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U.S. Department of Energy
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Bipolar pulse field for magnetic refrigeration

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6828131

A magnetic refrigeration apparatus includes first and second steady state magnets, each having a field of substantially equal strength and opposite polarity, first and second bodies made of magnetocaloric material disposed respectively in the influence of the fields of the first and second steady state magnets, and a pulsed magnet, concentric with the first and second steady state magnets, and having a field which cycles between the fields of the first and second steady state magnets, thereby cyclically magnetizing and demagnetizing and thus heating and cooling the first and second bodies. Heat exchange apparatus of suitable design can be used to expose a working fluid to the first and second bodies of magnetocaloric material. A controller is provided to synchronize the flow of working fluid with the changing states of magnetization of the first and second bodies. 2 figs.

DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
Assignee:
Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc., Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Patent Number(s):
A; US 5357756
Application Number:
PPN: US 8-125277
OSTI ID:
6828131
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English