Introduction to magnetic refrigeration: magnetocaloric materials

Abstract This work presents a review of research work on the magnetic refrigerator, of which different research is presented. The principle of magnetic refrigeration at room temperature and its interests has been shown. The phase transitions, first-order and second-order, have been shown with the advantages and disadvantages of both. Indeed, the first-order materials benefit from high magnetic entropy and adiabatic temperature change. Their negative point consists in their great magnetic hysteresis. It is quite the opposite for second-order phase transition materials. An overview of existing materials and characterization of magnetocaloric effect have been explained.