Review on research of room temperature magnetic refrigeration

Room temperature magnetic refrigeration is a new highly efficient and environmentally protective technology. Although it has not been maturely developed, it shows great applicable prosperity and seems to be a substitute for the traditional vapor compression technology. In this paper, the concept of magnetocaloric effect is explained. The development of the magnetic material, magnetic refrigeration cycles, magnetic field and the regenerator of room temperature magnetic refrigeration is introduced. Finally some typical room temperature magnetic refrigeration prototypes are reviewed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved.