From Waste Heat to Power: Thermomagnetic Motors for Energy Harvesting

Date

Nov 19, 2026

Time

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Speaker

Prof. Dr. Paulo Trevizoli

Affiliation

Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brasilien

Language

en

Main Topic

Materialien

Host

Brit Präßler-Wüstling

Description

Thermomagnetic energy conversion systems based on magnetocaloric materials offer promising opportunities for heat pumping, energy harvesting, and the generation of mechanical and electrical power. Since 2022, the Emerging Thermal Systems Laboratory (StreamLab) at UFMG has been developing innovative thermomagnetic technologies aimed at converting low-grade waste heat into useful energy. Among these technologies, thermomagnetic motors have been a major research focus. These solid-state energy harvesters exploit the temperature dependence of the magnetic properties of magnetocaloric materials near their magnetic phase transition. A typical thermomagnetic motor consists of a permanent-magnet magnetic circuit, a magnetocaloric material heat exchanger, and hot and cold thermal reservoirs. The magnetic circuit generates both the magnetic field and the field gradient required to produce the magnetic force that drives the system. By cyclically heating and cooling the magnetocaloric material, thermal energy can be directly converted into mechanical work. This presentation will provide an overview of the recent advances achieved at StreamLab in the field of thermomagnetic energy conversion. Experimental developments and mathematical models will be presented, including three prototype thermomagnetic motors and associated technological innovations. The talk will also highlight complementary technologies emerging from this research effort, including a passive thermomagnetic solar tracking system and a dedicated torque measurement device designed for the characterization of thermomagnetic motors. The results demonstrate the potential of thermomagnetic systems and open new perspectives for future applications of magnetocaloric materials beyond refrigeration.

Links

• Seminars at the IFW

Last modified: Oct 31, 2026, 7:37:55 AM