Experimental study of room temperature magnetic refrigerator using multilayered magnetocaloric materials.

Present air conditioner systems are based on traditional vapor compression technology with usage of HCFC (Hydro Chloro Fluoro Carbon). The Kyoto Protocol has designated HCFC as one of the gases whose emissions are to be reduced. This requires the development of HCFC free systems or the usage of substances which have little greenhouse effect. Under those situations, magnetic refrigeration technology which has the potential for high efficiency without Freon gases is the focus of attention. The aim of this study is to develop a large-scale magnetic refrigerator which has a maximum kilowatt-class cooling power for air-conditioners mountable on railway vehicles so as for them to be free from Freon gases.