Numerical modeling on a reciprocating active magnetic regenerator refrigeration in room temperature

Considering the unignorable factors in practice, a new time independent, 2-dimensional porous media model of room-temperature Active Magnetic Regenerative Refrigeration (AMRR) has been proposed. The 2-D model improved the existing 1-dimensional model by introducing the influence of heat transfer effect though the regenerator wall and conduction for y-axis inside the regenerator. This study compared the previous 1-D model with the 2-D model and concluded that the system can lose 22% of cooling capacity caused by air convection and the conduction loss in y can reach to 10% of cooling capacity. It is concluded that the new model will be useful to predict the performance of room AMRR for more practical conditions.     

Experimental investigation on refrigeration performance of a reciprocating active magnetic regenerator of room temperature magnetic refrigeration

Room temperature magnetic refrigeration has been proved to be a feasible refrigerating technology and has a prosperous application potential. In this research, magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of metal gadolinium is measured and the metal is prepared from ingot to granular state by method of hydriding–ball milling–dehydriding. The other compound, Gd₅Si₂Ge₂ alloy, is also prepared into grains by mechanical comminuting and its magnetocaloric property is obtained. An experimental system of room temperature magnetic refrigeration is established, and three kinds of magnetic refrigerant (MR I: 0.3 mm mean diameter gadolinium particle, MR II: 0.55 mm mean diameter gadolinium particle and MR III: 0.3–0.75 mm Gd₅Si₂Ge₂ alloy particle) are employed in AMR. Performance experiments of AMR system under various temperature range, temperature span, flow rate, and flow period conditions are investigated. The results indicate that AMR adopting MR I, II, III can generate a maximum refrigerating capacity of 18.7 W, 17.8 W, and 10.3 W, respectively, under a 3 K temperature span. With the increasing temperature span, the capacity decreases. MR I and MR II have an equivalent refrigerating ability higher than MR III.     

Numerical simulation and its verification for an active magnetic regenerator

In this study, a one-dimensional model for the active magnetic regenerator (AMR) is established and verified by comparison with the experimental results. Besides four basic governing equations concerning mass and momentum conservation of heat transfer fluid and energy conservation of fluid and magnetic refrigerant, energy conservation of the regenerator wall is considered to achieve high accuracy and generalization. For the verification, a room temperature AMR has been fabricated with Gd and Halbach array. The AMR is operated by helium compressor with a rotary valve so that the effect of gas-compression/expansion also exists. Instantaneous mass flow rate and temperature distributions are measured during the experiment. Measured values are utilized as the boundary conditions and compared with the simulation results. Instead of cooling capacity or COP, simulation results are directly compared with the experimental results by temperature distribution in the AMR. The model and simulation results predict temperature distribution of the AMR properly at cyclic steady-state.     

The influence of the magnetic field on the performance of an active magnetic regenerator (AMR)

The influence of the time variation of the magnetic field, termed the magnetic field profile, on the performance of a magnetocaloric refrigeration device using the active magnetic regeneration (AMR) cycle is studied for a number of process parameters for both a parallel plate and packed bed regenerator using a numerical model. The cooling curve of the AMR is shown to be almost linear far from the Curie temperature of the magnetocaloric material. It is shown that a magnetic field profile that is 10% of the cycle time out of sync with the flow profile leads to a drop in both the maximum temperature span and the maximum cooling capacity of 20-40% for both parallel plate and packed bed regenerators. The maximum cooling capacity is shown to depend very weakly on the ramp rate of the magnetic field. Reducing the temporal width of the high field portion of the magnetic field profile by 10% leads to a drop in maximum temperature span and maximum cooling capacity of 5-20%. An increase of the magnetic field from 1 T to 1.5 T increases the maximum cooling capacity by 30-50% but the maximum temperature span by only 20-30%. Finally, it was seen that the influence of changing the magnetic field was more or less the same for the different regenerator geometries and operating parameters studied here. This means that the design of the magnet can be done independently of the regenerator geometry.     

Numerical analysis of an active magnetic regenerator

A one-dimensional transient model of an active magnetic regenerator has been developed. The magnetocaloric properties are calculated using the Mean field theory and the model is used to study the transient and steady state response of a parallel plate regenerator. A parametric study is performed and highlights the influence of the Number of Transfer Units, the Utilization, and the solid axial conductivity. Finally the magnetic field inhomogeneity and the fluid axial conductivity are found to have no significant influence on the regenerator performance.     

A 2D hybrid model of the fluid flow and heat transfer in a reciprocating active magnetic regenerator

This paper evaluates the thermal behavior of a magnetic-Brayton-based parallel plate reciprocating active magnetic regenerator (AMR). A time-dependent, 2D model of the fluid flow and the coupled heat transfer between the working fluid and the solid refrigerant (gadolinium) is proposed. A hybrid calculation method which consists of an analytical solution for the flow and a numerical solution for the thermal field has been adopted. Results for the cooling capacity as a function of the temperature span and mass flow rate agree well with trends observed in experimental data and other theoretical models available in the literature. The volume of fluid displaced through the channels during the isofield processes influences significantly the AMR performance. For a cycle frequency of 1 Hz, the cycle-averaged cooling capacity reaches a maximum when the utilization factor is 0.1 and the displaced fluid volume equals 62% of the fluid volume of the AMR.     

