PhD student 5: More efficient and affordable thermomagnetic generators (TMG) with pretzel like magnetic field topology
Objectives
Taking our TMG demonstrator with genus 3 at TRL 4 as a starting point, we will increase the performance and reduce the price per watt output power to demonstrate that TMGs can compete with thermoelectric systems in the 100 mW to 10 W range and can reach TRL 7.
Expected Results
- Increasing performance of TMGs by time dependent coupled magnetic-thermal 4D (x,y,z,t) COMSOL simulations and comparison with in operando measurements of temperature and field strength by thermoelectric and GMR microsensor arrays.
- Increasing efficiency of TMGs by reducing the heat required for switching magnetization: Integrating thermal insulation and optimizing the geometry of the thermomagnetic material.
- Increasing power density of TMGs by increasing cycle frequency: Eliminating the mixing chamber by integrating fluid supply within the yoke and using thinner (TUD, NEEL) and 3D printed (BAM) materials for faster heat exchange
- Reducing the price of TMGs by replacing rare earth permanent magnets by much cheaper hard ferrites. This is possible, since our TMG avoids air gaps and thus a low coercivity is sufficient. The reduced remanence of ferrites can be compensated by a larger area.
Work Package
WP2
Beneficiary Host Institution
Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf
PhD enrollment at TU Dresden