensate handling (Class 62/3.4)
- Made with flexible heat exchanger material; e.g., blanket, wearing apparel, etc. (Class 62/3.5)
- Interior of enclosure cooled; e.g., refrigerator (Class 62/3.6)
- Including specific circuitry or heat exchanger material (Class 62/3.7)
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Publication number: 20120279232Abstract: The present invention is an infant bottle and a beverage container cooler that includes a disc to receive the bottle or the beverage container to be cooled, a control switch which turns the cooler on and off and one or more batteries that can be utilized to power the cooler when an electric power source is unavailable. The cooler also includes a power cord and plug that can utilize an available electric power source to power the cooler that includes an electrical outlet, a cigarette adaptor or electrical generator, a pair of bottle and container holders to hold extra bottles or containers while the infant bottle or the beverage container is cooling and an insulated cooling compartment to receive cooling material to cool the infant bottle or the beverage container disposed underneath the disc.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2011Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventor: ROSIE BELCHER
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Publication number: 20120272664Abstract: An apparatus for providing electrostatically charged cryogen fog to a product includes an injection tube having a chamber therein for receiving a cryogenic substance introduced into the chamber and to be provided to the product, a first inlet in communication with the chamber for providing the cryogenic substance to the chamber, an electrostatic device in communication with the chamber for charging the cryogenic substance with a charge opposite to a charge of the product, and an outlet in communication with the chamber and through which the charged cryogenic substance is exhausted to be attracted to the product for adhesion thereto. A method of providing an electrostatically charged nitrogen fog to a product is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2011Publication date: November 1, 2012Inventor: Michael D. NEWMAN
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Publication number: 20120272666Abstract: In a magnetic heat pump system, in which heat transport medium is heated or cooled by magnetocaloric effect material accommodated in a magnetic heat pump device. A material having a coefficient of thermal conductivity, which is higher than that of the heat transport medium, or a material having a specific heat or a volume specific heat, which is higher than that of the heat transport medium, is mixed in the heat transport medium. A coefficient of thermal conductivity of the heat transport medium is thereby increased so as to increase heating and/or cooling performance of the magnetic heat pump system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Naoki Watanabe, Kazutoshi Nishizawa, Shinichi Yatsuzuka, Tsuyoshi Morimoto
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Publication number: 20120272665Abstract: A magnetic heat pump cycle has a first to a fourth steps, which are repeatedly carried out. In the first step, a movement of heat medium is stopped by a pressure valve and a pressure accumulating tank and a magnetic field is applied by a magnetic-field control unit to a magnetic working material. In the second step, the pressure valve is opened so that the heat medium flows in a working chamber from a second axial end to a first axial end, and the magnetic field is increased depending on a moving speed of the heat medium. In the third step, the movement of the heat medium is stopped and the magnetic field is decreased. In the fourth step, the heat medium is moved in a revered direction and the magnetic field is decreased depending on the moving speed of the heat medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: Denso CorporationInventors: Naoki Watanabe, Kazutoshi Nishizawa, Shinichi Yatsuzuka, Tsuyoshi Morimoto
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Patent number: 8297061Abstract: A microelectronic device that in operation generates or includes component(s) that generate heat, in which the device comprises a heat conversion medium that converts such heat into a light emission having a shorter wavelength than such heat, to thereby cool the device and dissipate the unwanted heat by such light output. The heat conversion medium can include an upconverting luminophoric material, e.g., an anti-Stokes phosphor or phosphor composition. The provision of such heat conversion medium enables thermal management of microelectronic devices, e.g., optoelectronic devices, to be achieved in an efficient manner, to prolong the operational service life of devices such as LEDs, laser diodes, etc. that are degraded in performance by excessive heat generation in their operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2007Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventor: George R. Brandes
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Publication number: 20120266607Abstract: A magneto-caloric effect type heat pump apparatus includes a magneto-caloric element which generates heat when an external magnetic field is applied to and which absorbs heat when the external magnetic field is removed from; a magnetic field switcher which switches the applying and the removal of the external magnetic field from each other; a pump pumping a heat transport medium between a low-temperature end and a high-temperature end of the magneto-caloric element; and an auxiliary heat source device which supplies heat of a heating element to the magneto-caloric element.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: Denso CorporationInventors: Tsuyoshi Morimoto, Naoki Watanabe, Shinichi Yatsuzuka, Kazutoshi Nishizawa
