HVAC and refrigeration

Magnetic refrigeration is an emerging technology that exploits a particular characteristic of certain materials, known as the "magneto-caloric effect," to create thermomagnetic cycles with a cooling effect. The main strength of a magnetic refrigerator is its lower environmental impact compared to traditional refrigerators, but compactness and silence are also important features of the technology. These machines are more environmentally friendly for several reasons; first and foremost, due to the modest irreversibility of the transformations that constitute the thermodynamic cycle. Furthermore, it is possible to use water in place of traditional refrigerants, eliminating the many problems related to pollution, disposal, and sometimes the toxicity of these fluids. The first prototype of a magnetic refrigerator (1997) demonstrated a COP equal to 60% of the Carnot cycle operating between the same extreme temperatures, a value much higher than those achieved by traditional systems (20% in domestic refrigerators). Research conducted at DIME/TEC has led to the construction of two functioning prototypes with the assistance of specialized national and international companies. Currently, work is underway to develop models and software for the evaluation of fluids other than water (nanofluids, liquid metals) and for the dynamic analysis of the magnetothermal behavior of rotating regenerators, as well as completing the functional design of a valveless, high-COP rotating machine.
Topics

  • Classification and standardization of magnetic coolers
  • Permanent magnet configuration
  • Thermal, magnetic, and fluid dynamic interactions
  • System optimization

Researchers

  • Federico Scarpa
  • Augusto Bocanegra
  • Annalisa Marchito


Publications

  • Bocanegra J.A., Scarpa F., Fanghella P., Marchitto A., Tagliafico L.A. Optimization and development of a new rotary magnetic refrigerator. (2025) Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, 27 (4), pp. 1639 – 1652. DOI: 10.1007/s10098-024-02900-4
  • Scarpa F., Bocanegra J.A., Fanghella P., Tagliafico L.A. Improving the performance of room temperature rotary magnetic refrigerators via magnet shape optimization. (2024) International Journal of Refrigeration, 164, pp. 12 – 28. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2024.04.022
  • Scarpa F., Bianco V. Improving the performance of room temperature magnetic regenerators using Al2O3-water nanofluid. (2024) Applied Thermal Engineering, 236, art. no. 121711. DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2023.121711
  • Scarpa F., Slimani S. Galinstan liquid metal as the heat transfer fluid in magnetic refrigeration. (2023) Applied Thermal Engineering, 232, art. no. 120971. DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2023.120971
  • Bocanegra J.A., Scarpa F., Bianco V., Tagliafico L.A. The effect of dead volumes on the performance of magnetic refrigerators. (2023) International Journal of Refrigeration, 151, pp. 26 – 38. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2023.02.013

 

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