ADR for Middle School Science fair project (Magnetic Refrigeration)

[fellersmtc]

Hi,

I'm curious about doing a middle school science fair project showing how magnetism can be used to cool Gadolinium and thus demonstrate the basis of magnetic refrigeration (ADR). From what I've read it looks like the requirements for generating the required magnetic field would make such a project impractical for a middle-school science fair project.

Is there a way to still demonstrate the ADR process, using a very small amount of magnetism (<< 1 Tesla)?

Thanks

 

[Bobbywhy]

I've searched and have no joy finding a small, demonstrative project for your middle-school project. However, there have been many colleges/universities that have made working models. For example, see this article:

Recent Developments in Room Temperature Active Magnetic Regenerative Refrigeration
AUTHOR(S)
Engelbrecht, Kurt L.; Klein, Sanford A.; Nellis, Greg F.; Zimm, Carl B.
PUB. DATE
July 2007
SOURCE
HVAC&R Research;Jul2007, Vol. 13 Issue 4, p525
SOURCE TYPE
Academic Journal
DOC. TYPE
Article
ABSTRACT
Active magnetic regenerative refrigeration (AMRR) systems represent an environmentally attractive alternative to vapor compression systems that do not use a fluorocarbon working fluid. The AMRR concept has previously been demonstrated using superconducting solenoid magnets that are not practical for small-scale commercial applications. However, recent AMRR prototypes that use more practical permanent magnets have proved that AMRR systems can produce cooling over a useful temperature range with a relatively low magnetic field. In addition, families of materials with large magnetocaloric effects and adjustable Curie temperatures have been developed; these materials may be used to construct layered regenerator beds that may have lower cost and provide higher performance than current materials. This paper reviews recent developments in the field of room temperature magnetic refrigeration and discusses some design issues that may affect practical systems.

http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/a...re-active-magnetic-regenerative-refrigeration

And that article is around seven years old...hardly "recent" now.

Bobbywhy