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Patent number: 8293030Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Universite de LorraineInventor: Thomas Mazet
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Publication number: 20120253735Abstract: A system and method can include a motor subject to a change in efficiency as a function of temperature and a motor cooling system. The motor cooling system can be driven to minimize the sum of energy consumed by the motor and the cooling system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: SEARETE LLCInventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Thomas A. Weaver, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
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Patent number: 8261557Abstract: A heat transfer device exploits the properties of photonic crystal solids with resonant defect cavities to execute a thermodynamic cycle to accomplish the conversion between heat flow and useful energy. In a heat pump or refrigerator configuration, an actuator cyclically performs work on the photonic crystal to cycle the photonic crystal between a first state to permit the crystal to collect thermal energy from a cold region to heat the crystal and a second state to permit the photonic crystal to radiate electromagnetic energy to a hot region to cool the photonic crystal. A mechanism cycles the emission band of the photonic crystal for more efficient collection of heat energy and radiation of electromagnetic energy in the cycle.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Delmar L. Barker, William R. Owens
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Publication number: 20120222428Abstract: A magnetic refrigeration system having a magnetocaloric material for adjusting the temperature of a transfer fluid is disclosed. The magnetic refrigeration system includes tubing filled with the transfer fluid that flows in a first pass through a heat exchanger having a magnetocaloric material that is magnetized by one or more electromagnets and heats the transfer fluid. The magnetocaloric material is magnetized and demagnetized by one or more electromagnets controlled by a timer/controller device. A three-way solenoid valve controls the flow of heated transfer fluid from the heat exchanger and directs the heated transfer fluid to a warm heat exchanger for cooling of the transfer fluid. The cooled transfer fluid is then passed a second time through the heat ex changer in which the magnetocaloric material is demagnetized for further cooling of the cooled transfer fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2010Publication date: September 6, 2012Inventors: Serdar Celik, Chris Euler, Mehmet Hamdi Kural
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Publication number: 20120222427Abstract: An improved method to manage the flow of heat in an active regenerator in magnetocaloric or an electrocaloric heat-pump refrigeration system, in which heat exchange fluid moves synchronously with the motion of a magnetic or electric field. Only a portion of the length of the active regenerator bed is introduced to or removed from the field at one time, and the heat exchange fluid flows from the cold side toward the hot side while the magnetic or electric field moves along the active regenerator bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2010Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: MATERIALS AND ELECTROCHEMICAL RESEARCH (MER) CORPORATIONInventor: Charles N. Hassen
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Publication number: 20120204576Abstract: A cooling unit for cooling a target object to a target temperature includes a decompression chamber thermally connected to the target object; a spraying part which sprays a liquid heat medium having a temperature equal to or lower than the target temperature to an inner surface of the decompression chamber; and an electric field generator which generates an electric field such that the heat medium sprayed from the spraying part is attached to the inner surface of the decompression chamber. The cooling unit further includes an exhaust part which evacuates the decompression chamber such that a pressure in the decompression chamber is equal to or lower than a saturated vapor pressure of the heat medium at the target temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITEDInventors: Kazuyoshi MATSUZAKI, Junji OIKAWA, Sumie NAGASEKI
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Publication number: 20120198859Abstract: The invention refers to a thermal control device for controlling the temperature of a heat source by means of transferring heat from the heat source to the ambient environment, through the circulation of a fluid in the device, said device comprising an evaporator (10) collecting heat from the heat source, a condenser (30) rejecting heat to the ambient environment, a compensation chamber (20), and liquid (50) and vapor (40) transport lines connecting the evaporator (10) and the condenser (30), the fluid flowing through said transport lines (40, 50), the device further comprising a thermal electrical cooler (90), the thermal electrical cooler (90) further comprising a thermal saddle (80) attached to the cold side of the thermal electrical cooler (90), and a thermal radiator (100) attached to the hot side of the thermal electrical cooler (90), such that heat is rejected to the ambient environment directly through the thermal radiator (100), when the thermal control device operates in a hot environment, the ambieType: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2011Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventors: Alejandro Torres Sepulveda, Donatas Mishkinis, Andrei KULAKOV
