Magnetocaloric module for magnetic refrigeration apparatus

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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to magnetic refrigeration techniques, and in particularly to a magnetocaloric module for a magnetic refrigeration apparatus.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]At present, almost all refrigeration technologies applied in an environment of room temperature, which is closely associated with the daily lives of humans, for example, a refrigerator, a freezing chamber, a room heating / cooling system, and the like, mostly employ a gas compression / expansion cycle. However, the refrigeration technologies based on the gas compression / expansion cycle have a serious problem of environmental destruction due to specific freon gas discharged into the environment. Further, as to an alternative freon gas, its adverse affects on the environment are also of concern.[0005]Thus, expectations have been raised for magnetic refrigeration technologies using a magnetocaloric effect as one of the environmenta...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a magnetocaloric module for a magnetic refrigeration apparatus that reduces thermal dissipation and prevents Galvanic corrosion. The module includes a bed that holds the magnetocaloric material, and an insulating layer is applied to the bed to isolate the material from it. The insulating layer reduces thermal conductivity and helps prevent corrosion on the bed. Additionally, it extends the temperature gradient of the module.

Problems solved by technology

However, the refrigeration technologies based on the gas compression / expansion cycle have a serious problem of environmental destruction due to specific freon gas discharged into the environment.

Further, as to an alternative freon gas, its adverse affects on the environment are also of concern.

However, due to physical connections between the magnetic material 12 and the AMR bed 10, and different metal materials of the magnetic material 12 and the AMR bed 10, thermal dissipation and Galvanic corrosion may be caused to the AMR beds 10, thereby affecting thermal and physical reliabilities of the magnetic refrigeration apparatus comprising the AMR bed 10.

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