New thermodynamic cycles for magnetic refrigeration

•Different thermodynamic cycles with an AMR were analyzed.•The analysis and comparison were performed using a developed numerical model.•The Brayton cycle with an AMR generated the largest cooling power.•The Ericsson cycle with an AMR can operate at the highest efficiency (COP value).

Most of the existing prototype devices for magnetic refrigeration are based on a thermodynamic cycle with an active magnetic regenerator (AMR) that operates as a Brayton-type regenerative magnetic refrigeration cycle. However, there are several other cycles that may potentially influence not only the efficiency, but also the cost, compactness and simplicity of magnetocaloric devices. In this article we discuss the possibility of introducing new thermodynamic cycles. This is supported by information about, and a comparison of, the corresponding magnetic field sources. We present the results of numerical analyses and compare the characteristics of different thermodynamic cycles under different operating conditions and for different magnetic field intensities. Guidelines for future work on new magnetic thermodynamic cycles are presented.