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Publication number: 20120197459Abstract: A first cooling unit is provided for an exothermic member and has a capability of cooling the exothermic member to a temperature less than an ambient temperature of the exothermic member by absorbing heat from the exothermic member. A second cooling unit has a capability of cooling the exothermic member by blowing air onto the exothermic member. A temperature of the exothermic member is detected. It is determined that whether or not the exothermic member is in a supercooled state based on a detection result. The cooling capability of the first cooling unit is decreased and the cooling capability of the second cooling unit is increased, when the exothermic member is in the supercooled state.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.Inventor: Kazuyasu Fukano
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Publication number: 20120186271Abstract: The present invention relates to an acoustic cooling system (1) arranged for cooling by generating sound waves, said system (1) comprising a transducer (2) and a control unit (6) configured to generate a drive signal (S1) for exciting said transducer (2), wherein said drive signal is a multi-harmonic drive signal comprising at least one higher harmonic (A2-A5) selected to reduce the presence of at least one corresponding higher harmonic (B2-B5) comprised in the sound waves. The system is advantageous in that noise-reduction can be achieved without the need of incorporating a second transducer, thereby enabling a compact acoustic cooling system at a low cost.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2010Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Robertus Leonardus Tousain, Ronaldus Maria Aarts, Adriaan Johan Van Leest, Daniel Anton Benoy
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Publication number: 20120174597Abstract: A magnetic material for magnetic refrigeration of an embodiment has a composition represented by the formula, Gd100-x-y(HoxEry), and satisfies 0<x+y?25 and 0?y/(x+y)?0.6.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Shiori Kaji, Akiko Saito, Tadahiko Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8211326Abstract: The invention relates to a material that can be used for magnetic refrigeration, wherein the material substantially has the general formula (AYB1-Y)2+?CWDXEZ Wherein: A is selected from Mn and Co; B is selected from Fe and Cr; of C, D and E at least two are different, have a non-vanishing concentration and are selected from P, B, Se, Ge, Ga, Si, Sn and Sb; wherein at least one of C, D and E is Ge or Si; W, X, Y and Zeach is a number in the range 0-1, and W+X+Z=1; and?is a number from (?0.1)-(+0.1).Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2003Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignees: Stichting voor de Technische Wetenschappen Utrecht, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Faculteit der Natuuwetenschappen, Wiskunde en Informatica, AmsterdamInventors: Ekkehard Hubertus Brück, Ojiyed Tegusi, Frank Roelof De Boer
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Patent number: 8209988Abstract: A magnetic refrigeration device for transferring heat including a shaft rotatable about an axis, an inner magnet disposed at one of the axis and a radial distance from the axis, an outer magnet disposed a radial distance from the axis outside of the inner magnet defining a magnetic gap between the inner and outer magnets, and magnetocaloric material disposed at a radial distance from the axis between the radial distances of the inner and outer magnets. The magnetocaloric material is coupled to the shaft for rotation with the shaft about the axis such that during rotation of the shaft a portion of the magnetocaloric material alternates between a magnetized position disposed within the magnetic gap and a demagnetized position outside of the magnetic gap.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Husssmann CorporationInventors: Ming Zhang, Sesha Madireddi
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Patent number: 8191375Abstract: A device (10) for continuously generating cold and heat by a magnetic effect. The device includes a magnetic field generator (13), which is arranged in at least one crown segment and defines an annular space crossed by a circular coaxial part (11) provided with radial transverse cavities (31) and contains at least one type of magneto-calorific material. The inventive device also includes a circulating pump (27) for axially supplying a heat carrier to the cavities (31). A first collector (33) picks up the heat carrier, which passes through the radial cavities (31) in the area containing the magnetic field generator (13), and a second collector (34) picks up the heat carrier which passes through the radial cavities (31) in an area located outside of the magnetic field generator (13).Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Haute Ecole d'Ingenierie et de Gestion du Canton de Vaud ( Heig-VD)Inventors: Osmann Sari, Peter W. Egolf, Stefano Bozzini
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Patent number: 8183736Abstract: A device for transforming thermal energy to electric energy including a magnetic circuit including at least a portion made of a magnetic material, a temperature-varying device for varying the temperature in the portion made of the magnetic material alternately above and below a phase transition temperature of the magnetic material to thereby vary the reluctance of the magnetic circuit, and a coil arranged around the magnetic circuit, in which electric energy is induced in response to a varying magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit. A capacitor is connected in parallel with the coil to thereby form a resonant circuit, wherein the resonance frequency of the resonant circuit and the frequency of the temperature variation above and below the phase transition temperature of the magnetic material are dependent on one another to optimize the electric power output.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.Inventors: Gunnar Russberg, Mikael Dahlgren, Stefan Thorburn
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Patent number: 8174245Abstract: A device and method for using a field-responsive material that changes temperature when subjected to a respective field in combination with a thermal to electrical energy converter to accomplish the generation of electrical energy. The field-responsive material, such as an electrocaloric or magnetocaloric material, changes temperature when subjected to a change in a respective electric or magnetic field. The changing field applied to the field-responsive material causes a temperature change in the field-responsive material to heat or cool the field-responsive material. A thermal to electrical energy converter is in thermal contact with the field-responsive material, such that temperature changes in the field-responsive material in turn changes the temperature of the thermal to electrical energy converter, which the converter then converts into electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2010Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Inventor: David Reginald Carver
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Publication number: 20120079833Abstract: Reversible thermal rectifiers for selectively controlling the direction of heat flow include a plurality of asymmetrically shaped objects disposed in a fluid medium, wherein each of the plurality of asymmetrically shaped objects include a refractive side and a reflective side such that heat flows past the plurality of asymmetrically shaped objects when approaching from the refractive side, and heat is reflected from the plurality of asymmetrically shaped objects when approaching from the reflective side, and a bidirectional field actuator system that selectively orients the plurality of asymmetrically shaped objects between a first orientation, wherein the reflective sides of the plurality of asymmetrically shaped objects face a first direction, and a second orientation, wherein the reflective sides of the plurality of asymmetrically shaped objects face a second direction, substantially opposite the first direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2010Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Michael Paul Rowe
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Publication number: 20120079834Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a magnetic regenerator for an active magnetic refrigerator, the method comprising: forming a magnetic regenerator from a slurry or a paste containing a magnetocaloric material the magnetic regenerator being formed to have plural paths therethrough for the flow of a heat transfer fluid; and varying the composition of the magnetocaloric material so that the magnetic transition temperature of the magnetic regenerator varies along the paths.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: The Technical University of DenmarkInventors: Anders Reves DINESEN, Soren LINDEROTH, Nini PRYDS, Anders SMITH
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Publication number: 20120073307Abstract: A heat exchanger unit according to an exemplary embodiment includes: a plurality of heat exchangers that includes magnetic particles therein; and a connection section that is provided between the heat exchangers to connect the heat exchangers, the connection section including a solid-core member, a porous body or a combined substance of the solid-core member and the porous body. In the heat exchanger unit, the connection section invades partially into an inside of the heat exchanger connected thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventors: Shiori Kaji, Tadahiko Kobayashi, Akiko Saito
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Publication number: 20120067875Abstract: A modular container set is provided. The modular container set includes a first container, a second container, and a temperature unit. The first container includes a lid. The lid is configured with a drinking unit. An upper portion of the second container is adapted for being assembled to a bottom portion of the first container. The temperature unit is adapted for assembled to a bottom portion of the second container, and is adapted for heating or cooling the second container, or maintaining the second container warm or cool.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Inventor: Yan-Hong Chiang
