Configuration and performance analysis of magnetic refrigerators

The commercialization of magnetic refrigerators depends upon the ability to meet performance targets while having acceptable equipment costs. This paper links device design parameters and performance of magnetic refrigerators to the cost of cooling delivered. A device configuration parameter, D, is defined that links the field volume to the volume of magnetocaloric material. Combined with the magnet performance parameter, efficiency, and specific exergetic cooling, the cost structure of a magnetic refrigerator is determined. Some magnetic refrigerators reported in the literature are classified using their configuration parameters, and are then compared in terms of demonstrated performance using results available in the literature. The required improvement in performance is calculated such that the cost of a magnetic refrigerator would be equivalent to a conventional compressor-based device. Finally, some of the reasons for different performance are discussed with a focus on opportunities for improvements.