A novel magnetic scroll expander as a drive for electricity generaion

Energy efficiency and dynamic performance are key factors for drives, which, however, are deteriorated by air leakages between the air pockets and the friction distribution on the pneumatic drives. This presentation describes a novel magnetic scroll expander, aiming at improving the typical scroll expander performance and energy efficiency, especially when the expander operates at low compressed air pressures. A mathematical model of the proposed magnetic scroll expander is developed. ANSYS Maxwell software is employed to analyse the generalised magnetic field strength and magnetic forces/torque. The development of a prototype of a magnetic scroll expander is described. The initial study shows that the proposed magnetic scroll expander has potential in improving the scroll expander’s energy conversion efficiency.