A Superconducting‐Material‐Based Maglev Generator Used for Outer‐Space

Abstract

Solar cells are conventionally used to harvest energy in outer space, but they are ineffective in dark locations. Here, it is shown that superconducting materials—which work best in cold environments, such as those found in outer space—provide a mechanism to harvest energy that does not require light. A superconducting magnetic levitation (maglev) magnetoelectric generator (SMMG) can convert mechanical impacts to electricity at its working temperature <90 K. The SMMG device consists of a permanent magnet, a conductive coil, and a superconducting layer (SL). Owing to the existence of the SL, the permanent magnet levitates over the SL and rapidly returns to an equilibrium height after being displaced by a mechanical impact. The impact changes the gap between the levitated magnet and the coil, resulting in a variation in magnetic flux that induces electrical current in the coil. Thus, the SMMG converts low‐frequency (<3.7 Hz) mechanical energy to electricity. The output maximum peak voltage, peak power, and peak power density of the SMMG are 4.3 V, 35 mW, and 17.8 W m−2, respectively, with a load resistance of 300 Ω. The SMMG can charge a capacitor of 10 000 µF to 3.8 V with a continuous impact, which is sufficient to power critical wireless communication. The superconductor works best in cold environments and therefore is well‐suited for providing electricity to sensors and communication devices in outer space, particularly in places where the sun may not reach.

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