Numerical optimization of the magnet system for the Lorentz Force Velocimetry of electrolytes

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Alferenok, Artem^{a; *} | Werner, Michael^b | Gramss, Michael^c | Luedtke, Ulrich^a | Halbedel, Bernd^b

Affiliations: [a] Department of Electrothermal Energy Conversion, Ilmenau University of Technology, Ilmenau, Germany | [b] Department of Inorganic-Nonmetallic Materials, Ilmenau University of Technology, Ilmenau, Germany | [c] Department of Thermo- and Magnetofluiddynamics, Ilmenau University of Technology, Ilmenau, Germany

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Artem Alferenok, Ilmenau University of Technology, Ehrenbergstr. 29, Ilmenau, 98693, Germany. Tel.: +49 3677 69 1509; Fax: +49 3677 69 1552; E-mail: artem.alferenok@tu-ilmenau.de

Abstract: Lorentz Force Velocimetry is a contactless method for the flow rate measurement of electrically conducting fluids. This method is based on the interaction of the fluid flow with the transversal permanent magnetic field. The equal electromagnetic force acts on the fluid and on the magnet system. The flow rate can be determined by measuring of this electromagnetic force. The magnet system has been optimized to achieve maximal sensitivity at a given magnet system weight. The sensitivity was defined as the ratio between the Lorentz force and the magnet system weight. The numerical model was developed using COMSOL Multiphysics. Validation and verification of the numerical model has been performed. The magnet system was optimized using the optimization toolbox in MATLAB.

Keywords: Electromagnetic forces, finite element methods, optimization, permanent magnets

DOI: 10.3233/JAE-2012-1410

Journal: International Journal of Applied Electromagnetics and Mechanics, vol. 38, no. 2-3, pp. 79-92, 2012