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Active magnetic regenerator method and apparatus

  • US 5,249,424 A
  • Filed: 06/05/1992
  • Issued: 10/05/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/05/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. Active magnetic regenerator apparatus comprising:

  • (a) a porous regenerator bed of material that exhibits the magnetocaloric effect, the bed having a higher temperature hot side and a lower temperature cold side;

    (b) heat transfer fluid which can pass through the bed between the hot and cold sides to effect heat transfer with the material of the bed;

    (c) a magnet producing a magnetic field;

    (d) means for causing the magnetic field of the magnet to be applied alternately to the bed and removed from the bed;

    (e) transfer means for providing a path for the fluid to and from the regenerator bed and for driving a first volume of the fluid through the bed from the hot side to the cold side when the magnetic field is removed from the bed and for driving a second volume of the same fluid through the bed from the cold side to the hot side when the magnetic field is applied to the bed, wherein the first volume is greater than the second volume, and for providing a path from the cold side to the hot side for diverting a portion of the first volume of fluid so that it flows back to the hot side of the bed without passing through the bed from the cold side to the hot side.

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