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Patent number: 8138873Abstract: A magnet arrangement for creating a magnetic field. The magnet arrangement includes a first magnet having a first surface defining a first pole and a second surface defining a second pole opposite the first pole, and a second magnet having a third surface defining a third pole and a fourth surface defining a fourth pole opposite the third pole. The second surface has a higher magnetic flux density than the first surface. The third surface has a higher magnetic flux density than the fourth surface. The second magnet is spaced from the first magnet to define a first gap between the second surface and the third surface. Magnetic field lines of the magnetic field run from the first surface to the second surface, from the second surface to the third surface through the first gap, and from the third surface to the fourth surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Hussmann CorporationInventors: Ming Zhang, Sesha Madireddi
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Publication number: 20120060512Abstract: The invention is for an apparatus and method for a refrigerator and a heat pump based on the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) offering a simpler, lighter, robust, more compact, environmentally compatible, and energy efficient alternative to traditional vapor-compression devices. The subject magnetocaloric apparatus alternately exposes a suitable magnetocaloric material to strong and weak magnetic field while switching heat to and from the material by a mechanical commutator using a thin layer of suitable thermal interface fluid to enhance heat transfer. The invention may be practiced with multiple magnetocaloric stages to attain large differences in temperature. Key applications include thermal management of electronics, as well as industrial and home refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning. The invention offers a simpler, lighter, compact, and robust apparatus compared to magnetocaloric devices of prior art.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventor: Jan Vetrovec
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Publication number: 20120060513Abstract: The invention is for an apparatus and method for a refrigerator and a heat pump based on the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) offering a simpler, lighter, robust, more compact, environmentally compatible, and energy efficient alternative to traditional vapor-compression devices. The subject magnetocaloric apparatus alternately exposes a suitable magnetocaloric material to strong and weak magnetic field while switching heat to and from the material by a mechanical commutator using a thin layer of suitable thermal interface fluid to enhance heat transfer. The invention may be practiced with multiple magnetocaloric stages to attain large differences in temperature. Key applications include thermal management of electronics, as well as industrial and home refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning. The invention offers a simpler, lighter, compact, and robust apparatus compared to magnetocaloric devices of prior art.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventor: Jan Vetrovec
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Patent number: 8127559Abstract: A refrigeration unit is provided without impairing freshness, as before freezing, after thawing frozen subjects, and, with providing excellent color of dark colored flesh of fish/meat, especially in the case of using perishable food, such as meat or fish, for subjects to be frozen. A core unit for a refrigerator, between a substantially-rectangular first plate member and a substantially-rectangular second plate member spaced apart and arranged in parallel toward each other, where an electric wave is propagated to the sides of the first plate member and the second plate member by an electric wave transmission antenna, and that can form a unidirectional and substantially-uniform static magnetic field in substantially-normal directions of a principal surface of the first plate member and a principal surface of the second plate member, is used.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Ryoho Freeze-Systems CorporationInventors: Yukihiro Fujisaki, Mitsuaki Amano
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Publication number: 20120036868Abstract: A magnetocaloric thermal appliance (10) comprising at least one thermal module (2) with at least one magnetocaloric element (3) in contact with a heat transfer fluid and at least one magnetic arrangement (4) arranged so as to create a magnetic field in a gap (6) defined by the magnetic arrangement (4). The gap (6) has two openings (7) enabling the passage of the thermal module (2) through the gap (6) by a relative movement between the magnetocaloric element (3) and the gap (6). The positions able to be taken by the magnetocaloric element (3), outside of the gap (6), define magnetocaloric region (8) in which the magnetocaloric region (8) is disposed in an enclosure delimited by the magnetic arrangement (4) comprising a body (11) forming deflector of the magnetic field able to capture and to lead towards the magnetic arrangement (4) flux of magnetic field that appears outside of the gap (6).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: COOLTECH APPLICATIONS S.A.SInventors: Jean-Claude HEITZLER, Christian MULLER
