Performance predictions of a magnetocaloric Refrigerator using a finite element model

The David Taylor Research Center is developing superconducting electrical machinery for use in Navy ships. This machinery requires cryogenic refrigeration to maintain temperatures that permit superconductivity, and for shipboard use the refrigeration equipment must be rugged, dependable and efficient. To meet this need, the Electrical Systems Division is developing reciprocating, active regenerative, magnetic refrigerators using ferromagnetic materials that undergo large adiabatic temperature changes when subjected to a magnetic field. This type of cycle promises to produce a very efficient refrigeration process while avoiding many of the problems associated with the valves, seals, and compressors in gas cycle refrigerators.