Magnets offer cool development

Posted by bobbapink on Dec 31, 2001 at 17:45
207-172-210-197.s197.tnt2.nrf.va.dialup.rcn.com (207.172.210.197)

bobbanote: I don't know what to make of this one. I didn't know that this technology had advanced to the point where small commercial applications such as the household markets were anywhere near feasible. Perhaps their contract is running out and the DOE recommended a bit of publicity to justify more expenditures.

Magnets offer cool development
Researchers in Ames have developed a refrigerator that uses magnets to stay cold.
By STACI HUPP
Register Staff Writer
12/31/2001

Ames, Ia. - Ames researchers have completed the world's first magnetic refrigerator that operates at room temperature using a permanent magnet.

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory spent years trying to polish magnetic refrigeration as a substitute for traditional cooling systems, which have been found to emit gases that contribute to global warming.

"We're witnessing history in the making," scientist Karl Gschneidner said.

The development is a step toward bringing magnetic refrigeration to the public.

Magnetic refrigeration could replace traditional air conditioners, freezers and other commercial and household systems, Gschneidner and Vitalij Pecharsky said. It also could save consumers from high energy bills and the environment from some pollution, they said.

Tens of millions of dollars in federal and private money are spent each year to improve efficiency, Pecharsky said.

The new refrigerator uses a special metal that heats up when exposed to a magnetic field, then cools when the magnetic field is removed. It was the first device to operate at room temperature and use a permanent magnet - rather than large, awkward superconducting magnets.

Ames Laboratory researchers also have designed a permanent magnet capable of producing a stronger magnetic field, which could improve the refrigerator's efficiency.

Magnetic refrigeration removes the most wasteful part of the refrigerator: the compressor.

The Ames scientists are developing magnetic refrigeration for Astronautics Corp. of America in Madison, Wis., which wants to market the technology to the public.

A little more here


Follow Ups:



Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:
Comments:


[ Forum ] [ New Message ]