MAGNETIC refrigeration could provide the answer to combating rising energy bills and improving consumption, according to an article in the Guardian.
In a profile of solid-state technology, the newspaper points out that new magnetic refrigeration technology being developed by scientists in the UK could slash energy consumption by as much as 40% and reduce the levels of harmful emissions.

Cambridge University physicist Karl Sandeman has used 19th century science to develop a hi-tech new material that become significantly colder when placed in a magnetic field, replacing current dx technology.

Spin is a quantum mechanical property of electrons and refers to the rotational movement, which creates a small magnetic field that combines with other electrons when it is in a material spin in the same direction and creates a temperature rise.

This can be harnessed and coupled with heat exchange to create more efficient refrigeration systems and Mr Sandeman is working with materials chemistry expert Professor Derek Fray to find magnetic materials that have a phase transition at room temperature.

Cambridge University spin-off company Camfridge has built two prototype magnetic fridges using the material gadolinium to create technology that could eventually be commercially exploited or adapted for air conditioning.