A dimensionless description of active magnetic regenerators to compare their performance and to simplify their optimization

The behavior of active magnetic regenerators (AMR) can be described by means of a one-dimensional set of equations. A lot of geometrical, thermo-physical and magnetic parameters influence the behavior and performance of an AMR, together with external controls and operating parameters. Literature data on AMR performances, both experimental and numerical, are given in different conditions and configurations, so that a consistent comparison among different results is not straightforward, and sometimes even not possible. In this paper the most relevant parameters are outlined, by means of a derivation of the dimensionless 1-D AMR equations. The resulting reduced number of key parameters simplifies the performance optimization procedure. Moreover, if the proposed dimensionless set of parameters is reported each time in corresponding scientific work, a comparison of experimental or/and numerical results would become much more feasible and easy to be performed.

► A dimensionless numerical description for active magnetic regenerators is derived.
► The key quantities which influence the AMR behavior are outlined and described.
► A proper set of parameters for giving results in a homogeneous form is proposed.
►  Literature data have been analyzed and compared in this non dimensional form.