Effects of relative orientation of magnetocaloric inserts with the magnetic flux

This paper presents the study of the magnetic change of the magnetic flux density into the magnetocaloric materials (MCMs). The MCMs are shaped in thin parallel plates separated by a fluid forming together an insert. it is shown that keeping all the parameters equal, the unique modification of the orientation of the insert induces a change of the magnetic flux density into the magnetocaloric materials. Like all paramagnetic and ferromagnetic materials, the MCMs have variable magnetic permeability according to the density of flux that crosses them. The influence of a thermal circuit on a permanent magnetic circuit assembly is also evaluated. In order to ensure the heat exchange between the magnetocaloric materials and the outside space, the use of a heat transfer fluid is needed. The heat transfer fluid goes along the mini plates and is also placed inside the magnetic field. Because a fluid is generally a diamagnetic element, this increases the total magnetic reluctance of the assembly. Two different configurations named serial and parallel have been studied and evaluated in order to find the configuration that causes minimal disturbances to the magnetic flux and thus increases the magnetocaloric effect (MCE). Both configurations were also compared in respect to the induction obtained inside the vacuum gap of the magnet assembly. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved.