Projects:2019s1-113 High Curie Temperature Magnetic Materials

Abstract here

Project members

Project students

• Gitonga Njeru
• Nikko Mugweru Kahindi

Supervisors

• Dr Andrew Allison

1414 Degrees contacts

• Jordan Parham
• Grant Mathieson

Mechanical engineering contacts

• Dr Reza Ghomashchi
• Will Robertson
• James Anderson

Introduction

Overview

The current electric power sector is attempting to improve the availability, reliability, and security of energy supply to its consumers [1]. This has increased the need to integrate renewable energy into the electricity sector as a method to solve the issue of energy deficiency, particularly in remote off-grid settlements. However, the variability in the sources of renewable supply, accompanied by changes in the level of energy consumption has brought to focus the necessity for electrical energy storage systems (ESS)[1].

Currently, the Australian energy sector is using battery energy storage systems (BESS) which offers a significant saving in off-grid applications, but voltage fluctuations are a major issue with the integration of renewable energy [2]. Furthermore, BESS have reduced the efficiency with prolonged use due to degradation caused by high voltages [3]. As technology continues to improve more ESS emerge such as thermal energy storage systems (TESS), pumped hydro system (PHS), compressed air energy storage (CAES), fuel cell (FC) and superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES)[1].

1414 Degrees is an Australian based company that specializes in TESS. They have developed a special silicon-based Phase Change Material (PCM), which has a high latent heat of fusion and high energy density. This means it can hold large amounts of energy and delivers high energy efficiency simultaneously. A brief overview of how the TESS works is first the PCM is heated using electricity up to 1414 K at this temperature, the silicon transitions to a molten phase. This allows the storage of a significant amount of energy which can be reclaimed at the desired time. During times of high electrical demand, the PCM is cooled causing transitions from molten to solid resulting in the release of heat energy [4]. This heat energy is passed through an energy recovery system and a turbine to convert it to electrical energy [4].

The PCM is heated using an electrical resistance heating system. This specific method of heating leads to heat loss through the various ports and openings that are needed to run various heating elements. A possible solution to this problem is to use an electromagnetic heating system. To perform electromagnetic heating a material needs be identified that retains permanent magnetism at temperatures above 1414K.

Project Objectives

The long-term aims of this project would be to provide 1414 Degrees with a device that would further their technological advancement; replacing their current method of resistive heating with electromagnetic heating. The project aims as reproduced from the project brief are to:

1. Conduct a literature/ product-search for materials that are solid and permanent magnets at temperatures above 1400K.
2. Model an electromagnetically actuated device that is capable of operation at temperatures above 1400K.
3. Build and test such a device.

Sigificance

The ability of our project to help reduce the power that is lost during the heating of 1414 Degree’s storage material represents a direct benefit to the project sponsor. This project also benefits the broader engineering community. Electromagnetically actuated devices that can reliably operate in high-temperature environments would reduce the need for cooling considerations and thermal insulation

Background

Curie temperature

The Curie temperature is the temperature above which the spontaneous magnetization (ferromagnetism) vanishes; it separated the disordered paramagnetic phase T > T_c from the ordered ferromagnetic phase at T < T_c[1].

References

[1] M. Yekini Suberu, M. Wazir Mustafa and N. Bashir, “Energy storage systems for renewable energy power sector integration and mitigation of intermittency” Renewable and sustainable energy, 2014. [Online]. Available at: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. [2] Ertugrul, N. (2018).4062 Distributed Generation Technologies 7075 Distributed Generation Tech (PG) - Battery energy storage. 1st ed. Adelaide: University of Adelaide. [3] K.C. Divya and J. Ostergaard,” Battery energy storage technology for power systems —an overview” Electric Power Systems Research 2009; 79:511–20. Available: Electric Power Systems Research. [4] 1414 degrees, “What is 1414 Degrees?” 2019. Available at: WHAT IS 1414 DEGREES? [Accessed 2 Jun. 2019].