Max Ma, ERS, for Zondits
Despite the current dominance of vapor-compression technology in the refrigeration industry, an emerging alternative – magnetic refrigeration – is proving competitive in the first practical applications. Cooltech Applications S.A.S., a magnetic refrigeration system (MRS) developer, is partnering with refrigerated display case manufacturers to deliver the innovative technology to the commercial market. The MRS utilizes the concept of the magnetocaloric effect to control the movement of heat through the application of a magnetic field with electric current. The end user observes a quieter, more compact, and more energy-efficient system. In addition, the MRS carries environmental benefits by eliminating the use of ozone-depleting refrigerants. Presently, the MRS is available only in small systems and is undergoing beta testing. Larger systems of 20 kW and over are being developed. The application of this technology may shape up to be a boon for both environmental protection and energy efficiency alike. Cool idea, right?
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Cooltech Launches Its Magnetic Refrigeration System in the US
ACHR News, July 8, 2016
Cooltech Applications S.A.S., a magnetic refrigeration developer, has announced a partnership with Structural Concepts, Muskegon, Michigan, a leading refrigerated display case manufacturer, to integrate Cooltech’s magnetic refrigeration system (MRS) into some of Structural Concepts’ display cases.
[mks_pullquote align=”left” width=”300″ size=”24″ bg_color=”#1e73be” txt_color=”#ffffff”]Magnetic cooling can disrupt the refrigeration and air conditioning markets and become a true green alternative to vapor-compression refrigeration.[/mks_pullquote]The MRS utilizes a water coolant instead of a refrigerant gas to provide an eco-friendly refrigeration solution. According to Cooltech, the MRS cuts energy consumption by up to 50 percent, and boosts reliability and safety.
“As the leader in manufacturing the foodservice market’s most energy efficient and environmentally-friendly refrigerated food display cases,” said Dave Geerts, president of Structural Concepts, “our company is thrilled to announce our partnership with Cooltech as our next major investment in disruptive technology. Our partnership with Cooltech and their MRS technology will give us the unprecedented opportunity to be on the leading edge of a refrigeration revolution.”
“After successful product integrations in Europe, we are delighted to introduce the technology in the USA,” said Christian Muller, president of Cooltech. “Due to new and stricter regulations and the perpetual quest for reducing the energy bill, we are convinced magnetic cooling can disrupt the refrigeration and air conditioning markets and become a true green alternative to vapor-compression refrigeration.”
The MRS is in beta testing at several sites in Europe in various configurations and is presently available to OEMs for integration. An MRS version generating high cooling power — 20 kilowatt (kW) and over — is under development.