Yoshiki Yanagisawa

Comparison of different regenerator geometries for AMR system

One of the most important questions in magnetic refrigeration (MR) systems is the choice of regenerator geometry to optimize the heat transfer efficiency between magnetic material and heat transfer fluid and to reduce the loss of cooling power. Currently, flat plate and packed sphere regenerators are widely used for the prototype Active Magnetic Refrigeration (AMR) system. In recent years, micro-channel regenerator geometry is also a potential candidate regenerator design for the high heat and mass transfer rates according to both experimental and theoretical studies in the literature. However, it is not clear which of the three regenerator geometries is the most efficient. One-dimensional models for each have been constructed. We compared and analyzed the performance and entropy generation. Based on the comparison, suggestions for optimized MR regenerator geometry design have been provided.