Abstract: A novel two-dimensional porous model of active magnetic regenerator (AMR) is established in consideration of the different grain sizes and random distribution of magneto-caloric materials (MCMs) in the cross-section of AMR lattice. The active magnetic regenerator is numerically simulated. The simulated results are compared with the experimental results. The calculated temperature curve is similar to the experimental temperature curve. In some region, a calculation error exists , which is in a acceptable range. The effects of mass flow rate of heat transfer fluid (HTF), AMR's rotary speed and magnetic field intensity on cooling capacity are investigated. The simulation results show that the increase in the HTF's mass flow rate is helpful to neutralize the unfavorable influence of the residual HTF. With the increase in rotary speed, the heat transfer time between HTF and the MCM shortens, which is harmful to the refrigerator performance. However, this harmful influence can be weaken when the mass flow rate increases. The higher intensity of magnetic field is also useful to reduce the effect of the residual HTF on the cooling capacity.

Key words: engineering thermophysics, magnetic refrigeration, porous media, numerical simulation