Simulation of an operation of nested Halbach cylinder arrays in regenerative magnetic cooling cycles: The way to maximum thermal span

Abstract

In this study, a numerical model of the Active Magnetic Regenerator (AMR) cycle, implemented in the reciprocal demonstrator, was developed using COMSOL Multiphysics. A nested Halbach cylinder (NHC) array served as the magnetic field source. Additional simulation of an operation of the NHC array was carried out. To eliminate the discrepancies between the heat exchange duration of the heat transfer medium (HTM) and the hot and cold ends of the regenerator, an adequate time dependence of the inner cylinder rotation angle was calculated. The latter provides the symmetrical sinusoidal form of time dependence of the magnetic flux density in the gap of NHC array, which is important for enhancing the performance of a magnetic refrigerator. It was established that in order to achieve a maximal temperature span, it is necessary to shift the phases of the magnetic field insertion/removal and heat transfer fluid pumping processes by nearly half of the operating cycle period. The latter brings the simulated cycle closer to the ideal AMR cycle.