A review of room temperature linear reciprocating magnetic refrigerators

Various AMR refrigerators prototypes have been developed with a view to implementing magnetic refrigeration (MR) at room temperature in a short time. This article describes the working mode of the two basic categories into which these can be divided (reciprocating and rotary) and compares them to show the advantages and disadvantages offered. A review of the latest and most significant alternative linear prototypes is carried out, providing design concepts and performance characteristics. Such characteristics include the operating frequency, magnet field type and field strength, regenerator materials and geometry, and maximum temperature span and cooling capacity. Also included is a study carried out by the authors focused on the prototyping of an MR system aimed at avoiding the shortcomings of other prototypes manufactured to date.