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Publication number: 20120036867Abstract: A method for the treatment of water used in a cooling tower, the method including the steps of withdrawing a portion of the water from a basin of the cooling tower, subjecting the water to a magnetic treatment, and withdrawing blow down water for use in irrigation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Inventor: Claude L. Hébert
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Publication number: 20120031107Abstract: A thermal generator (100) with at least one thermal module (110) comprising at least two magnetocaloric elements (111, 112). The thermal generator is characterized in that it comprises at least two magnetic assemblies (131, 132) in which one magnetic assembly (131, 132) subjects at least one magnetocaloric element (111, 112) of the thermal module (110) to alternate magnetic phases. The thermal generator is further characterized in that it comprises a thermally insulating body insulating the magnetic assemblies (131, 132) from each other and forming thermally insulated cells (141, 142) comprising one magnetic assembly (131, 132) and its corresponding magnetocaloric elements (111, 112).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2010Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: COOLTECH APPLICATIONSInventors: Jean-Claude HEITZLER, Christian MULLER
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Publication number: 20120031109Abstract: The invention is for an apparatus and method for a refrigerator and a heat pump based on the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) offering a simpler, lighter, robust, more compact, environmentally compatible, and energy efficient alternative to traditional vapor-compression devices. The subject magnetocaloric apparatus alternately exposes a suitable magnetocaloric material to strong and weak magnetic field while switching heat to and from the material by a mechanical commutator using a thin layer of suitable thermal interface fluid to enhance heat transfer. The invention may be practiced with multiple magnetocaloric stages to attain large differences in temperature. Key applications include thermal management of electronics, as well as industrial and home refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning. The invention offers a simpler, lighter, compact, and robust apparatus compared to magnetocaloric devices of prior art.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Inventor: Jan Vetrovec
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Publication number: 20120031108Abstract: The magnetic refrigerating device according to one embodiment includes a fixed container filled with a refrigerant, the fixed container including a magnetic material container that is filled with a magnetic material and that can move in the fixed container and an elastic member provided at the end of the magnetic material container. The magnetic refrigerating device also includes a magnetic-field applying/removing mechanism that is provided at the outside of the fixed container, and that can apply and remove a magnetic field to and from the magnetic material and can generate a magnetic torque to the magnetic material container in moving direction of the magnetic material container.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Inventors: Tadahiko Kobayashi, Akiko Saito, Shiori Kaji
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Patent number: 8110049Abstract: An RE-containing alloy, which is represented by a compositional formula of RrTtAa (wherein R represents at least one rare earth element selected from among La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Tm, Yb, Gd, and Lu; T collectively represents transition metal elements containing at least Fe atoms, a portion of the Fe atoms being optionally substituted by at least one species selected from among Co, Ni, Mn, Pt, and Pd; A represents at least one element selected from among Al, As, Si, Ga, Ge, Mn, Sn, and Sb; and r, t, and a have the following relationships: 5.0 at. %?r?6.8 at. %, 73.8 at. %?t?88.7 at. %, and 4.6 at. %?a?19.4 at. %) and having an alloy microstructure containing an NaZn13-type crystal structure in an amount of at least 85 mass % and ?-Fe in an amount of 5-15 mass % inclusive.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.Inventor: Kenichiro Nakajima
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Patent number: 8109100Abstract: The invention provides the use of a material of general formula (I): [(AyCo1-y)]u(Mn1-zCz)[(Si1-xBx)]v??(I) as a magnetocaloric material, wherein the material is orthorhombic and wherein: A is selected from Ni, Cr, Fe, Al, P, Se, Ga and Sb and mixtures thereof; B is selected from Ge, Sn, Al, P, Se, Ga and Sb and mixtures thereof; C is selected from Ni, Cr, Fe, Al, P, Se, Ga and Sb and mixtures thereof; x, y and z are the same or different and are numbers in the range 0 to 0.2; and u and v are the same or different and are numbers in the range 0.5 to 1.5. The invention also provides a method of making materials of formula (I) and a magnetocaloric refrigeration device comprising such materials.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignees: Camfridge LtdInventors: Karll Sandeman, Neil Wilson
