Magnetic cycles for heat pumping and power generation

该研究计划的目标是开发使用磁循环的能量转换设备。磁热装置是一种可逆的热机，利用磁有序来实现功和热传递。它们可用于制冷、热泵和发电。提高效率的潜力来自高度可逆的功转移和固有的功回收。使用固体工作材料和无害环境的传热液可确保最大限度地减少温室气体和臭氧消耗物质的产生和释放。产生功的能力为利用太阳能、生物质和废热等低品位资源发电提供了一种新的方法。室温附近的磁性蓄热器在使用振荡液体换热流体方面具有一定的独特性。需要较大的功率密度以最小化资本成本，因此，较高的工作频率是有益的。要想提高效率，需要在整个蓄热器中优化分配磁功。磁蓄热体设计的主要挑战之一是确定磁热材料的类型和数量。拟议的研究计划将使用包括热力学建模和实验表征在内的一系列方法来优化再生器的组成。磁循环的潜在应用有很多，并可能导致改进能源服务提供的新技术。此外，提高现有技术性能的承诺与可持续发展目标是一致的。该课题的多学科性质为创新和培养高素质人才创造了丰富的环境。学生和研究助理将发展强大的分析技能和对热流体、材料科学和应用磁学的深入知识-这些技能是任何需要技术创新的地方都需要的。

The objective of the research program is the development of energy conversion devices using magnetic cycles. Magnetocaloric devices are reversible heat engines utilizing magnetic ordering to effect work and heat transfer. They can be used for refrigeration, heat pumping, and to generate power. The potential for increased efficiency comes from highly reversible work transfer coupled with inherent work recovery. The use of solid working materials and environmentally benign heat transfer fluids ensures that the production and release of GHG and ozone depleting substances are minimized. The ability to generate work provides a new approach to power generation from low-grade sources including solar, biomass, and waste-heat.Magnetic regenerators near room temperature are somewhat unique in their use of oscillating liquid heat transfer fluids. Large power densities are desired so as to minimize capital costs, thus, high operating frequencies are beneficial. High efficiencies require optimal distribution of magnetic work throughout the regenerator. One of the main challenges in magnetic regenerator design is determining the type and quantity of magnetocaloric material. The proposed research program will use a full range of methods including thermodynamic modeling and experimental characterization to optimize regenerator composition. The potential applications of magnetic cycles are numerous and may lead to new technologies for improved delivery of energy services. Furthermore, the promise of increased performance over existing technologies aligns with sustainability goals. The multi-disciplinary nature of the topic creates a rich environment for innovation and training of highly qualified personnel. Students and research associates will develop strong analytic skills and in-depth knowledge of thermofluids, material science, and applied magnetism - skills needed wherever technical innovation is desired.