A comparison between experimental and 2D numerical results of a packed-bed active magnetic regenerator

This paper describes a two-dimensional (2D) multiphysics model of a packed bed regenerator made of magnetocaloric material. The regenerator operates as a refrigerant for a magnetic refrigerator operating at room temperature on the strength of an active magnetic regenerator (AMR) cycle. The model is able to simulate the thermofluidodynamic behavior of the magnetocaloric material and the magnetocaloric effect of the refrigerant. The model has been validated by means of experimental results. The device employed for the experimental validation is a Rotary Permanent Magnet Magnetic Refrigerator (RPMMR) that presents a rotating magnet, while the magnetocaloric material (MCM) remains stationary. Zero-load experimental tests have been performed at varying cycle frequencies and different heat rejection temperatures. The simulation results indicate fairly good agreement with the experimental data.