Numerical Simulation of a Magnetocaloric Heat Pump for Domestic Hot Water Production in Residential Buildings

Previous studies showed that magnetocaloric heat pump, based on the active magnetic regenerator technology, can be used for space heating of low energy buildings. This innovative solution has performances comparable to conventional vapour-compression systems. However, magnetocaloric heat pumps have limited temperature span between heat source and heat sink.

That compromises their use for high temperature span purposes such as domestic hot water production. To overcome this issue, the authors suggest a cascading configuration of several magnetocaloric heat pumps. The results of the current numerical study show that such cascading network can provide for the hot water needs of a single-family house with coefficient of performance which is similar to conventional heat pump systems.