Optimization of a thermomagnetic motor

Abstract

In this paper, an approach towards the optimization of the Curie motor is presented. The approach is based on a thermal-magnetic coupled dynamic model of the motor, which is obtained by assuming the use of a ferromagnetic material working at temperatures near the Curie point. An analytical expression of the generated torque, which links this quantity to the magnetic, thermal, and geometrical parameters of the generated torque, is given. The expressions of speed and torque are derived and related to the thermal properties of the machine and are used as optimization indexes in an optimization procedure. The aim of the optimization process is to obtain a machine able to rotate constantly at the maximum achievable power. A design of a machine, based on this theory, is proposed and the related performances are numerically simulated. A preliminary experimental verification of the performances is reporte