For release: May 25, 1999
Contacts:
Karl Gschneidner Jr., Ames
Laboratory, (515) 294-7931
Carl Zimm, Astronautics Corp. of America, (608) 221-9001
Susan Dieterle, Ames Lab Public Affairs, (515) 294-1405
AMES, Iowa -- Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory have
received funding to begin building a prototype cooling unit based on
magnetic-refrigeration technology.
The researchers -- Karl Gschneidner Jr., Vitalij Pecharsky and David Jiles -- expect the
prototype to demonstrate that magnetic refrigeration is a reliable source of cooling
power, and is more energy-efficient and environmentally safe than the vapor-cycle systems
now used in refrigerators and air conditioners. They will be working with scientist Carl
Zimm of the Milwaukee-based Astronautics Corp. of America, the lab's industrial partner in
the project.
If successful, the prototype would be the first magnetic refrigerator capable of sustained
operation and generating enough cooling power for commercial applications.
Magnetic refrigeration is based on the magnetocaloric effect -- the ability of some
materials to heat up when magnetized and cool when removed from the magnetic field. Using
these materials as refrigerants would provide an environmentally friendly alternative to
the volatile liquid chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons,
used in traditional vapor-cycle cooling systems.
Ames Laboratory and Astronautics have signed a Cooperative Research and Development
Agreement to develop a rotary prototype magnetic-refrigeration unit. Under terms of the
agreement, the Department of Energy will provide $750,000 in funding over the next three
years toward the project. Astronautics, a leader in magnetic-refrigeration technology,
will provide a matching amount through in-kind contributions of personnel, research,
services and facilities.
"Building the prototype is a crucial step in moving magnetic-refrigeration technology
into the marketplace," said Gschneidner, a senior Ames Laboratory scientist and the
project coordinator.
In the rotary prototype, Gschneidner said the materials will move continuously through
high and low magnetic fields on a rotating disc. Water or antifreeze will act as the
heat-transfer fluid between the magnetic refrigerant and the heat exchangers. "The
rotary magnetic-refrigeration unit shouldn't be any bigger than the compression system now
used in most refrigerators and air conditioners," he said.
The Ames Laboratory team will concentrate its efforts on optimizing the refrigerant
materials, and developing a source for the magnetic field that is more convenient and
cost-effective than superconducting magnets. Astronautics will design, build and test the
rotary prototype.
"When these pieces of the puzzle are properly put together, it will create a
benchmark for all future developments of this new, emerging technology," said
Pecharsky, a scientist at Ames Lab.
Zimm, the principal Astronautics scientist involved in the project, said the company's
main design goal for the rotary prototype is achieving a high operating frequency.
"This will make the machine smaller, lighter and more economical," Zimm said.
Ames Laboratory and Astronautics have collaborated on magnetic-refrigeration research for
the past eight years. In 1996, they built a proof-of-principle model demonstrating that
magnetic refrigeration was a reliable, competitive technology for refrigerators and air
conditioners. The model operated for 18 months, achieving cooling power 30 times greater
than previous magnetic refrigerators. Previous units were only capable of operating for no
more than a few days.
Gschneidner said initial findings indicate that magnetic refrigeration is about 20 percent
more energy-efficient than traditional cooling systems. So, although magnetic
refrigeration could initially cost more, Gschneidner said consumers would earn back the
difference in energy savings within five years.
Gschneidner said large-scale applications using magnetic refrigeration, such as commercial
air conditioning and supermarket refrigeration systems, could be available within five to
10 years. Within 10-15 years, the technology could be available in home refrigerators and
air conditioners.
Ames Laboratory is operated for the Department of Energy by Iowa State University. The Lab
conducts research into various areas of national concern, including energy resources,
high-speed computer design, environmental cleanup and restoration, and the synthesis and
study of new materials.
Last revision: 5/25/99 sd
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