Development of a Magnetic Fluid Based Engine Using Solar Energy as a Heat Source

Abstract

Materials and Methods: The experiments were conducted in three stages. In the first stage,different magnetic fluid based engines were designed and tested for the performance. Low Curie temperature magnetic fluid was used. In each case, electric energy was used as thermal input. Direct and indirect methods were used to measure flow rate and temperature. Necessary modifications and improvements were made to improve the performance of the engine. The second stage consists of the design of mini solar pond and studying its performance. The designed salt gradient solar pond gave satisfactory results. Later a portable solar pond was constructed similarly as a mini solar pond to facilitate the coupling with magnetic fluid based engine. The third stage consists of coupling the engine with portable solar pond and testing for its performance. newlineResults and Discussion: The analysis of the results of magnetic fluid based engine was carried out using response surface methodology (RSM). The results show that flow rate is directly proportional to the applied magnetic field and temperature differences. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test was conducted to determine the statistical adequacies of the developed models. newlineTheoretically, for the 6 mm tube diameter and 0.3 Tesla magnetic induction field, the flow rate was 9.36 ml/min. When electric energy used as a heat source, the flow rate becomes 9.0 ml/min, while solar energy used as a heat source it was 5.10 ml/min for the same parameter. newlineConclusions: The engine does not require any additional power. Also,selfprimingand continuity of flow are there. As there are no any moving parts, there is no vibration at all. However, with the use of solar heating, clean and eco-friendly energy generation is possible. newline