Abstract: A magnetic refrigeration apparatus has an annular container including a plurality of magnetic regenerator compartments containing magnetocaloric material, and a magnet mounted for rotation around the annular container, whereby the motion of the magnet produces a variation of magnetic field strength in the magnetic regenerator compartments, which in term leads to a variation in temperature of the magnetocaloric material in the magnetic regenerator compartments. Heat transfer fluid is propelled by a pump, and directed to and from the regenerator compartments and hot and cold heat exchangers by valves. Each valve includes an axial port and a plurality of radial ports.

Abstract: A magnetic refrigeration apparatus has an annular container including a plurality of magnetic regenerator compartments containing magnetocaloric material, and a magnet mounted for rotation around the annular container, whereby the motion of the magnet produces a variation of magnetic field strength in the magnetic regenerator compartments, which in term leads to a variation in temperature of the magnetocaloric material in the magnetic regenerator compartments. Heat transfer fluid is propelled by a pump, and directed to and from the regenerator compartments and hot and cold heat exchangers by valves. Each valve includes an axial port and a plurality of radial ports.

Abstract: A rotating magnetic refrigeration apparatus has magnetic regenerator beds arranged in a ring that is mounted for rotation about a central axis, such that each bed moves into and out of a magnetic field provided by a magnet as the ring rotates. Heat transfer fluid is directed to and from the regenerator beds by a distribution valve which is connected by conduits to the hot and cold ends of the beds and which rotates with the ring of beds. The distribution valve has a stationary valve member which is connected by conduits to a hot heat exchanger and to a cold heat exchanger. The beds include magnetocaloric material that is porous and that allows heat transfer fluid to flow therethrough.

Abstract: A rotating magnetic refrigeration apparatus has magnetic regenerator beds arranged in a ring that is mounted for rotation about a central axis, such that each bed moves into and out of a magnetic field provided by a magnet as the ring rotates. Heat transfer fluid is directed to and from the regenerator beds by a distribution valve which is connected by conduits to the hot and cold ends of the beds and which rotates with the ring of beds. The distribution valve has a stationary valve member which is connected by conduits to a hot heat exchanger and to a cold heat exchanger. The beds include magnetocaloric material that is porous and that allows heat transfer fluid to flow therethrough.

Abstract: An active magnetic regenerator refrigeration apparatus includes one or more reciprocating regenerator beds and a heat transfer fluid distribution valve that is activated as the bed is moved between a position in which it is in the magnetic field of a magnet to a position in which it is outside the magnetic field of the magnet. The distribution valve has a first valve member and a moving second valve member slidingly engaged to each other, each of which has ports by which heat transfer fluid may be provided to and received from the valve member. The bed is mounted to the moving second valve member so that heat transfer fluid is conveyed to and through the valve in a single direction into the regenerator bed. The material of the bed exhibits the magnetocaloric effect and the temperature of the bed rises when it enters the magnetic field of the magnet and decreases when it exits the magnetic field, providing a refrigeration cycle.