Refrigerators featuring magnetic cooling and 20 percent greater efficiency are the product of a cooperative research and development agreement between GE Appliances and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. While the concept of magnetocaloric cooling has been around for many years, only since 2006 has GE explored using the technology for home refrigeration. In addition to energy savings and vastly simplified recycling at end of life, these refrigerators use no compressors or refrigerants that could be harmful to the environment. ORNL is working with GE to assess specific component and materials requirements for stable and reliable operation of the refrigerator-freezer, evaluate magnetocaloric effect materials and maximize performance in laboratory testing.
Menu