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Publication number: 20120023969Abstract: An assembly for a magnetocaloric refrigeration unit includes a magnetocaloric core. Electromagnetic coils may be wound around the magnetocaloric core. The assembly further includes one or more cooling structures to extract the waste heat generated from the electromagnet coils. In some embodiments, the assembly may include one or more magnetic yokes disposed at the longitudinal ends of the magnetocaloric core. At least one of the top surface and the bottom surface of the magnetic yoke is provided with a micro-channel structure. In other embodiments, the assembly may include a coil housing disposed around the electromagnet coil. The coil housing includes cooling structures such as, but not limited to, a micro-channel structure, a fin structure, and a heat pipe structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Pradip Radhakrishnan Subramaniam, Shishir Chandrasekhar Menon, Chandrasekhar Samiappan, Jayeshkumar Jayanarayan Barve
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Patent number: 8104295Abstract: A cooling system includes 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 includes a housing, a housing inlet, a fluid passage and one or more thermoelectric devices and fluid transfer devices positioned within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Amerigon IncorporatedInventor: John Lofy
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Patent number: 8104293Abstract: A method of operating a cooling device is provided. The method includes sequentially regulating a temperature of a plurality of thermally coupled magneto-caloric elements for maximizing a magneto-caloric effect for each of the magneto-caloric elements when subjected to a magnetic regenerative refrigeration cycle.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jayesh Jayanarayan Barve, Chandrasekhar Samiappan, Sunil Srinivasa Murthy
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Patent number: 8102096Abstract: An improved design for maintaining separation between electrodes in tunneling, resonant tunneling, diode, thermionic, thermo-photovoltaic and other devices is disclosed. At least one electrode 1 is made from flexible material. A magnetic field B is present to combine with the current flowing in the flexible electrode 1 and generate a force or a thermal expansion force combined with a temperature distribution that counterbalances the electrostatic force or other attracting forces between the electrodes. The balancing of forces allows the separation and parallelism between the electrodes to be maintained at a very small spacing without requiring the use of multiple control systems, actuators, or other manipulating means, or spacers. The shape of one or both electrodes 1 is designed to maintain a constant separation over the entire overlapping area of the electrodes, or to minimize a central contact area.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Tempronics, Inc.Inventor: Tarek Makansi
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Patent number: 8099964Abstract: A magnetic refrigerating device includes: a magnetic refrigerating unit including a magnetic material “A” exhibiting a magneto-caloric effect that the temperature of the material “A” is increased by the application of a magnetic field and the temperature of the material “A” is decreased by the removal of a magnetic field, a magnetic material “B” exhibiting a magneto-caloric effect that the temperature of the material “B” is decreased by the application of a magnetic field and the temperature of the material “B” is increased by the removal of a magnetic field, a heat conductive material “a” exhibiting higher heat conductivity under the application of a magnetic field and lower heat conductivity under the removal of a magnetic field, and a heat conductive material “b” exhibiting lower heat conductivity under the application of a magnetic field and higher heat conductivity under the removal of a magnetic field, wherein the magnetic refrigerating unit is configured so as to include at least one layered structureType: GrantFiled: September 25, 2007Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Akiko Saito, Tadahiko Kobayashi, Hideyuki Tsuji, Hideo Iwasaki, Katsumi Hisano, Akihiro Koga, Akihiro Kasahara, Takuya Takahashi
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Publication number: 20110314836Abstract: A magnetocaloric heat generator (1) which comprises a driving mechanism (26) in fluidic connection with first and second ends (3 and 4) of a thermal module (2) via at least one heat exchange mechanism (7, 27) so that the heat transfer fluid circulates in a closed constant-volume fluidic circuit through the magnetocaloric heat generator (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: COOLTECH APPLICATIONS S.A.S.Inventors: Jean-Claude Heitzler, Christian Muller
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Patent number: 8082740Abstract: A method of heat energy transfer, hi one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of establishing a temperature gradient along a first direction in a heat reservoir with a medium and having a first end portion and an opposite, second end portion defining a length, L, therebetween, wherein the first direction is from the first end portion to the second end portion, such that the first end portion has a first temperature, Ti1; and the second end portion has a second temperature, Ti<Tj1; and applying an electromagnetic field in the heat reservoir to establish an electromagnetic field gradient along a second direction to generate a driving force to transfer heat energy from the second end portion to the first end portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2006Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Inventor: Weili Luo
