Thermomagnetic generators for ultra-low-grade marine thermal energy harvesting

Moreno Resendiz, Erick; Peterson, Tavis; Kishore, Ravi Anant

doi:10.1038/s44172-025-00542-y

Thermomagnetic generators for ultra-low-grade marine thermal energy harvesting

Journal Article · Thu Nov 27 00:00:00 EST 2025 · Communications Engineering

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s44172-025-00542-y· OSTI ID:3014907

^[1]; Peterson, Tavis ^[1]; ^[1]

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

Low-grade thermal gradients in marine environments represent an underexploited energy source for autonomous sensing and monitoring. Converting such small temperature differences into usable electrical power remains a key challenge for ocean-deployed systems. We present a deployable thermomagnetic generator thoroughly characterized for marine-relevant energy harvesting. The device powers an internet-connected sensor and harvests ultra-low temperature differences akin to those at the ocean surface. It draws heat from water and rejects it to ambient air, operating optimally at a temperature difference (ΔT) of ~7.5 °C. Laboratory prototypes generated up to 6.7 mW at ΔT ~ 10 °C with gentle airflow (~1 m s^-1). A separate controlled wave-tank demonstration validated stable operation and sensor powering under marine-like boundary conditions. Given its voltage and power margins, the generator could sustain multiple sensor nodes. Scalability and material assessments identify modular deployment and non-rare-earth alternatives as pathways toward practical marine energy harvesting and low-grade waste-heat recovery.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), Golden, CO (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Water Power Technologies Office

Grant/Contract Number:: AC36-08GO28308

OSTI ID:: 3014907

Report Number(s):: NLR/JA--5500-91875

Journal Information:: Communications Engineering, Journal Name: Communications Engineering Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 4; ISSN 2731-3395

Publisher:: SpringerCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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