Design and performance evaluation of reciprocating refrigeration systems

The characteristic performance curves of vapor-compression refrigeration systems are defined as a plot between the inverse coefficient of performance (1/COP) and inverse cooling capacity (1/ ) of the system. Using the actual data of a simple vapor-compression system, performance curves of the system are obtained. The curves were found to be linear and this linear relation between 1/COP and 1/ is explained in the light of various losses of the system, resulting from the irreversibilities losses due to finite rate of heat transfer in the heat exchangers and non-isentropic compression and expansion in the compressor and expansion valve of the system, respectively. A finite-time thermodynamic model which simulates the working of an actual vapor-compression system is also developed. The model is used to study the performance of a variable-speed refrigeration system in which the evaporator capacity is varied by changing the mass-flow rate of the refrigerant, while keeping the inlet chilled-water temperature as constant. The model is also used for predicting an optimum distribution of heat-exchanger areas between the evaporator and condenser for a given total heat exchanger area. In addition, the effect of subcooling and superheating on the system performance is also investigated.     

Dynamic operation of an active magnetic regenerator (AMR): Numerical optimization of a packed-bed AMR

A new, fast and flexible, time-dependent, one-dimensional numerical model was developed in order to study in detail the operation of an active magnetic regenerator (AMR). The model is based on a coupled system of equations (for the magnetocaloric material and the heat-transfer fluid) that have been solved simultaneously with the software package MATLAB. The model can be employed to analyze a wide range of different operating conditions (mass-flow rate, operating frequency, magnetic field change), different AMR geometries, different magnetocaloric materials and heat-transfer fluids, layered and single-bed AMRs, etc.This paper also presents an optimization of the AMR’s geometry, where the AMR consists of a packed-bed of grains (spheres) of gadolinium (Gd). The optimization of the mass-flow rate and the operating frequency of the AMR were performed by studying five different diameters of Gd spheres.     

Research on performance of regenerative room temperature magnetic refrigeration cycle

On the basis of classical Langevin theory along with statistical mechanics, thermodynamics and magnetism, a new expression of magnetocaloric parameters used for room temperature magnetic refrigeration is proposed, which is briefer and more accurate than the existing one, providing a new way for studying performance of regenerative room temperature magnetic Ericsson refrigeration cycle. Influences of temperature of heat reservoirs and magnetic intensity on cycle refrigeration capacity and coefficient of performance are analyzed. The results show that the maximal temperature span of the cycle increases but its increasing rate decreases with the increase of magnetic field strength. In addition, there exists only one maximum value of effective refrigerating capacity. Two cycles with the same COP can reach a same temperature span under a certain magnetic field strength. A large magnetic field strength can improve COP but the increase rate of COP decreases.     

Development of the tandem reciprocating magnetic regenerative refrigerator and numerical simulation for the dead volume effect

In this paper, the development of the tandem reciprocating room-temperature active magnetic regenerative refrigerator and the numerical simulation for the effect of the dead volume are presented. The dead volume effect is analyzed by establishing a one-dimensional time-dependent model for the active magnetic regenerator (AMR). The cooling power at the mass flow rate of 5 g s⁻¹ water and a temperature span of 20 K is reduced from 4 W to 2 W when the length of the dead volume (D_DV = 12 mm) is increased from 15 mm to 30 mm. The numerical results indicate that the minimization of dead volume facilitates the improvement of the AMR performance. In particular, the components and the parameters of AMR system are demonstrated. The printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHEs) are employed as the warm end heat exchangers in order to minimize the dead volume of the system. The experimental apparatus includes two active magnetic regenerators containing 186 g of Gd spheres. The maximum no-load temperature span of 26.8 K and a maximum cooling power of 33 W at a zero temperature span were obtained with the frequency of 0.5 Hz under the maximum field of 1.4 T.     

Review on numerical modeling of active magnetic regenerators for room temperature applications

The active magnetic regenerator (AMR) is an alternative refrigeration cycle with a potential gain of energy efficiency compared to conventional refrigeration techniques. The AMR poses a complex problem of heat transfer, fluid dynamics and magnetic field, which requires detailed and robust modeling. This paper reviews the existing numerical modeling of room temperature AMR to date. The governing equations, implementation of the magnetocaloric effect (MCE), fluid flow and magnetic field profiles, thermal conduction etc. are discussed in detail as is their impact on the AMR cycle. Flow channeling effects, hysteresis, thermal losses and demagnetizing fields are discussed and it is concluded that more detailed modeling of these phenomena is required to obtain a better understanding of the AMR cycle.     

