LaFeSi-based magnetocaloric material analysis: Cyclic endurance and thermal performance results *

Recently, a lot of progress has been made by the community to optimize the properties of LaFeSi-based alloys in order to enable their integration into prototypes for different magnetocaloric applications. In this paper we present a set of experimental results obtained with a specific layering of materials having different Curie tem peratures integrated into a rotating R&D prototype. The prototype was tested under different operating conditions and the results are presented here. Furthermore, two types of endurance tests were performed on those materials using a separate experimental test bench. The obtained results are promising and present the basis for a possible replacement of Gd-based alloys with first order LaFeSi-based alloys to be used in our ready-to-be-deployed magnetic refrigeration systems. LaFeSi-based alloys have the potential to increase the cooling power and reduce the cost of our units due to reduced raw material costs. This is a critical factor, which will make the technology more accessible for large-scale production. (c) 2020 Elsevier Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This paper presents the optimization of LaFeSi-based alloys for magnetocaloric applications, including experimental results with specific layering of materials with different Curie temperatures. The potential of LaFeSi-based alloys to replace Gd-based alloys and increase cooling power while reducing costs is demonstrated through endurance testing.