Ferrofluidic thermal switch in a magnetocaloric device.Thermal switches are advanced heat-management devices that represent a new opportunity to improve the energy efficiency and power density of caloric devices.  In this study we have developed a numerical model to analyze the operation and the performance of static thermal switches in caloric refrigeration.  The investigation comprises a parametric analysis of a realistic ferrofluidic thermal switch in terms of the maximum temperature span, cooling power, and coefficient of performance.  We show that thermal switches can be used in caloric devices even when switching ratios are small, which greatly extends the possibilities to implement different types of thermal switches.
THERM