A research paper written by R. Bjørk, C.R.H. Bahl and K.K. Nielsen from Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark demonstrates the lifetime cost of a magnetic refrigerator.
Based on a numerical model, the total cost of a 25 W average load magnetic refrigerator using commercial grade Gd has been calculated. It was reported that the lowest combined total cost with a device lifetime of 15 years is found to be in the range USD 150-400 depending on the price of the magnetocaloric and magnet material. In conclusion, the cost of the magnet is the largest, followed closely by the cost of operation, while the cost of the magnetocaloric material is almost negligible.
This summary refers to a review article recently published in the International Journal of Refrigeration (IJR).
