Seasonal COP of a residential magnetocaloric heat pump based on MnFePSi

• Published in: International journal of refrigeration Vol. 164; pp. 38 - 48
• Main Authors: Pineda Quijano, Diego, Fonseca Lima, Beatriz, Infante Ferreira, Carlos, Brück, Ekkes
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.08.2024
• Subjects: AMR en couches; COP saisonnier; Layered AMR; Magnetocaloric heat pump; MnFePSi; Numerical simulation; Pompe á chaleur magnétocalorique; Seasonal COP; Simulation numérique; AMR en couches; Pompe á chaleur magnétocalorique; Magnetocaloric heat pump; MnFePSi; Numerical simulation; Simulation numérique; Seasonal COP; Layered AMR; COP saisonnier
• ISSN: 0140-7007; 1879-2081
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2024.04.014

The performance of a magnetocaloric heat pump (MCHP) consisting of active magnetocaloric regenerators (AMR) of 12 layers of MnFePSi magnetocaloric materials (MCM) with a linear distribution of Curie temperatures was investigated using a 1D numerical model. The model predicted the heating power and coefficient of performance (COP) of the AMR for a fixed temperature span of 27K, between 281K and 308K, and variable flow rate and AMR cycle frequency. A maximum applied magnetic field strength of 1.4T was used. A well-insulated house with a maximum heating power demand of 3kW (under quasi steady state conditions) was considered. Ambient temperature in The Netherlands was taken as a reference for the estimation of the seasonal heating power demand. Without optimizing the design of the AMR, the model predicts a maximum single-AMR heating power equal to 43.5W when the AMR operates at 3Hz and 3Lmin-1, and a maximum COP equal to 5.8 when it operates at 1.5Hz and 1Lmin-1 Considering the maximum heating power of a single AMR, approximately 69 AMRs are needed to provide the design heating power demand of the house. It was found that it is possible to achieve an AMR seasonal COP of 5.6 by continuously adjusting the flow rate and frequency of operation of the MCHP along with the ON/OFF switching of some groups of AMRs in order to adjust the heating power of the MCHP to the heating power demand of the house. •MnFePSi is used for the setup of a 12-layer active magnetocaloric regenerator (AMR).•AMR heating power and COP are mapped against flow rate and frequency using a 1D model.•A part-load operating strategy is proposed for residential magnetocaloric heat pumps.•ON/OFF switching of AMR groups is used along with flow rate and frequency modulation.•A heating AMR seasonal COP of 5.6 is obtained under Dutch climate conditions.