Combining magnetocaloric and elastocaloric effects in a Ni45Co5Mn37In13 alloy

Abstract

• The polycrystalline button ingots of Ni 45 Co 5 Mn 37 In 13 was prepared by the directional solidification along with [001] orientation. • The Ni 45 Co 5 Mn 37 In 13 alloy exhibits excellent magnetocaloric and elastocaloric properties in adjacent temperature range. • By combining magnetocaloric and elastocaloric effect, a broad refrigeration temperature region including room temperature is obtained in a single alloy. • we propose a novel refrigeration system concept with rotary magnetocaloric refrigerator and elastocaloric system to fully utilize the combined caloric effect. Solid-state refrigeration technology has become a promising candidate to replace the traditional low-efficiency and environment-harmful vapor compression refrigeration. However, the narrow temperature region becomes a critical problem which hinders the practical applications of caloric materials to a refrigerator. Here, we report a potential way to solve this problem by combining different caloric effects in one refrigerant. A multiferroic ferromagnetic shape memory alloy Ni 45 Co 5 Mn 37 In 13 can exhibit large inverse magnetocaloric effect and elastocaloric effect in adjacent working temperature regions. Thus a broad refrigeration temperature span can be realized in Ni 45 Co 5 Mn 37 In 13 alloy by applying magnetic field or external stress at different temperature. Moreover, we propose a potential equipment schematic drawing to achieve it. The system can facilitate the multiferroic materials to produce useful cooling at a much larger temperature range. This combined caloric effect and the concept system proposed in this study would inspire researchers working in this field.