Experimental analysis of a reciprocating magnetic refrigeration prototype

In this paper, a reciprocating magnetic refrigeration prototype (MR) with a novel and simple design is presented using permanent magnets for operation at room temperature. The design, installation, operation and preliminary results are reported. The experimental machine is characterised by the implementation of a force compensation system applied on the displacement of the active magnetic regenerator (AMR). Preliminary calculations based on experimental measurements show that approximately 90% of the displacement force is reduced with the proposed design. Using a total of 180 g of Gd as magnetocaloric refrigerant in a magnetic field of 1 T, the device achieved a maximum temperature span under no thermal load of 3.5 K, rendering a cooling power of about 3 W under a span approaching 0 K.