Thermoacoustic Thermomagnetic Generator

Abstract

This Thermoacoustic Thermomagnetic Generator uses the thermal gradient in thermoacoustic waves to periodically raise the temperature of a thermomagnetic material past its Curie point so that it alternates between magnetic and non-magnetic states. In conjunction with a stator, induction windings and magnet, the metal alloy forms a magnetic circuit that is periodically interrupted and re-established by the action of the thermoacoustic waves. The expanding and collapsing magnetic field induces an alternating current in the stator windings. The resultant generator has no moving parts. This Thermoacoustic Thermomagnetic Generator embodies hot and cold heat exchangers, a working fluid contained in a reservoir that is divided into hot and cold zones, a resonant waveguide means and an electrical generating means that are typical of the art of thermoacoustic engine-generators, but the thermal-to-electric conversion means and process are entirely unique. This basic arrangement of components can be scaled in size from the micro-miniature to the very large. The thermoacoustic thermomagnetic generators can also be arrayed in multiple units with common waveguide, housing and hot and cold heat exchanger means, such as in a panel array of multiple miniature units.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The first record known to this inventor, of a thermo-magnetic motor making use of the Curie point property of materials, is the Nikola Tesla patent of 1886, U.S. Pat. No. 396,121. In his patent Dr. Tesla describes a kinematic thermo-magnetic motor in which a mechanism is caused to reciprocate by means of interrupting a magnetic circuit by the periodic application of heat to a metal “keeper” component that completes the magnetic circuit. The application of heat causes the keeper to transition between magnetic and non-magnetic states, and temporarily lose its ability to conduct magnetic lines of force, thereby opening the magnetic circuit. When the heat is removed the keeper cools below the Curie point transition temperature and returns to a ferromagnetic state, and the magnetic circuit is re-established. [0002] The material property that facilitates this application is known today as the Curie point of the material. It is the temperature at which a ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a thermoacoustic engine that uses a magnetic field to generate electricity. The engine includes a stator with magnetic lines of force and a magnetic field generating means. The magnetic field is created by a thermomagnetic metal alloy or other materials that change their magnetic properties with temperature. The engine also has a housing with a waveguide and a hot-side heat exchanger. The magnetic circuit opening and closing means, which are made of a thermoacoustic wave, periodically interrupt the magnetic field and generate an alternating current in the stator's induction windings. The invention has improved upon previous generators by using rare earth magnet materials and combining them with the magnetic circuit opening and closing means. The magnetic circuit opening and closing means is also cooled to prevent damage from the thermoacoustic wave. The technical effects of the invention include a more efficient and reliable generator of electricity using a thermoacoustic engine."

Problems solved by technology

The application of heat causes the keeper to transition between magnetic and non-magnetic states, and temporarily lose its ability to conduct magnetic lines of force, thereby opening the magnetic circuit.

Images