Whirlpool Europe has linked up with Camfridge, a Cambridge University spin-off, for a project to deliver a domestic refrigerator based on “magnetic refrigeration” technology.
The project has won funding from the Carbon Trust aims at validating a revolutionary technology that might change the way we have thought about refrigeration for the past 50 years.
Magnetic refrigeration has the potential to free future refrigerators from heavy, noisy and heat-producing compressors, offering a high-efficiency, cool and gas-free solution to the industry and to millions of consumers.
Laboratory testing conducted so far has proven successful and is looking very promising. The project is now moving on to a real-scale level to prove that this technology can effectively be applied to commercial products not too far in the future.
The project officially started in mid 2009, and is due for completion in 2012, when a prototype will be displayed during London 2012 Olympic Games.
The scientific principle behind magnetic cooling is based on the discovery that certain materials, when exposed to a magnetic field, exhibit a temperature change. When the magnetic field is removed, the materials will cool below their original temperature.
Compared with gas refrigeration based on the use of compressors, this technology is more efficient and makes no use of environmentally harmful gases in the refrigerant system.
Bracken Darrell, president, Whirlpool Europe, said: “Innovation is the lifeblood of Whirlpool, especially when it goes hand-in-hand with sustainability. Whirlpool is proud of being part of this project as an industrial partner.
“We are also delighted with the support from the Carbon Trust. We are still in an exploratory phase, but this technology looks very promising, and we are looking forward to offering millions of consumers worldwide this major, unprecedented revolution in their own kitchen.”
Neil Wilson, CEO Camfridge, said “We are delighted to be working with such an innovative company like Whirlpool, who are also the world’s leading white goods manufacturer.
“We are now better able to focus our product development on the needs of consumers’ worldwide thanks to both Whirlpool’s commitment to innovation and the support of the Carbon Trust”.
Robert Trezona, Head of Research and Development at the Carbon Trust, said, “The Carbon Trust strives to help turn great technology into new businesses and products which can save carbon. We believe that Camfridge has the potential to do that through its highly innovative magnetic cooling technology and strong partnership with Whirlpool.
“The products that Camfridge is working with us to develop could be truly game changing with significant global potential, and are capable of replacing conventional refrigeration systems in air conditioning, industrial processes and domestic applications.
“We are going through a Clean Tech Revolution and it is companies like Camfridge that will reap the benefits.”
