| Abstract Scope |
La(FeSi)13 - based magnetocaloric regenerators offer a promising pathway toward energy-efficient magnetic refrigeration; however, their brittle nature and processing challenges limit the fabrication of complex, high-performance geometries. In this study, Laser Powder Bed Fusion was employed to fabricate three regenerator architectures, Gyroid, Schwarz, and Foil Pin designs, to optimize the tradeoff between heat transfer, pressure drop, and mechanical stability. The printed regenerators are heat treated to promote the formation of the magnetocaloric 1:13 phase with Curie temperatures near room temperature. Mechanical integrity, fluid-flow behavior, and magnetocaloric performance were evaluated using the CaloriSMART magnetic refrigeration test platform in collaboration with Ames National Laboratory. Performance metrics were compared across architectures, and based on preliminary studies, it was found that foil pin geometries exhibit superior thermal-fluid performance but are prone to mechanical instability. This work establishes quantitative design–processing–performance relationships for additively manufactured magnetocaloric regenerators and advances in magnetic heat pump technology. |