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Publication number: 20110308258Abstract: A parallel magnetic refrigerator assembly, includes at least: a first magnetocaloric stage having in use a cold side and a hot side; a second magnetocaloric stage having in use a cold side and a hot side, arranged in parallel connection with the first magnetocaloric stage; the first and second magnetocaloric stages each including a hot side heat exchange circuit for carrying a heat exchange fluid to receive heat from the magnetocaloric stages and a cold side heat exchange circuit for carrying a heat exchange fluid to transfer heat to the magnetocaloric stages; wherein the hot side heat exchange circuit is configured such that in use a heat exchange fluid passes in thermal contact with the hot side of both the first and second magnetocaloric stages and the cold side heat exchange circuit is configured such that in use a heat exchange fluid passes in thermal contact with the cold side of both the first and second magnetocaloric stages.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2010Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: Technical University of DenmarkInventors: Anders Smith, Christian R.H. Bahl, Nini Pryds
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Publication number: 20110308259Abstract: Provided are methods, devices and systems for controlled removal of thermal energy from a fluid within a thermally conducting metal conduit. The system allows for the in situ formation of a reversible plug that can stop the flow of fluid through the conduit, particularly without inducing thermally induced stress fractures or breaches in the conduit. The devices and systems include a thermal transfer device that can be adapted to be in thermal communication with a thermal conducting metal conduit containing a fluid, particularly a flowing fluid. The devices and systems allows for controlled re-heating of the conduit without inducing thermally induced stress fractures or breaches in the conduit to restore fluid flow through the conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Inventors: Daniel X. Wray, Robert J. Wray, Henry Cutbirth
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Publication number: 20110302930Abstract: 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 refrigerant storage included in the magnetocaloric unit, wherein the magnetocaloric unit is cooled down by using an evaporation heat of a refrigerant in the refrigerant storage.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventor: Chun Shig Sohn
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Publication number: 20110302931Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventor: Chun Shig SOHN
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Publication number: 20110289938Abstract: A magnetocaloric heat generator (10) comprising at least one magnetocaloric element (2) with a first and second ends (3, 4), a magnetic arrangement for subjecting the magnetocaloric element (2) to a variable magnetic field, alternately creating heating and cooling cycles in the magnetocaloric element (2), a mechanism for circulating a heat transfer fluid through the magnetocaloric element (2) alternately towards the first and second ends (3, 4) and vice versa in synchronisation with the variation of the magnetic field, and at least one energy exchange mechanism (15). This heat generator (10) is crossed in one direction by the heat transfer fluid entering the magnetocaloric element (2) through one of the ends (3, 4) during a heating or cooling cycle and to be crossed in the opposite direction by the heat transfer fluid exiting the magnetocaloric element (2) through the same end (3, 4) during the other cooling or heating cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: COOLTECH APPLICATIONS S.A.S.Inventors: Jean-Claude Heitzler, Christian Muller
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Publication number: 20110289937Abstract: The magnetocaloric heat generator (1) comprises at least two magnetocaloric elements (2, 12) arranged in succession and making up at least two consecutive thermal stages crossed by separate heat transfer fluids and comprising each two opposite ends (3 and 4, 13 and 14), a magnetic arrangement intended for subjecting each magnetocaloric element (2, 12) to a variable magnetic field, alternately creating a heating cycle and a cooling cycle in each magnetocaloric element (2, 12), a mechanism (8) for circulating the heat transfer fluids through the magnetocaloric elements alternately towards one end and towards the opposite end and vice versa, in synchronisation with the variation of the magnetic field.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: COOLTECH APPLICATIONS S.A.S.Inventors: Christian Muller, Jean-Claude Heitzler
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Patent number: 8061147Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a magnetic regenerator for an active magnetic refrigerator, the method comprising: forming a magnetic regenerator from a slurry or a paste containing a magnetocaloric material the magnetic regenerator being formed to have plural paths therethrough for the flow of a heat transfer fluid; and varying the composition of the magnetocaloric material so that the magnetic transition temperature of the magnetic regenerator varies along the paths.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2005Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: The Technical University of DenmarkInventors: Anders Reves Dinesen, Soren Linderoth, Nini Pryds, Anders Smith