Projekt

The magetohydrodynamic conversion of kinetic energy of fluids into electric energy is well known and applied for power generation. A recent experiment shows a similarity between the magnetic field and the spin-orbit orientation in liquid metals, which opens an completely undiscovered path for energy conversion. The unresolved question is on how does the macroscopic hydrodynamic world couple with the spin-orbitals on atomistic levels. The team proposes an experimental setup consisting of a large box to control the environmental conditions, a pressure vessel which is filled with the eutectic alloy Indium-Gallium-Tin (GaInSn), and a connecting capillary. When a pressure (up to 10 bar) is applied the liquid metal is pushed through a capillary into another storage vessel placed on a high precision scale to determine the mass flow rate. The potential is then measured between the electrodes at the beginning and at the end of the capillary. However, there is a need for a very good control of many parameters. If successful, the concept could alter our understanding of spintronics and our way of electric energy production completely.

• Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian Cierpka

  Technische Universität Ilmenau
  Fakultät Maschinenbau
  Institut für Thermo- und Fluiddynamik
  Ilmenau
  

• Electric voltage by electron spin-vorticity coupling in laminar ducts

• Spin hydrodynamic generation at low and high Reynolds numbers