Effect of PET insulator layers on the conduction losses of plate active magnetic regenerators.

The following paper proposes a feasible solution to an idea presented by Nielsen and Engelbrecht [1]. They explain that higher performances are linked with lower longitudinal thermal conductivity of the magneto-caloric material (MCM) in magnetic regenerators. The concept presented here; involves the insertion of insulator layers along the length of the magnetic regenerator. This idea is investigated by means of a 1D numerical model. It solves not only the energy equations of fluid and solid domains, but also the magnetic circuit that conforms the experimental set-up of reference. In conclusion, to intercalate insulator layers within the MCM increments the adiabatic temperature change, and thus the maximum cooling power of the machine.