室温磁制冷回热器数值模拟

介绍了一种磁制冷回热器的数值计算模型,不仅适用于匀速流,也适用于正弦流.该模型是基于控制容积法计算的一维周期流动模型,并对常规回热器内填料能量控制方程进行了修正,考虑了磁性材料磁热效应的影响,相当于添加内热源.计算分析了某些特征参数变化对制冷性能的影响,给出的部分模拟结果为后续实验台的改造提供参考.     

Design concepts for a continuously rotating active magnetic regenerator

Design considerations for a prototype magnetic refrigeration device with a continuously rotating AMR are presented. Building the active magnetic regenerator (AMR) from stacks of elongated plates of the perovskite oxide material La_0.67Ca_0.33−xSr_xMn_1.05O₃, gives both a low pressure drop and allows grading of the Curie temperature along the plates. This may be accomplished by a novel technique where a compositionally-graded material is tape cast in one piece. The magnet assembly is based on a novel design strategy, to create alternating high- and low magnetic field regions within a magnet assembly. Focus is on maximising the magnetic field in the high field regions but also, importantly, minimising the flux in the low field regions. The design is iteratively optimised through 3D finite element magnetostatic modelling.     

室温磁制冷研究进展

室温磁制冷技术是一项新的制冷技术,具有高效环保的特点,应用前景十分广阔,有望取代传统的蒸气压缩式制冷方法。阐述了磁热效应的原理,系统介绍了室温磁制冷中磁性材料、磁制冷循环、蓄冷器以及典型制冷机的发展情况,并对室温磁制冷的发展进行了展望。     

Review on research of room temperature magnetic refrigeration

Room temperature magnetic refrigeration is a new highly efficient and environmentally protective technology. Although it has not been maturely developed, it shows great applicable prosperity and seems to be a substitute for the traditional vapor compression technology. In this paper, the concept of magnetocaloric effect is explained. The development of the magnetic material, magnetic refrigeration cycles, magnetic field and the regenerator of room temperature magnetic refrigeration is introduced. Finally some typical room temperature magnetic refrigeration prototypes are reviewed.     

Object-oriented simulation of reciprocating compressors: Numerical verification and experimental comparison

Numerical simulation of reciprocating compressors is important for the design, development, improvement and optimization of the elements constituting the compressor circuit. In this work, an object-oriented unstructured modular numerical simulation of reciprocating compressors is presented. Pressure correction approach is applied for the resolution of tubes, chambers and compression chambers, while valve dynamics are modelled assuming a spring-mass system having single degree of freedom. The modular approach offers advantages of handling complex circuitry (e.g. parallel paths, multiple compressor chambers, etc.), coupling different simulation models for each element and adaptability to different configurations without changing the program. The code has been verified with some basic tests for assuring asymptotic behaviour to guarantee error free code and physically realistic results. Cases with different compressor configurations and working fluids (R134a, R600a and R744) have also been worked out. Numerical results are compared with experimental data and illustrative cases of multi-stage compression are also presented.     

室温磁制冷往复式系统控制采集系统开发

介绍室温磁制冷系统的流程。在往复式室温磁制冷系统实验台中用模块化方法分别开发针对电磁阀、步进电机和变频器的控制系统以及温度、流量和压力的采集系统,并集成开发采集控制的软件系统。     

Analysis of room temperature magnetic regenerative refrigeration

Results of a room temperature magnetic refrigeration test bed and an analysis using a computational model are presented. A detailed demonstration of the four sequential processes in the transient magnetocaloric regeneration process of a magnetic material is presented. The temperature profile during the transient approach to steady state operation was measured in detail. A 5 °C evolution of the difference of temperature between the hot end and the cold end of the magnetocaloric bed due to regeneration is reported. A model is developed for the heat transfer and fluid mechanics of the four sequential processes in each cycle of thermal wave propagation in the regenerative bed combined with the magnetocaloric effect. The basic equations that can be used in simulation of magnetic refrigeration systems are derived and the design parameters are discussed.     

A practical model for analysis of active magnetic regenerative refrigerators for room temperature applications

In this paper, a practical model for predicting the performance and efficiency of active magnetic regenerative refrigerators (AMRRs) has been developed. With this model, the refrigeration capacity, the power consumption (including the power required to move regenerator cylinder and drive heat transfer fluid) and consequently the coefficient of performance (COP) of a real AMRR system can be predicted with different heat transfer fluids. A dimensionless parameter, utilization at maximum refrigeration capacity (UMRC), is used to numerically characterize the performance of an AMRR. The numerical results indicate that the UMRC increases with increasing number of transfer units (NTU) and eventually reaches its maximum. Increasing operating frequency increases the refrigeration capacity of the AMRR while causes a reduction in COP. The influences of the physical properties of transfer fluids on the AMRR performance are also studied. Liquid is more favorable than gas for being used as heat transfer fluid in AMRR systems.