Research Projects

Thermomagnetic energy harvesting is a promising energy conversion technology with potential applications in various fields. Materials with first-order magnetocaloric transitions offer better performance within a given temperature range compared to second-order materials. However, these materials have limitations that limit their commercial use. Researchers have attempted to fabricate thin sheets of first-order magnetocaloric alloys using polymer embedding but have not been successful in maintaining both heat conductivity and magnetic properties. This work aims to develop thin sheets of first-order magnetocaloric alloys using a novel processing technique without compromising thermal conductivity or magnetic properties. The objectives include synthesizing MnNiSi- and MnFeSi-based high-performance giant magnetocaloric alloys, processing powdered magnetocaloric alloys using sandwiched rolling, producing thin sheets of first-order magnetocaloric material for the first time, and designing a lab-scale thermomagnetic oscillator prototype using stacked magnetocaloric sheets for higher efficiency. The proposed material is expected to increase the efficiency of the thermomagnetic oscillator by an order of magnitude. Experiments will involve synthesizing MnNiSi-based, MnFeSi-based magnetocaloric alloys using arc melting with an Argon atmosphere, mixing the final alloy product with Cu powder to obtain a sheet thickness of around 1 mm. The stacked sheets will be used as a working material for energy harvesting. Thermomagnetic energy harvesting is an emerging renewable energy technology in India with wide potential for the future.