Experimental results for a novel rotary active magnetic regenerator

Active magnetic regenerator (AMR) refrigerators represent an alternative to vapor compression technology and have great potential in realizing cooling devices with high efficiency, which are highly desirable for a broad range of applications. The technology relies on the magnetocaloric effect in a solid refrigerant rather than the temperature change that occurs when a gas is compressed/expanded. This paper presents the general considerations for the design and construction of a high frequency rotary AMR device. Experimental results are presented at various cooling powers for a range of operating conditions near room temperature. The device exhibited a no-load temperature span of over 25 K and can absorb a 100 W cooling load at a 20.5 K temperature span.

► A rotary regenerator active magnetic regenerator refrigerator with operating frequencies up to 8 Hz is for the first time presented.
► A maximum no-load temperature of 25.4 K is reported, and a maximum cooling power over 1000 W when operating near zero span was measured.
► The device produces 100 W cooling at a temperature span of 20.5 K.
► The COP was measured and a value of 1.8 for at a 400 W load and an 8.9 K span is reported.