Home > Press > A path to new nanofluidic devices applying spintronics technology: Substantial increase in the energy conversion efficiency of hydrodynamic power generation via spin currents
Abstract:
Researchers in the ERATO Saitoh Spin Quantum Rectification Project in the JST Strategic Basic Research Programs have elucidated the mechanism of the hydrodynamic power generation using spin currents(1) in micrometer-scale channels, finding that power generation efficiency improves drastically as the size of the flow is made smaller.
A path to new nanofluidic devices applying spintronics technology: Substantial increase in the energy conversion efficiency of hydrodynamic power generation via spin currents
Tokyo, Japan | Posted on July 3rd, 2020
In a microchannel, the flow takes on a state referred to as laminar flow (2), where a micro-vortex-like liquid motion is distributed widely and smoothly throughout the channel. This leads to properties that are more suitable to miniaturization, and an increase in power generation efficiency. Group leader Mamoru Matsuo, et al., predicted the basic theory of fluid power generation using spin currents in 2017, and in this present study, the researchers experimentally demonstrate the fluid power generation phenomenon in the laminar flow region. As a result of experiments, they confirm that in the laminar flow region, energy conversion efficiency was increased by approximately 100,000 times.
The characteristics of the spin fluid power generation phenomenon in laminar flows that they elucidate in this research are that an electromotive force proportional to flow velocity can be obtained, and that conversion efficiency increases as flow size decreases. Also, whereas hydroelectric power generation (also known as fluid power generation) and magnetohydrodynamic power generation(3) require additional equipment such as turbines and coils, the phenomenon in the research requires almost no additional equipment, both inside and outside of the flow channel. Due to these characteristics, application to spintronics-based nanofluidic devices such as liquid metal flow cooling mechanisms in fast breeder reactors or semiconductor devices, as well as application to flowmeters that electrically measure micro-flows, can be hoped for.
(1) Spin current
The flow of spin angular momentum. For example, electrons have a charge (an electrical degree of freedom) and a spin angular momentum (a magnetic degree of freedom), where the flow of the former is called an electric current and the flow of the latter is called a spin current.
(2) Laminar flow
Flow within a channel is characterized primarily by flow-velocity, size and viscosity. In a low-velocity flow in a small-sized channel, viscosity dominates, and the fluid will flow regularly, and in layers, along the channel axis. This is referred to as laminar flow.
(3) Magnetohydrodynamic power generation
When a charged particle moves in a magnetic field, it is subjected to a force (Lorentz force) that is perpendicular to both the particle’s direction of motion and the direction of the magnetic field. Particles with charges of the same polarity (positive or negative) are subjected to a force in the same direction, and move in one direction. As a result, electric charge accumulates at the destination of the particles’ movement. Magnetohydrodynamic power generation is a power-generation method that uses the potential difference (electromotive force) generated from this accumulation.
This research was conducted under the ERATO Saitoh Spin Quantum Rectification Project of the JST Strategic Basic Research Programs. The members of the project are as follows: Research Director, Eiji Saitoh (Professor, University of Tokyo), Group leader, Sadamichi Maekawa (senior researcher at RIKEN), Group leader, Mamoru Matsuo (former deputy chief researcher at the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, currently associate professor at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences), Vice Group leader, Hiroyuki Chudo (deputy chief researcher at the Japan Atomic Energy Agency), Research Supporter, Ryo Takahashi (former postdoctoral researcher at the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, currently assistant professor at Ochanomizu University).
####
For more information, please click here
Contacts:
Eiji Saitoh
81-358-416-505
Copyright © Japan Science and Technology Agency
If you have a comment, please Contact us.
Issuers of news releases, not 7th Wave, Inc. or Nanotechnology Now, are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.
Related Links |
Related News Press |
News and information
The lightest shielding material in the world: Protection against electromagnetic interference July 3rd, 2020
Spintronics: Faster data processing through ultrashort electric pulses July 3rd, 2020
Crystal structure discovered almost 200 years ago could hold key to solar cell revolution July 3rd, 2020
Microfluidics/Nanofluidics
O-FIB: Far-field-induced near-field breakdown for direct nanowriting in an atmospheric environment March 20th, 2020
Moving faster in a crowd August 30th, 2019
Dynamic hydrogel used to make ‘soft robot’ components and LEGO-like building blocks March 22nd, 2019
Possible Futures
Spintronics: Faster data processing through ultrashort electric pulses July 3rd, 2020
Crystal structure discovered almost 200 years ago could hold key to solar cell revolution July 3rd, 2020
Flexible material shows potential for use in fabrics to heat, cool July 3rd, 2020
Spintronics
Spintronics: Faster data processing through ultrashort electric pulses July 3rd, 2020
Excitons form superfluid in certain 2D combos: Rice University researchers find ‘paradox’ in ground-state bilayers June 15th, 2020
Chip Technology
Spintronics: Faster data processing through ultrashort electric pulses July 3rd, 2020
Process for ‘two-faced’ nanomaterials may aid energy, information tech June 26th, 2020
Researchers discover new boron-lanthanide nanostructure June 25th, 2020
Discoveries
The lightest shielding material in the world: Protection against electromagnetic interference July 3rd, 2020
Spintronics: Faster data processing through ultrashort electric pulses July 3rd, 2020
Carbon-loving materials designed to reduce industrial emissions July 3rd, 2020
Announcements
Crystal structure discovered almost 200 years ago could hold key to solar cell revolution July 3rd, 2020
Flexible material shows potential for use in fabrics to heat, cool July 3rd, 2020
Carbon-loving materials designed to reduce industrial emissions July 3rd, 2020
Interviews/Book Reviews/Essays/Reports/Podcasts/Journals/White papers/Posters
Crystal structure discovered almost 200 years ago could hold key to solar cell revolution July 3rd, 2020
Flexible material shows potential for use in fabrics to heat, cool July 3rd, 2020
Carbon-loving materials designed to reduce industrial emissions July 3rd, 2020
Battery Technology/Capacitors/Generators/Piezoelectrics/Thermoelectrics/Energy storage
Extremely low thermal conductivity in 1D soft chain structure BiSeX (X = Br, I) June 19th, 2020
Spontaneous formation of nanoscale hollow structures could boost battery storage June 12th, 2020
Tiny pump builds polyrotaxanes with precision: Artificial molecular pump gives precise control for materials design June 12th, 2020