Thermodynamics of active magnetic regenerators: Part II

Governing equations for the thermodynamics of an active magnetic regenerator (AMR) are used to analyze the performance of simplified cycles operating with idealized magnetocaloric material. An idealized material with a magnetocaloric effect that varies linearly with temperature is assumed. Results are presented for cases where balance and symmetry are equal to one (beta = sigma = 1) and the refrigerant specific heat is constant. Under these conditions, the temperature distribution, cooling power, work rate, and efficiency are determined for various values of entrained fluid thermal mass (R). A set of sample results are presented for each case as a function of utilization, temperature span, and conductance. Results from the simplified thermodynamic theory are briefly compared to experimental results from the literature. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.