MAGCCINE Cool Insights: Previous Months Update

May 2026

Over the past months, the MAGCCINE project has made significant progress towards next-generation clean and energy-efficient cooling technologies. Investigating a solid-state magnetic refrigerator based on the rotating magnetocaloric effect (RMCE), the project targets a key societal challenge: ensuring safe, reliable vaccine storage within the critical 2–8 °C range, without reliance on conventional refrigerants.

Advancing Magnetocaloric Materials

At the core of MAGCCINE is the development and optimization of advanced magnetocaloric materials. Recent work has focused on:

  • Enhancing material response under rotating magnetic fields to improve cooling performance
  • Advancing the understanding of coupled thermal and magnetic behavior
  • Developing novel experimental techniques for the characterization of thermomagnetic anisotropic properties

These efforts help position magnetocaloric technologies as a viable and sustainable alternative to gas-based cooling systems.

From Modeling to Prototype Design

In parallel, MAGCCINE has developed robust numerical models to simulate device-level performance (AMR, Magnet Design and Materials optimization). These tools support:

  • Optimization of cooling efficiency and operating conditions
  • Evaluation of heat transfer mechanisms and system architectures (see Figure. Model (a) cross section, in plane with the magnetic field, showing a zoomed-in section of the tapered plates, and (b) in 3D. In this schematic, a 16-segment Halbach array surrounds the Gd parallel plates in the parallel configuration, with the field oriented along .)
  • Design of compact, reliable cooling devices aligned with real-world constraints

This modeling framework underpins the transition from material-level research to an integrated prototype concept tailored for vaccine cold chain applications.

Model (a) cross section, in plane with the magnetic field, showing a zoomed-in section of the tapered plates, and (b) in 3D.

System Integration and Design Optimization

Recent activities have focused on the integration of materials and system components, including:

  • Comparative assessment of heat transfer configurations
  • Optimization of magnetic field sources and geometries
  • Evaluation of design trade-offs between efficiency, scalability, and robustness

These developments are critical to ensuring the technological readiness and applicability of the final system.

Project Milestones and Community Engagement

MAGCCINE has successfully reached key organizational and dissemination milestones in this reporting period:

  • Submission of the first Periodic Report (PR1), marking an important step in the project’s progress and assessment by the European Commission
  • Active participation in the Delft Days on Magnetocaloric, where MAGCCINE was represented within the international magnetocaloric research community
  • 12 Deliverables and 7 milestones achieved
  • 2 Patent processes ongoing

These achievements reflect both the project’s scientific progress and its active engagement with the broader research ecosystem.

Contribution to the EIC Cooling Portfolio

As part of the EIC Pathfinder Clean & Efficient Cooling Portfolio, MAGCCINE actively contributes to joint portfolio activities, including:

  • Participation in cross-project working groups on techno-scientific challenges, innovation pathways, and dissemination
  • Early-stage collaboration on standardization approaches for caloric cooling technologies, including RMCE-based systems
  • Engagement in portfolio-wide meetings and events to foster knowledge exchange and alignment

This collaborative framework accelerates innovation and supports the emergence of coherent, scalable solutions across the portfolio.

Dissemination and Outreach

MAGCCINE continues to strengthen its visibility and engagement:

  • Presentation of results at international scientific conferences (Around-the-Clock Around-the-Globe Magnetics Conference (AtC-AtG); Delft Days on Magnetocalorics; NCPInTheHouse2026 – EIC Pathfinder; APS Global Physics Summit; Intermag 2026)
  • Expansion of digital outreach, reaching a broad and growing audience (now on YouTube: youtube.com/@MAGCCINE)
  • Progressing with the “Meet the Team” video series, showcasing the people and expertise behind the project
  • 18+ Mark achieved of communication activities.

The project remains committed to open science principles, promoting accessibility and reuse of knowledge.

Looking Ahead

The next phase of MAGCCINE will focus on consolidating materials, modeling, and system design into a functional prototype. In parallel, continued engagement within the EIC portfolio will support alignment with broader innovation and standardization efforts.

By advancing solid-state cooling technologies, MAGCCINE contributes to the transition towards sustainable, efficient, and resilient cooling solutions, with direct impact on healthcare and beyond.