Conduction based magneto caloric heat pump

摘要

A heat pump is provided that uses multiple stages of MCMs to cause heat transfer between a heat receiving end and a heat transmitting end. Thermal blocks are placed along the direction of heat transfer at locations in the heat pump that preclude the transfer of heat in a direction from the heat transmitting end towards the heat receiving end. The heat pump can be, for example, part of a refrigeration loop or can be connected directly with the object for which heating or cooling is desired. An appliance incorporating such a heat pump is also provided.

主权项

1. A heat pump, comprising:
a plurality of stages arranged sequentially along a direction of heat transfer between a heat receiving end and a heat transmitting end, the plurality of stages alternating between a stage comprising a normal magneto caloric material and a stage comprising an inverse magneto caloric material; a plurality of thermal blocks, wherein at least one thermal block is positioned at the heat receiving end, at least one thermal block is positioned at the heat transmitting end, and at least one thermal block is positioned between each of the stages, wherein each thermal block is configured to preclude the transfer of heat in a direction from the heat transmitting end towards the heat receiving end; and a magnetic element configured to cycle a changing field of magnetic flux along the plurality of stages.