A new thermoelectric generator using a magnetic fluid

Abstract

We describe the concept of a voltage generator based on the use of a magnetic fluid. A cell contains two immiscible liquids: the lower liquid boils at a low temperature and the upper is a magnetic liquid magnetized by a permanent magnet. By heating the bottom of the cell the lower liquid boils and bubbles of the gas phase cross both liquid phases; consequently a flux variation is induced in a detection coil. Finally, the gas phase condenses in a recovery device in order to be injected back at the bottom of the cell. We obtain a voltage generator with a shape signal linked to the nucleation frequency and to the volume of the gas bubbles.