Microchannel Magnetic Coolers with Negative Magnetocaloric Effect

This project focuses on obtaining improved performance of coolers by modification of design and material of regenerators. Recent discovery of a negative magnetocaloric effect at room temperature in Co-based alloys opens new prospects for development of high efficiency micro solid cooling devices. The microchannel structure offers the best design for cooler regenerators because it has the highest ratio of heat transfer area to pressure drop. Novel technique developed at MER enables fabrication of the microchannel regenerators from brittle magnetocaloric alloys, which leads to the development of lightweight, compact, and low cost cooling devices. Solid microchannel regenerator cartridges are suggested instead of traditional regenerator beds packed with spheres. The thermal efficiency and mechanical stability of the microchannel erbium regenerators is expected to be much better than that of the beds packed with spherical particles. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The solid state cooling devices has the promise to revolutionize the current market for refrigeration systems and create new ones from their extended capabilities. Some envisioned commercial applications include high efficiency cooling units for buildings and industrial process, compact air conditioning systems for the automotive industry and aviation, portable refrigeration units for workers etc.