Magnetic cool

Researchers at Imperial College London are in the process of developing environmentally friendly magnetic refrigerators and air conditioning systems.

The academic team claim magnetic refrigeration technology could provide a ‘green’ alternative to traditional energy-guzzling gas-compression fridges and air conditioners.

It is predicted they would require 20 to 30 per cent less energy to run than the best systems currently available, and would not rely on ozone-depleting chemicals or greenhouse gases.

Refrigeration and air conditioning units are believed to make a major contribution to the planet’s energy consumption.

In the summer months in the US it is estimated they account for approximately 50 per cent of the country’s energy use.

A magnetic refrigeration system works by applying a magnetic field to a magnetic material, such as a metallic alloy, causing it to heat up.

This excess heat is removed from the system by water, cooling the material back down to its original temperature.