Magnetic cycles for heat pumping and power generation

研究计划的目标是开发利用磁循环的能量转换装置。磁致热装置是可逆的热机，利用磁排序来实现功和热传递。它们可以用于制冷、热泵和发电。提高效率的潜力来自于高度可逆的功传递以及固有的功恢复。使用固体工作材料和对环境无害的传热流体可确保最大限度地减少温室气体和消耗臭氧层物质的产生和释放。这种发电能力为利用太阳能、生物质能和废热等低品位资源发电提供了一种新途径。室温附近的磁蓄热器在使用振荡液体传热流体方面有些独特。需要大的功率密度，以尽量减少资本成本，因此，高工作频率是有益的。高效率要求在整个蓄热器中优化分配磁功。磁再生器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各种方法来优化再生器组成。磁循环的潜在应用有很多，并可能导致改善能源服务交付的新技术。此外，提高现有技术性能的承诺与可持续发展目标相一致。该主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。学生和研究人员将发展强大的分析能力和深入的知识，热流体，材料科学和应用磁学-技术创新所需要的技能。

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.