Magnetic heat pumping

Abstract

The method of the invention employs ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic elements, preferably of rare-earth based material, for example, gadolinium, and preferably employs a regenerator. The steps of the method comprise controlling the temperature and applied magnetic field of the element to cause the state of the element as represented on a temperature-magnetic entropy diagram repeatedly to traverse a loop. The loop may have a first portion of concurrent substantially isothermal or constant temperature and increasing applied magnetic field, a second portion of lowering temperature and constant applied magnetic field, a third portion of isothermal and decreasing applied magnetic field, and a fourth portion of increasing temperature and constant applied magnetic field. Other loops may be four-sided, with, for example, two isotherms and two adiabats (constant entropy portions). Preferably, a regenerator may be employed to enhance desired cooling or heating effects, with varied magnetic fields or varying temperatures including three-sided figures traversed by the representative point.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.