A research team from the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) has achieved a significant breakthrough in cooling technology by developing Korea’s first full-cycle magnetic cooling system. Led by Dr. Jong-Woo Kim and Dr. Da-Seul Shin, this innovative approach aims to mitigate the environmental impacts associated with traditional gas-based refrigeration methods.
Magnetic cooling technology operates on the principle of the magnetocaloric effect, which allows for cooling without the use of gas refrigerants. This process involves a change in temperature of the refrigerant material when subjected to an external magnetic field. Despite its potential, the commercialization of this technology has been hampered by high manufacturing costs and reliance on rare-earth elements, which complicate price competitiveness in the market.
To address these challenges, the KIMS team synthesized a variety of magnetocaloric materials, including alloys based on lanthanum (La) and manganese (Mn). Advanced fabrication techniques, such as hot rolling and micro-channel machining, enabled the creation of large-area plates and fine wires essential for industrial application. Notably, the team produced La-based thin sheets with a thickness of 0.5 mm and Gd-based fine wires with a diameter of 1.0 mm, both demonstrating exceptional performance.
The research team also developed Korea’s first measurement system to monitor adiabatic temperature changes directly in magnetic cooling components. This system allows for precise quantification of material properties, facilitating the optimization of magnetic cooling solutions.
As global regulations on refrigerants tighten, such as those outlined in the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, the need for eco-friendly alternatives grows. By 2030, the production and use of major gas refrigerants, including HFCs and HCFCs, will be entirely banned, further emphasizing the importance of the KIMS team’s work.
Research conducted in technologically advanced countries, particularly Germany, has shown magnetic cooling systems achieving coefficients of performance (COP) that surpass those of conventional refrigeration methods. This trend highlights the emerging role of magnetic refrigeration technology as a core solution in the global market.
In line with international decarbonization efforts, the KIMS research team is dedicated to enhancing the competitiveness of magnetic cooling technology through impactful publications and significant patents. Dr. Kim stated, “Once commercialized, this technology will overcome the limitations of conventional gas-based cooling systems and provide an eco-friendly and stable cooling solution.”
Dr. Shin added, “Through this creative convergence research project, we aim to advance magnetocaloric technology and establish a domestic industrial infrastructure while expanding into the global market.”
This research was supported by the Basic Research Program of KIMS and the Creative Convergence Research Program of the National Research Council of Science and Technology (NST). The findings were published in May 2025 in the highly regarded journal Rare Metals, with Ph.D. candidate Sun-Young Yang as the lead author. Additionally, the research team has registered a domestic patent for the magnetic cooling evaluation system and submitted a corresponding application in the United States.
The implications of this research extend beyond technical advancements; they represent a proactive response to pressing environmental challenges. As the world transitions to more sustainable practices, the innovations from KIMS may play a pivotal role in the future of cooling technology.
