Fully solid state thermomagnetoelectric generator: Cycle model and proof-of-concept results

M. Zhang, A. Abu-Heiba, K. R. Gluesenkamp, A. M. Momen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Electricity generation from heat in small-scale systems is currently limited to internal and external combustion heat engine generators or thermoelectric elements. This study introduces a new concept for a solid state thermomagnetoelectric power generator and presents a theoretical study of the cycle. While magnetocaloric materials (MCMs) are common in cryogenic cooling applications, in this work the magnetocaloric thermodynamic heat pump cycle is reversed to generate electricity from low-grade heat. A critical distinguishing feature of the approach is that there are no moving parts: The system directly converts heat into electricity with no moving magnet or regenerators (similar to thermoelectric elements). By periodic heating and cooling of the MCM, the magnetic field inside the copper coil changes in time, generating alternating current electricity. This fully solid state system can directly convert heat into electricity and is modeled at 54% of Carnot efficiency. Compared with state-of-the-art thermoelectric elements, the proposed technology has 3- 4 times higher heat-to-electricity conversion efficiency at the same driving temperature difference.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThermag 2018 - 8th International Conference on Caloric Cooling
PublisherInternational Institute of Refrigeration
Pages39-43
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9782362150289
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018
Event8th International Conference on Caloric Cooling, Thermag 2018 - Darmstadt, Germany
Duration: Sep 16 2018Sep 20 2018

Publication series

NameRefrigeration Science and Technology
Volume2018-January
ISSN (Print)0151-1637

Conference

Conference8th International Conference on Caloric Cooling, Thermag 2018
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityDarmstadt
Period09/16/1809/20/18

Funding

This work was sponsored by the U. S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office under Contract TNhoi.s D wEo-rAkCw0a5s-0sp0oOnRso2r2e7d25b ywtihthe UT. S-B. aDteteplalert, mLeLnCt .oTf hEen aeurgthyo’sr sB wuoiludlidn galTsoe clihkneo tloogaiceksnOowffilceed guendMerr.CAonnttornaicot

Keywords

  • Carnot.
  • Energy density
  • Magnetocaloric material
  • Thermomagnetoelectric
  • generator
  • reverse magnetocaloric effect

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