Efficient Power Generation from Low Temperature Heat Source

Energy harvesting, which involves power generation from low level energies has attracted attention in Japan for online operation of sensor and electric devices. In this research, an innovative power generation system from a low temperature heat source was proposed and its possibility for energy harvesting applications was evaluated. In this system, low temperature (< Curie temperature) heat is absorbed by a paramagnetic material (e.g. Gadolinium) and this material is isothermally transformed to a ferromagnetic material at the Curie temperature. During this transformation, magnetic moment will be produced at isentropic conditions. Combining this temporary magnet with solenoid, electric power will be generated following Faraday's law of induction without any additional energy conversion, leading to efficient power generation. It can be said that this system has a large possibility as a new energy harvesting system.