Louisiana State University researchers could enable the next generation of magnetic cooling technologies, which are simpler in design, quieter and more environmentally friendly than conventional compressed-gas systems currently used.Read more »
“LSU’s basic research into low temperature physics and materials science has potential applications in areas related to energy, electronics and the environment,” said Michael L. Cherry, chair and professor, LSU Department of Physics and Astronomy. “Professor Stadler’s magnetocaloric materials program is an example of this research that appears to be directly relevant to energy development and Louisiana’s economy. It also provides excellent training opportunities for Louisiana’s students.”
The team of researchers led by LSU Physics Professor Shane Stadler has discovered a breakthrough magnetocaloric material that may change the energy industry, including air conditioning and food refrigeration.
“The world refrigeration market is expected to increase by about $7-8 billion by 2018,” Stadler said. Therefore, his breakthrough has a significant economic impact as well as an impact on the energy industry and environment.
In this new technology, a magnetic field magnetically orders the material at ambient temperature, which raises its temperature above ambient. The excess heat is removed through a thermal medium, such as water or air, bringing the material back to ambient temperature. The magnetic field is then removed, the material becomes magnetically disordered and its temperature drops below ambient temperature leading to a cooling effect. This “solid state” cooling process is significantly more energy efficient than the conventional, compressed gas systems currently on the market today.
