Magnetic heat pumps – Configurable hydraulic distribution for a magnetic cooling system

• First & Third generation Magnetic Refrigeration systems are compared.
• Identification of problems overcome in creating a First generation ‘Linear’ system.
• Magneto-caloric materials, description of containers used and results obtained.
• Third generation Systems problems related to a rotary Magnetic Refrigeration Pump.
• Industrialization: some typical problems to be resolved.

Magnetic cooling technology has experienced significant developments over the last five years. Most of the magneto-caloric prototypes use magneto-caloric alloys subject to variable magnetic field and coolant flow synchronized with the magnetisation/demagnetisation cycles. Hydraulic flow regulation has a major impact on the AMRR cycle and on the performance of the magnetic heat pump. This paper discloses a hydraulic solution implemented in a two stage linear prototype, where the volume, the flow rate and the coolant velocity can be controlled.The dynamic sealing of the system is also described, as well as the performance of a two stage prototype integrating this hydraulic distribution solution to this first generation solution. A brief description of a third generation ‘rotative’ architecture is provided, with results obtained just after the last Thermag V conference.