Unlocking the Potential of Magnetic Refrigeration: Investigating the Compatibility of the Ga-Based Liquid Metal with a La(Fe,Mn,Si)₁₃H_z Magnetocaloric Material for Enhanced Long-Term Stability

Abstract

Magnetic refrigeration (MR) is a cutting-edge technology that promises high energy efficiency and eco-friendliness, making it an exciting alternative to traditional refrigeration systems. However, the main challenge to its widespread adoption is cost competitiveness. In this context, the use of liquid metals as heat transfer liquids in the MR has been proposed as a game-changing solution. Unfortunately, the toxicity and flammability of these liquid metals have raised serious concerns, limiting their practical use. In this study, we investigate the compatibility of a nontoxic and nonflammable GaInSn-based liquid metal with a magnetocaloric material, La(Fe,Mn,Si) 13 H z , over a 1.5 year period. Our findings reveal nearly a 14% reduction in specific cooling energy and peak-specific isothermal magnetic entropy change for the considered magnetocaloric material. Our study provides valuable insights into the long-term stability of magnetocaloric materials and their compatibility with liquid metals, facilitating the development of more cost-effective and sustainable MR systems.

The magnetocaloric effect properties for potential applications of magnetic refrigerator technology: a review

“…In addition to the challenges in the economic aspect, prototype development, and sustainability optimization are expected to be the next challenges. These challenges include reducing the heat exchange time between the materials and heat exchangers, 65 integrating thermal change controls, 65,66 minimizing losses due to magnetic hysteresis, 58 enhancing mechanical stability and thermodynamic cycle sustainability, 11 and achieving good MCE performance at low magnetic field strengths and over a wide temperature range. 4,52 Efforts to solve these challenges have been undertaken by researchers, primarily using strategies such as (i) selecting alternative materials, (ii) adjusting chemical stoichiometry, (iii) modifying external parameters (pressure, magnetic field, and temperature), (iv) utilizing fluid mediums, and (v) reducing the size.…”

“…The development of fluid mediums in heat transfer extends beyond air alone but also includes water, alcohol, water–alcohol mixtures, liquid mercury, liquid sodium–potassium, and GaInSn liquid alloys. 4,11 The use of GaInSn alloy-based heat transfer fluids has attracted attention for further study because of their non-toxic nature at room temperature, 11 thermal conductivity 27 times greater than that of water enabling faster heat transfer, 67 and a specific heat value of 1/14 that of water allowing for higher temperatures to be achieved in MRT. 68 Moreover, it is estimated that using this medium can reduce the size of system components and costs for MRT production, promising for the future.…”

“…Furthermore, at high frequencies, the GaInSn liquid alloy is estimated to be more than 2.5 times cheaper than water–alcohol mixtures. 11 For example, Rajamani et al investigated the use of GaInSn as a heat transfer medium with La(Fe,Mn,Si) 13 H z , presenting the stability of the magnetocaloric material for 1.5 years and the compatibility of the GaInSn liquid alloy heat transfer medium as a cheaper, more effective, and sustainable medium in MRT systems. 11…”

“…Despite that looking at other benefits this assembly cost can be offset by its higher thermodynamic cycles, which are 1 to 2 times greater than CRT, thereby impacting economic competition. 11…”