Numerical Optimization of the Energetic Performance of a Near Room Temperature Magnetic Refrigerator

The present work reports numerical study of a linear reciprocating magnetic refrigerator operating at room temperature. The model's geometry considers parallel plates of Magneto-caloric Materials used as a refrigerant, separated by microchannels of water as a heat transfer fluid. To investigate the energetic performance of our magnetic cooling system, the temperature span between cold and hot sides of the bed regenerator and the coefficient of performance (COP) of the device were evaluated. Furthermore, numerical predictions are also exploited to optimize the controlling parameters such as, mass flow rate, the operation frequency of the magnetic refrigerator, by studying their effects on the characteristics of the heat transfer and fluid flow within the bed regenerator.