A magnetostrictive system in marine vessels can be used to convert mechanical vibrations into electrical energy through a process known as magnetostriction and its associated phenomenon, the piezoelectric effect. Here's a breakdown of how this conversion works:
Magnetostriction: Magnetostriction is a property exhibited by certain materials, often ferromagnetic ones, where they change their shape or dimensions when subjected to a magnetic field. When the material experiences mechanical stress or vibration, its physical dimensions change slightly due to the magnetostrictive effect.
Piezoelectric Effect: Some materials, known as piezoelectric materials, have the ability to generate an electric charge when subjected to mechanical stress or deformation. This phenomenon is known as the piezoelectric effect. Piezoelectric materials typically have a crystalline structure that allows charges to build up on their surfaces when they are mechanically strained or compressed.
Integration of Magnetostriction and Piezoelectricity: In a magnetostrictive system for energy conversion, a magnetostrictive material is combined with a piezoelectric material. When mechanical vibrations occur within the marine vessel, they cause the magnetostrictive material to experience stress and change its dimensions. This change in dimensions leads to a change in the magnetic properties of the material.
Generation of Magnetic Field: The changing magnetic properties of the magnetostrictive material induce changes in the surrounding magnetic field. This changing magnetic field then interacts with the nearby piezoelectric material.
Piezoelectric Charge Generation: The interaction between the changing magnetic field and the piezoelectric material results in mechanical stress or deformation on the piezoelectric material's surface. As a result of the piezoelectric effect, electric charges accumulate on the surfaces of the piezoelectric material.
Electrical Energy Harvesting: The accumulated electric charges on the piezoelectric material can be harvested as electrical energy. This energy can be collected using electrodes placed on the surface of the piezoelectric material. The harvested electrical energy can then be stored or used to power various onboard systems and devices in the marine vessel.
In summary, the magnetostrictive system in marine vessels exploits the magnetostrictive effect and the piezoelectric effect to convert mechanical vibrations caused by the vessel's movement into electrical energy. This process allows for the efficient conversion of mechanical energy into a usable form of energy, which can be particularly beneficial for applications where traditional power sources might be limited or less practical.