Thermal simulation and optimization of a Curie-based thermomagnetic motor harnessing concentrated solar energy

This work reports on a numerical study of a thermomagnetic motor with the active material being a Nickel (Ni) plate using the Curie effect. The main goal is to use thermal simulation and parameter optimization to increase the motor’s efficiency. With respect to beam width, heat exposure duration, and rotation frequency, the study focuses on multiparametric simulations of a thermomagnetic wheel exposed to a concentrated sun beam. An efficient configuration for real-world application is found using the finite element-based computational tool COMSOL Multiphysics. The outcomes show that, when taking into account n = 5 cycles, the ideal configuration displays parameter settings with the lowest quadratic deviation around the Curie temperature during the thermal excitation process and the lowest quadratic deviation around the ambient temperature during the thermal relaxation process. Furthermore, a cooling method is presented, which includes supporting the active material with an Aluminum (Al) heat sink. In order to speed up the remagnetization of the Curie wheel, this method seeks to decrease heat accumulation and regulate the deposited thermal flux on the Ni plate. We also found that the reduction in quadratic deviation is most pronounced between zAl = 1 mm and zAl = 2 mm. At zAl = 10 mm, the quadratic deviation achieves its lowest value (σθmin=5.65K) at the end of the thermal relaxation process. The results of this study will forward the design of a high-performance thermomagnetic motor for mechanical and electrical applications.