Cutting-edge material could redefine cooling industry

A NEW technology developed by Lousiana State University (LSU) physicists could change the energy industry, in particular food refrigeration and air conditioning.

The team of researchers led by LSU Physics professor Shane Stadler has discovered a breakthrough magnetocaloric material that could reduce the use of harmful gas fluorocarbons in refrigeration and air conditioning, making them more efficient and environmentally friendly. 

The patent-pending work focuses on next-generation magnetic cooling technologies, which compared with conventional compressed gas systems are simpler in design, quieter, and more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. The “solid state” cooling process involves the use of a magnetic field to magnetically order the material at ambient temperature and raise temperature above ambient. A thermal medium such as water or air removes excess heat to bring the material back to ambient temperature. As the magnetic field is removed, the material becomes magnetically disordered and the temperature drops below ambient temperature to produce a cooling effect.  

Professor Shane Stadler's team: Post doctoral researcher Tapas Samanta, undergraduate Daniel Lepkowski, graduate student Ahmad Us Saleheen and undergraduate Emily Kramer (photo courtesy of Lousiana State University)

According to Professor Stadler, “We’ve studied these systems for a long time, and were fortunate to discover a system in which a magnetic transition coincided in temperature with a structural transition. That this magnetostructural transition occurs near room temperature is what makes it a strong candidate for magnetocaloric cooling devices of the future.”

Besides its significant economic impact, the discovery is seen as offering potentially strong benefits to the energy industry and environment. “The world refrigeration market is expected to increase by about $7 billion to 8 billion by 2018,” Prof Stadler said.  

Michael L. Cherry, chair and professor at the LSU Department of Physics and Astronomy, said the basic research into low temperature physics and materials science has potential applications in areas related to energy, electronics, and the environment.

“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,” Prof Cherry added.

A local group of entrepreneurs have expressed interest in exploring applications of the new technology for the heating and cooling industry. The companies will look into commercialisation opportunities after further tests.

Andrew Maas, assistant vice president for research over technology transfer and director of the renamed Office of Innovation and Technology Commercialization, said the Department of Energy, General Electric, and other companies around the world have been working with magnetocaloric materials for some time.

“Dr Stadler’s solution addresses many of the issues that these big players have encountered. We are excited about the potential applications that are available for Dr Stadler’s technology,” Mr Maas further stated.