Incorporating device and experimental loss mechanisms in AMR modelling

•A system model is developed to analyze regenerators with large dead volumes.•Casing losses are included using an assumed boundary condition.•The model is written in Python; open-source Python code is made publicly available.•Experiments are performed with Gd regenerators to validate the code.•Dead...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of refrigeration 2019-02, Vol.98, p.323-333
Main Authors: Christiaanse, T.V., Trevizoli, P.V., Govindappa, P., Teyber, R., Rowe, A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
1D modelling
Active magnetic regenerator
AMR
Boundary conditions
Casing losses
Computer simulation
Cooling
Dead volume
Heat exchangers
Magnetic materials
Mathematical models
Modélisation unidimensionnelle
Numerical methods
Pertes de l’enveloppe
Python
Regenerators
Régénérateur magnétique actif
Simulation
Temperature
Temperature profiles
Volume mort
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Description
Summary:•A system model is developed to analyze regenerators with large dead volumes.•Casing losses are included using an assumed boundary condition.•The model is written in Python; open-source Python code is made publicly available.•Experiments are performed with Gd regenerators to validate the code.•Dead volume sections improve the model outcomes to match experimental results.•The casing losses impact modeling Tspan results for experiments with Qnet below 2.5 W. Active magnetic regenerators need magnetocaloric materials of sufficient size, shape, and quantity to create a matrix for characterization in a test apparatus. Limited availability of novel magnetocaloric materials in a suitable form leads to regenerator beds which are smaller than desired. When implemented in a test apparatus, result in unwanted loss mechanisms such as void spaces between the regenerator and heat exchangers. The loss of cooling power due to dead volume losses and thermal interactions with the ambient environment when using small regenerators is investigated with experimental and 1D numerical methods. Due to uncertainty regarding the casing thermal state, a range of cases for casing temperature are numerically tested including: a fixed temperature and a linear temperature profile from hot to cold end using the simulation boundary conditions. Including dead volume sections improves simulation results while casing heat leaks impact simulations with a net cooling power up to 2.5 W.
ISSN:0140-7007
1879-2081
DOI:10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2018.10.006