Magnetic Heat Pump Cycles for Industrial Waste Heat Recovery

摘要

Magnetic heat pumps utilize entropy reductions which occur upon magnetization (magnetocaloric effect) in thermodynamic cycles. Magnetic equivalents of Brayton and Ericson (or Stirling) cycles are possible. Magnetic heat pumps with gadolinium working material perform significantly better than conventional equipment. Working materials appropriate for industrial heat pump applications (400 to 500 K) have been identified, but performance is not as good as with gadolinium. When better performing high-temperature materials are identified, feasible industrial magnetic heat pumps should be possible. (ERA citation 09:046144)