8. Conclusions

The magnetocaloric effect, a physical phenomenon observed and known since 1881, is now used in the first industrialized magnetic refrigeration units to meet user specifications.

Companies working in the field of magnetic refrigeration are very active. They have filed numerous patents and are involved in technology industrialization operations.

The technical and scientific developments undertaken over the last three years have enabled us to make significant progress on the various key elements of a magnetic refrigeration unit, namely :

• magnetocaloric alloys, of which three main families stand out: LaFeSi alloys, MnFeP alloys and Gd alloys (GdTb or GdEr);

• magnetic systems using standard permanent magnets at costs compatible with commercial applications;...