Researchers Unveil Korea’s First Full-Cycle Magnetic Cooling System

A research team from the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) has developed Korea’s first full-cycle magnetic cooling technology. Led by Dr. Jong-Woo Kim and Dr. Da-Seul Shin, this technology could significantly reduce the environmental impact of traditional gas-based refrigeration systems. By utilizing the magnetocaloric effect, this innovative approach allows for cooling without the use of harmful gas refrigerants.

The team has synthesized various magnetocaloric materials, including lanthanum (La)-based and manganese (Mn)-based alloys. They successfully fabricated components such as large-area La-based thin sheets and fine wires through advanced methods like hot rolling and micro-channel machining. These techniques have improved the efficiency and reliability of the cooling system, demonstrating notable performance metrics critical for industrial applications.

Commercialization of magnetic cooling technology has previously faced challenges, particularly due to high manufacturing costs and reliance on rare-earth elements. The KIMS team has made strides in overcoming these obstacles by enhancing the production process, resulting in larger and more effective cooling components. For instance, they achieved thin sheets measuring 0.5 mm in thickness and fine wires with a diameter of 1.0 mm, showcasing capabilities that are competitive on a global scale.

As global regulations on refrigerants tighten, including those set out in the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, the urgency for eco-friendly alternatives has intensified. Major greenhouse gases, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), are set to be phased out by 2030. In light of these developments, magnetic cooling technology positions itself as a viable next-generation solution, particularly as research in countries like Germany has indicated that these systems can outperform traditional refrigeration methods in terms of efficiency.

The innovation at KIMS is not just about technology but also about responding to the pressing need for sustainable practices in cooling technologies. Dr. Jong-Woo Kim emphasizes that the commercial implementation of this technology will address the limitations of conventional gas-based systems, providing a stable and environmentally friendly cooling solution.

The research team is committed to enhancing their technological edge through high-impact publications and patents. They have already secured a domestic patent for their magnetic cooling evaluation system and filed a corresponding application in the United States. Their findings were published in the prestigious journal Rare Metals in May 2025, with Ph.D. candidate Sun-Young Yang as the lead author.

The KIMS team aims to establish a robust infrastructure for magnetic cooling technology within South Korea while also looking to expand its presence in the global market. This initiative is aligned with the broader goal of advancing sustainable cooling solutions in response to ongoing climate change initiatives.

KIMS, a non-profit research institute funded by the government of South Korea, is dedicated to comprehensive materials science research. As the only institute of its kind in Korea, KIMS plays a crucial role in supporting the nation’s industrial sector through research and development, technology evaluation, and support initiatives.