Experimental results for active magnetic regenerative refrigeration apparatus using twin beds

Magnetic refrigeration is based on the magnetocaloric effect, which refers to the ability of some materials to heat up when magnetized and cool down when demagnetized. An active magnetic regenerative (AMR) refrigeration apparatus using twin beds and a permanent magnet array was constructed for an experimental study. The twin AMR beds were filled with gadolinium spheres. They were magnetized and demagnetized in turn using a permanent magnet array and exchanged heat by means of water flowing back and forth between the hot and cold sides. The temperatures of various locations within the AMR beds were measured in real time. Herein, the experimental results using the apparatus are discussed.