The researchers' goal is to replace the refrigerator's compressor. The alternative to this is magnetic refrigeration. This technology does not use gases, increases energy efficiency and reduces noise.

A team of Portuguese researchers is developing more sustainable refrigerators. The technology, which offers more efficient refrigeration, is currently being used in vaccine transport systems.

Using magnetocaloric materials, scientists have created a more efficient and sustainable refrigeration solution. With funding from the European Innovation Council, they now plan to develop a refrigerator for transporting vaccines.

Invisible to the naked eye, refrigerant gases in the refrigerator are essential for preserving fresh food. However, these gases are highly polluting.

The alternative proposed by researchers is magnetic refrigeration, which eliminates the use of gases. This technology increases energy efficiency and reduces noise, but still faces the challenge of high cost.

The team from the universities of Porto and Aveiro found a way to overcome this obstacle: by rotating the magnetic field to make it less intense, they can lower the cost, and reduce the size and weight of the equipment.

They have already registered the patent and hope to have a prototype ready by the end of the year.

In addition to support from the Foundation for Science and Technology, the researchers have secured €3.7 million in funding from the European Innovation Council. This funding will be used to develop a refrigerator for transporting vaccines, a solution that could significantly reduce losses during transport due to thermal packaging failures.

The technology, developed by the universities of Porto and Aveiro in partnership with five other entities, promises to revolutionize the sector and contribute to a more sustainable and efficient cold chain.