Multiparametric evaluation of a magnetic field source for thermomagnetic generator

Gimaev, Radel (author), Kitanovski, Andrej (author), Klinar, Katja (author)

Thermomagnetic generators (TMGs) represent a promising solid-state technology for low-grade waste heat recovery. While extensive research has addressed working materials and heat transfer optimization, systematic analysis of magnetic field source design in TMGs remains underexplored. This study presents a parametric finite element analysis of the magnetic field source in a TMG. Magnetostatic and transient simulations were performed to evaluate the effects of permanent magnet (PM) material (neodymium-iron-boron [NdFeB], Alnico, and Ferrite), its dimensions, and air gap width, on the TMG output power and specific power. It is shown that reducing PM thickness yields a substantial gain in specific power output per PM mass, while an increased air gap can be maintained without significant effects on output power. The study also investigates Alnico PM as a sustainable, rare-earth-free alternative. These findings contribute to the development of mass-optimized and cost-effective thermomagnetic energy harvesters.

• Language: English
• Keywords: thermomagnetic, magnetic field source, waste heat, magnetic energy conversion, heat transfer, magnetocaloric, generators
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: FS - Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2026
• Number of pages: Str. 1-13, [8] str. pril.
• Numbering: Vol. 29, iss. 9, art. 117367
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-186209
• UDC: 536.24:537.63
• ISSN on article: 2589-0042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2026.117367
• COBISS.SI-ID: 289224451
• Publication date in RUL: 28.08.2026

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: iScience
• Publisher: Cell Press, Elsevier
• ISSN: 2589-0042
• COBISS.SI-ID: 24098568

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: termomagnetni, vir magnetnega polja, odpadna toplota, pretvorba magnetne energije, prenos toplote, magnetokalorični, generatorji

Projects

• Funder: ARIS - Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency
• Project number: P2-0223-2022
• Name: Prenos toplote in snovi