Madrid Carlos III university scientists have developed a new type of tidal power generator using the magnetic metal
injection molding (MIM) parts. According to the report, the researchers have modified the design of the generator, make
it can be installed the MIM parts.This will reduce the cost of these systems, and improve the efficiency by 30%.
Researchers recently published a paper in “microstructure and material properties international journal “, describes the
different stages of the production process, powder injection molding was proved to be a feasible method produce this kind
of complex parts.
Scientists are studying the best combination of metal powder with magnetic characteristics (iron, silicon, cobalt, nickel),
so as to put them in the polymer injection plastic mould, produce complex components that are difficult and expensive for
machining process. One of the advantages of powder injection molding technology is, once you finish the design and by
changing the mold, it is easy to make millions of identical parts, simple, fast, and very cheap.
The plan is to develop a device that can replace the traditional magnetic materials, and developed a new type of generator,
to convert the mechanical energy produced by tidal movement into electricity. The scientists is expected to make the first
prototype motor next year. These devices can also be used in wind power and other alternative energy generators. They
can be used in the places with strong tide, such as the west coast of Canada, southeast Asia and Australia, the Bosporus, as
well as the Strait of Gibraltar.
