Experimental characterization of active magnetic regenerators constructed using laser beam melting technique

Abstract

Two sets of regenerators intended for application in magnetic refrigeration have been manufactured using laser beam melting. One set of regenerators was produced in La0.84Ce0.16Fe11.5Mn1.5Si1.3Hx and the other in AlSi7Mg0.6. The former are intended as regenerators for magnetocaloric devices, while the latter are intended for passive characterisation of heat transfer properties. In each set there were two regenerators with novel nature-inspired flow structures and one with straight flow channels as a reference geometry. All three magnetocaloric regenerators demonstrated excellent mechanical and functional stability under thermo-magnetic cycling, lasting for at least seven days of operation each. During the active testing as magnetocaloric regenerators, all three regenerators demonstrated a maximum temperature span between the hot and cold ends twice as high as the adiabatic temperature change of the magnetocaloric material itself. Results of the passive regenerator testing suggest that the nature-inspired flow structures have the potential to improve performance of magnetocaloric devices in terms of COP and cooling power.