Theoretical development, design and testing of a magnetic fuel cell

Abstract

A magnetic fuel cell uses high-pressure gas to cause a time-dependant change in magnetic field to generate a voltage based upon Faraday's Induction Law. In this thesis, the use of a compressed magnetic gas passing through a magnetic field is described for generation of electrical power. The first stage of this thesis explores the fundamental physical nature of diamagnetic and paramagnetic gases. Once this stage is completed, it will become clear that there are several methods that can be used to overcome the weak nature of these gasses and achieve useful work, due to pressure-sensitive changes in magnetic susceptibility. The second stage of the thesis develops the theory used to model the operation and physical characteristics of the magnetic fuel cell. The third stage shows the development of the specialized magnetic fields required and equipment configuration necessary to employ the above methods and predicts the experimental measurements of the resulting voltages and currents. The fourth stage discusses experimental findings and presents an optimized configuration. The final stage of the thesis concludes with lessons learned and interesting ramifications of the fuel cell.