What exactly is the technology and what makes it so innovative?
"We can completely dispense with conventional refrigerants and instead use magnetocaloric materials. When these materials are magnetised, they heat up; when demagnetised, they cool down. In our system, water is passed through this material, generating cooling and only a small amount of waste heat. In principle, the technology is suitable for almost all refrigeration applications – from medium temperature to deep‑freeze cooling. At present, our systems reliably achieve temperatures between 0 and 30 degrees Celsius; in the future, ranges from –5 to +50 degrees Celsius as well as deep‑freeze applications will be possible. Energy consumption is significantly lower than that of conventional systems, while less waste heat is generated, which can also be utilised. In addition, our system operates only 1–2 kelvin above ambient temperature, further increasing efficiency. With an operating pressure of just 1 bar, the solution is particularly safe and easy to maintain."
Why is MAGNOTHERM’s know‑how unique?
"Our strength lies in the combination of materials science and classical mechanical engineering. Three technological breakthroughs have made our system market‑ready: first, we have developed a very stable, scalable system. Second, magnetocaloric materials can now be produced in series at realistic costs. Third, our concept can be scaled to capacities ranging from 50 kW to 500 kW. While there are other alternatives to gas compression, our system is the most advanced. Looking at the market, the number of patents in this field is increasing, but functional prototypes are still very rare worldwide."
What advantages does the concept offer?
"No climate‑damaging gases or toxic operating media are used. The system works with water as the cooling medium, is very quiet, runs smoothly and is particularly safe due to the low operating pressure. In addition, the magnetocaloric material shows no fatigue, promising a long service life. Initial practical tests – for example on a converted refrigerated island at a retail partner that was previously operated with propane – showed an efficiency increase of around 15 per cent. In the long term, efficiency gains of up to 30 per cent are considered realistic. Current disadvantages include the larger design, higher weight and higher costs compared to conventional systems. Performance also still has room for improvement."
What are the key challenges MAGNOTHERM faces in further developing the technology?
"Key tasks include further building up the supply chain, reducing costs and linking technological development more closely to specific customer requirements. Market interest is high: at trade fairs we receive a great deal of positive feedback, and initial pilot customers, such as the REWE Group, are already on board. From a technical perspective, a particular focus is on optimising waste heat dissipation, for example to make the air heat exchangers in refrigeration cabinets easier to clean."
What investment and operating costs are associated with magnetic cooling systems?
"Investment costs are currently still higher than those of conventional systems. However, the potential is particularly high where maintenance is currently expensive or difficult. In operation, components of the magnetocaloric system can be replaced quickly, conventional refrigerant costs are completely eliminated, and energy and maintenance costs are significantly reduced. At present, the most expensive single component is the permanent magnet. In the long term, however, costs will continue to fall through scaling and reuse of components."
In which refrigeration cabinets can magnetic cooling be integrated?
"The system is currently designed for normal and medium‑temperature cooling. Together with refrigeration cabinet specialist HAUSER, we have developed the “Renimag” prototype, which delivers around 1 kW of cooling capacity. Integration into refrigeration cabinets works particularly well where suitable water temperatures can be achieved. International interest is high – including from the USA due to strict safety requirements, but also from South Africa and Australia. Particularly attractive for customers are the centralised, low‑maintenance cooling of multiple cabinets, high energy efficiency and the easy replacement of components. In the long term, we can also act as a supplier of magnetocaloric materials and are already in discussions with potential partners."
What results have the tests with the Renimag prototype produced?
"The tests clearly show that the system works in practice: target temperatures are achieved, operation is very quiet and stable. Together with our partners, we are now working specifically on further increasing efficiency and achieving series readiness. Additional tests, for example at HAUSER in the climate chamber, are planned in order to develop the system into the most mature solution on the market."
What other applications does the technology offer?
"Our first product was the “Polaris” beverage cooler, for example for Coca‑Cola, followed by the “Eclipse 2D” cooling module with 1 kW output as a refrigerator prototype. Commercial refrigeration is currently the main focus. Beyond that, we see great potential in machinery and electronics cooling, for example for IT infrastructure and data centres. Mobile air‑conditioning units, medical devices and laboratory applications are also promising fields – wherever a quiet, safe and low‑maintenance cooling system is required."
What does the future hold for MAGNOTHERM and magnetocaloric cooling?
"Our goal is to establish the technology on the market as quickly as possible, further expand the supply chain and enter into new partnerships in commercial refrigeration. At the same time, we want to extend performance ranges and temperature windows – for example towards data centre cooling. Our ambition is to sustainably transform refrigeration technology. This can only be achieved together with strong partners. All our decisions are guided by this ambition – with the clear aim of enabling a market breakthrough for magnetocaloric cooling and ushering in the transition to refrigerant‑free systems."
