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Abstract: 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. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to obtain a better reliability, consistency and accuracy of results obtained with a numerical simulation of an AMRR (active magnetic regenerator refrigerator), a dimensionless numerical model was developed, which can equally be used for determination of regenerator’s heat transfer coefficient and simulation of passive heat regenerators or AMRR operation. Regenerator’s heat transfer coefficient α f, is a crucial input parameter in the simulation of AMRR operation and has a primal effect on the outcome of a solution. This paper deals with a derived dimensionless model and discusses errors involved when using different models for heat transfer coefficient and AMRR operation simulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]