Magnetic refrigeration is a method of refrigeration
based on the magnetocaloric effect (MCE). This effect is defined as the
heating or cooling (i.e.,the temperature change) of a magnetic material due
to the application of a magnetic field. On the basis of magnetocaloric
effect (MCE), in magnetic refrigeration, it is possible to create magnetic
refrigerators –the machines where magnetic materials are used as working
bodies instead of a gas, and magnetization/ demagnetization is used instead
of compression/expansion in conventional refrigerators. In addition, since
the working fluids are usually air and water, magnetic refrigeration offers
the prospect of an energy-efficient and environment friendly alternative to
the common vapor-cycle refrigeration. |