Performance assessment of solenoid valves as flow distributors for an active magnetic regenerator.

Active magnetic regenerators (AMR) face many challenges as an alternative technology, particularly for low capacity systems. For instance, in domestic refrigeration, a small increment in power consumption could result in low efficiencies, and the potential benefits of magnetocaloric-based devices would not be enough to support its application. As already reported in the magnetic refrigeration literature, hydraulic circuit components, especially flow control valves, can be the major contributors to total power input in AMR devices. Despite the variety of hydraulic circuit solutions proposed so far, no candidate clearly excelled in all technical criteria. The present work evaluates the performance of a pump and solenoid valve association as flow distributors for an AMR test apparatus. Power consumption, cooling capacity and the resultant overall thermodynamic efficiency were taken into account. Qualitative aspects originated from the experience of running the apparatus were also considered in this assessment.