Magnetic refrigerator with a plurality of magneto-thermal containers

A magnetic refrigerator comprising:

• a high-temperature-side heat exchanger;
• a low-temperature-side heat exchanger;
• a high-temperature end from which heat on a high temperature-side is supplied to the high-temperature-side heat exchanger;
• a low-temperature end is connected to the low-temperature-side heat exchanger on a low temperature-side;
• a plurality of magneto-thermal containers each filled with a magnetocaloric material;
• a plurality of magnetic field application devices each including a permanent magnet or an electromagnet to apply a magnetic field to a corresponding one of the plurality of magneto-thermal containers;
• at least one pipe through which a heat transport medium is transported through the plurality of magneto-thermal containers between the high-temperature end and the low-temperature end;
• a pump to transport the heat transport medium through the at least one pipe between the high-temperature end and the low-temperature end;
• at least one valve to switch the at least one pipe between an opened state and a closed state;
• and
• a controller to control the at least one valve to switch a transport path of the heat transport medium, wherein
• the controller is configured to control the at least one valve to switch the transport path between a first mode and a second mode,
• in the first mode, the plurality of magneto-thermal containers are connected in series between the high-temperature end and the low-temperature end to allow transport of the heat transport medium, and
• in the second mode, the plurality of magneto-thermal containers are connected in parallel between the high-temperature end and the low-temperature end to allow transport of the heat transport medium.