초록 ▼

An apparatus for performing a thermodynamic cycle comprising: a sample having a ferromagnetic phase transition temperature; means to magnetise the sample above the ferromagnetic phase transition temperature of the sample; and means to cool the sample to a temperature that is below the ferromagnetic

An apparatus for performing a thermodynamic cycle comprising: a sample having a ferromagnetic phase transition temperature; means to magnetise the sample above the ferromagnetic phase transition temperature of the sample; and means to cool the sample to a temperature that is below the ferromagnetic phase transition temperature thereof, wherein the demagnetisation of the sample whilst the sample is below the ferromagnetic phase transition temperature thereof causes the generation of an independent magnetic flux. Also disclosed is a method of converting energy, comprising the steps of: providing a sample having a ferromagnetic transition temperature; magnetising the sample while the sample is above the ferromagnetic transition temperature thereof; allowing the sample to demagnetise while the sample is below the ferromagnetic transition temperature thereof, the demagnetisation of the sample causing an independent magnetic flux; and converting at least some of the independent magnetic flux into an electric current. An analogous ferroelectric apparatus and an analogous ferroelectric method are also presented.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for performing a thermodynamic cycle comprising: a sample having a ferromagnetic phase transition temperature; means to magnetise the sample above the ferromagnetic phase transition temperature of the sample; and means to cool the sample to a temperature that is below the ferromagnetic

An apparatus for performing a thermodynamic cycle comprising: a sample having a ferromagnetic phase transition temperature; means to magnetise the sample above the ferromagnetic phase transition temperature of the sample; and means to cool the sample to a temperature that is below the ferromagnetic phase transition temperature thereof, wherein the demagnetisation of the sample whilst the sample is below the ferromagnetic phase transition temperature thereof causes the generation of an independent magnetic flux. Also disclosed is a method of converting energy, comprising the steps of: providing a sample having a ferromagnetic transition temperature; magnetising the sample while the sample is above the ferromagnetic transition temperature thereof; allowing the sample to demagnetise while the sample is below the ferromagnetic transition temperature thereof, the demagnetisation of the sample causing an independent magnetic flux; and converting at least some of the independent magnetic flux into an electric current. An analogous ferroelectric apparatus and an analogous ferroelectric method are also presented. sed in a control apparatus in said power transmission apparatus.3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said power transmission apparatus comprises a variable-speed fluid coupling or a constant-speed fluid coupling having an impeller and a runner.4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said power transmission apparatus comprises a torque converter having a pump, a turbine, and a stator.5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said radial bearing comprises a sleeve bearing.6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said thrust bearing comprises a spiral hydrodynamic bearing.7. In a power transmission apparatus for taking out kinetic energy given to a fluid for power transmission by a prime mover as rotational power, a variable-speed fluid coupling characterized in that: water is supplied as a working fluid to a coupling section comprising an impeller and a runner;water is supplied as a lubricating fluid to lubricate bearings a radial and a thrust bearing for supporting an input shaft and an output shaft which are connected respectively to said impeller and said runner; andwater is supplied as a working fluid in a hydraulic servo mechanism for controlling a scoop tube for adjusting the amount of water in said coupling section.8. A power transmission apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said radial bearing comprises a sleeve bearing.9. A power transmission apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said thrust bearing comprises a spiral hydrodynamic bearing.