Prime Photonics, Lc

David Todd Gray

John Moore Coggin

Clark Davis Boyd

Jonathan Drapala Sides

Methods of detecting non-uniformities in a material are described. Such methods can comprise inducing changes in strain state or changing the magnetic moment of a material and measuring magnetic flux leakage that is synchronous with the changes in strain state or magnetic moment, while simultaneously applying an external magnetic field to control the relative magnitude of the magnetic flux leakage.

Methods and systems for detecting nonuniformities in a material, component, or structure

Provided is a magneto-thermoelectric generator (MTG) device for energy harvesting and more particularly a device for converting waste thermal heat from a photovoltaic cell into mechanical energy and ultimately into electrical energy. Embodiments operate on the principle of thermally-induced switching between open and closed states of a ferromagnetic switch to generate mechanical oscillations that cause strain in a piezoelectric material, resulting in the generation of electrical energy. A structure capable of providing a non-linear restoring force provides mechanical energy to the device, which is a significant improvement over prior art MTG devices employing a linear spring restorative force. The device is also provided as a hybrid photovoltaic (PV)/MTG energy harvester for scavenging heat from photovoltaic cells. The hybrid PV/MTG device is particularly useful for harvesting waste heat to boost power generation, extend flight duration, and provide thermal management aboard HALE platforms.

Magneto-thermoelectric generator for energy harvesting

Magnetothermal pump devices are provided. Such devices can operate on the principle of thermally induced switching between open and closed states of a magnetic switch to generate mechanical oscillations. Exemplary devices provided include a thermal gradient and a magnet with a Curie temperature at or within this gradient. When the soft magnet is below the Curie temperature, it has sufficient magnetic force to bind a hard magnet at the hot side of the gradient. Heating of the magnet at the hot side causes it to exceed its Curie temperature, resulting in loss of magnetic attraction. At this stage, a restorative force exceeds the magnetic force, causing the magnet to shift to the cold side of the gradient, which oscillations can be used to pump fluid. Any magnetic transition that results in a change in the vector nature of the magnetic moment of the soft magnetic material can be employed.

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Blacksburg, VA, United States of America

David Todd Gray