Thermal magnetic engine

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suitably use both of force generated by deformation of shape memory alloy and change of magnetic characteristics of a material having thermomagnetic characteristics. SOLUTION: A material of which deformation temperature at which restoring force to a stored shape is generated and of which magnetic property change temperature at which magnetic properties change from paramagnetic to ferromagnetic are roughly same is used for the shape memory alloy material included in an endless belt 4. When heat of a hot water supplier 5 (heat apply means) and magnetic field by a permanent magnet 7 (magnetic force apply means) are applied on the endless belt 4, restoring force to the stored shape and change of magnetic property from paramagnetic to ferromagnetic are generated in the endless belt 4 at a roughly same temperature. Both of shape memory characteristics and thermomagnetic characteristics can be used simultaneously by an operation cycle of a relatively small temperature range between heating and cooling and can contribute to improvement of energy efficiency and rotation speed. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT