Energy harvesting using martensite variant reorientation mechanism in a NiMnGa magnetic shape memory alloy

Abstract

Magnetic shape memory alloys demonstrate significant potential for harvesting waste mechanical energy utilizing the Villari effect. In this study, a few milliwatts of power output are achieved taking advantage of martensite variant reorientation mechanism in Ni51.1Mn24Ga24.9 single crystals under slowly fluctuating loads (10Hz) without optimization in the power conversion unit. Effects of applied strain range, bias magnetic field, and loading frequency on the voltage output are revealed. Anticipated power outputs under moderate frequencies are predicted showing that the power outputs higher than 1W are feasible.