Conventional heat pumps and refrigerators rely on compressors to bring a refrigerant to high pressures. Unfortunately, this process is associated with major energy losses. Their development has come a long way, now approaching the physical limits of the technology. To get to substantially higher efficiencies, a completely different technologic principle is required.

In a magnetocaloric heat pump or refrigerator, there is no need for a compressor nor refrigerant. It requires a simple water pump and an electric motor to move the magnetocaloric material in and out of the magnetic field. Magneto developed a specially designed 3D-printed structure of the magnetocaloric material, that is optimized for efficient flow, drastically reducing the required pumping energy. The magnetocaloric effect is known for a very efficient energy conversion. These factors combined result in a system that is 30% more efficient than conventional heat pumps and refrigerators.

Our planet is expected to heat up 0.4 °C in 2100 just from refrigerant gasses that leak from heat pumps, air conditioners and refrigerators, if we keep on using the refrigerants that are used today. Therefore, the Kigali amendment was set into effect, to phase out the use of refrigerants with a high global warming potential. Common refrigerants have a global warming potential up to 14,800, meaning that it is trapping heat 14,800 times more effectively than CO₂. However, there are no alternative refrigerants with a low global warming potential, that are safe to use and provide an efficient system.

A magnetocaloric heat pump or refrigerator does not use any refrigerant, thus completely solving this problem. This makes installation and maintenance much easier and does not require specifically trained personnel.

Over 35% of the Dutch population worries about the noise of heat pumps when they will become widespread. Especially in crowded cities, this can be a bottleneck for the energy transition. Most of the noise is generated by the compressor. A magnetocaloric heat pump does not have such a compressor, only a small water pump. The only noise that remains is generated by the fan of the outdoor unit, a fraction of the noise generated by a compressor-based heat pump.

Magnetocaloric heat pumps have less moving parts, which are also exposed to milder conditions, compared to vapor compression heat pumps. Thereby, they require less maintenance and can operate longer. Whether you want to keep your pizza’s frozen or your home heated during the winter, a magnetocaloric system can be your reliable partner.

Magnetocaloric heat pumps and refrigerators are safe by design. Vapor compressor systems require the refrigerant to be compressed to high pressures, up to 200 bar. In combination with the wear of the components due to rotations and vibrations, there is a risk of explosion. Some refrigerants, such as propane, are highly flammable, thereby they should not be used with more than 500 g in a system. (source IEC). Magnetocaloric systems do not require any refrigerant, only water. Furthermore, the pressure in the system is at most 2 bar comparable to pressure of a water tap in the kitchen sink.

Since the system is more energy efficient, the electricity costs are reduced. Also, the system has less installation and maintenance costs, and lasts longer. Therefore, the total cost of ownership will be lower. A better option for the planet, without compromising on your budget!