Comparison and Prospect of Magnetic Heat Pump Cycle and Magnetic Refrigeration Cycle

Room-temperature magnetic heat pumps, one of the main applications of the magnetocaloric effect near room temperature, offer high efficiency, environmental protection, low noise, and low vibrations. This study discusses the application potential of a cascade magnetic heat pump cycle with a large temperature span by comparing the theoretical magnetic heat pump and refrigeration cycles. The results show that meeting the kilowatt-level heating capacity and achieving a wide temperature span of approximately 30 K in an actual heating scenario poses challenges to room-temperature magnetic heat pumps. The differences in design and application between the room-temperature magnetic heat pump and the existing room-temperature magnetic refrigeration prototypes are discussed, with a focus on magnetocaloric material selection strategies and performance evaluation indices suited for large temperature spans. The comparative analysis of magnetic heat pumps and magnetic refrigeration in this study also helps researchers to clarify the key to the design and application of large temperature span magnetic heat pumps based on existing research on room-temperature magnetic refrigeration. It promotes the comprehension and application of room-temperature magnetic heat pumps.