High-performance thermomagnetic generation in low-grade waste heat recovery

Abstract Thermomagnetic generation (TMG), a heat-to-electricity conversion technology based on the thermomagnetic effect, offers high reliability and broad adaptability to diverse heat sources. By exploiting the temperature-dependent magnetization of thermomagnetic materials, TMG converts thermal energy into electrical energy through cyclic changes in magnetic flux based on Faraday’s law. The performance of TMG systems is largely governed by the intrinsic properties of the working materials and the design of device architecture. Ideal TMG materials exhibit sharp and reversible magnetization transitions near the operating temperature, low thermal hysteresis, and high thermal conductivity. Device configurations can be broadly categorized into active and passive systems: active TMG devices rely on controlled thermal cycling and optimized magnetic circuits for enhanced output, whereas passive devices utilize self-actuated mechanical motion to generate electricity. In this topical review, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in TMG materials and device configurations. Furthermore, we discuss future development trends and offer perspectives on experimental strategies to advance this field.