| his research paper studies the concept of developing a different type of freezer rather than vapor-compression for Dippin' Dots, a company who sells frozen goods. The freezer in question is a magnetic freezer that works by removing the compressor and bringing in magnetocaloric materials, which provide cooling by being subjected to a magnetic field. Many possibilities for improvements are available from this technology including a safer more environmentally benign fluid, a higher efficiency, and a possible cost savings. A theoretical model was designed and efficiency calculations and a cost analysis were both performed to determine if there were any improvements and if constructing a prototype freezer was feasible. The coefficient of performance of the designed freezer had the theoretical capability of being up to 5 times that of the vapor-compression freezer, but with the pumps found to complete the design this high number fell significantly short. The price to build a prototype was calculated to be around... |
