INTEGRAL OPTIMISATION OF A MAGNETOCALORIC AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM FOR AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE

The application of a permanent-magnet active magnetic regenerator refrigerator (AMRR) in the air-conditioning (AC) system of an electric vehicle is analysed. A comprehensive optimisation study is performed in order to determine the design and working parameters of the AMRR that fulfil the thermal requirements of the vehicle with minimum combined electric consumption and total mass. With the obtained designs, the AMRR would weigh between 20 and 50 kg and would work with an EER from 2 to 4 and a COP from 2 to 3.5. The efficiency of the AMRR depends on the considered design point, which is determined by the settings of the electrical auxiliaries. As the efficiency of the AMRR increases, the consumption of the auxiliaries becomes more relevant. In order to determine the design that minimizes the total energy consumption of the AC system, all the components must be taken into account.