This work package will be focussed towards the optimal operating strategy of a magnetocaloric heat pump and the integration of such a device into a residential building. As magnetocaloric devices have characteristics that are different from those found in conventional heat pumps, such an analysis is relevant and important in order to harness the full potential of magnetocaloric devices.
WP 2.1: Total system model - Postdoc at SDU
A total-system model will be developed that can simulate different operating conditions of the magnetocaloric heat pump including the external components. A complete numerical simulation tool will be developed and validated using the large amounts of model and experimental operating data as input. Results from this will be used as input to the other tasks to aid the dimensioning of the system.
Results
Firstly, the question of finding the best software and tool for modelling the whole magnetocaloric heat pump at the required time and spatial resolution was addressed. It was concluded that the best approach to simulate the whole system model is to use Matlab/Simulink, although this is quite computationally heavy. In order to address the issue of reducing the computational time different identification techniques such as multivariate nonlinear regression, neural networks and system identification techniques were investigated. By using neural network and system identification the results have shown that an efficient model of a magnetocaloric regenerator can be obtained with less computation time. Furthermore it is possible to use the model in Simulink as a part of whole system model.
WP 2.2: Dimensioning and incorporation into buildings - PhD student at AAU
The main goal of this work package is to investigate how to integrate a magnetocaloric heat pump into a residential building. The building case study for the AMR integration has been designed as a typical low energy single family house in Denmark fulfilling all the “BR10 class 2015” requirements, with sizing of the water based floor heating system and the horizontal ground source according to the standards and common installations in Denmark. More detailed studies of the dimensioning and operating properties on the energy use and indoor environment of a building will then be conducted, aiding the dimensioning of the heat pump to be constructed and the development of energy efficient control strategies.
Results
To demonstrate the feasibility of the AMR integration, a numerical model of the house with under-floor heating and the ground source loop is created with MATLAB – Simulink. This simplified Resistance Capacitance multi-zone simulations is found to be in very good agreement with the reference BSim model. Additional configuration options in the form of a vertical bore hole and several low temperature radiant floor heating systems will be performed. The design of the hydronic single loop is an iterative process running in parallel with the development of the magnetocaloric heat pump itself.