An actuator according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first member in which a shape is transformed from a first position, which is either rolled or flat, to a second position different from the first position, and a restoring force is stored when the shape is transformed from the first position to the second position, and a second member which is joined to the first member along the length direction of the first member and in which the shape of the second position is stored.

An actuator according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first member in which a shape is transformed from a first position, which is either rolled or flat, to a second position different from the first position, and a restoring force is stored when the shape is transformed from the first position to the second position, and a second member which is joined to the first member along the length direction of the first member and in which the shape of the second position is stored.

SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

A thermomagnetic apparatus for electric power production, comprising: a hollow toric vessel (30) delimited by a wall (31) having an outer toric surface (31a) having a toroidal direction, wherein the toric wall (31) encloses a volume containing a ferrofluid which comprises magnetic nanoparticles dispersed or suspended in a fluid carrier; a plurality of hydraulic conduits (36-39) in thermal contact with the outer toric surface (31a); a magnetic field source (62) coupled to the outer toric surface (62) and an extraction coil (65) which comprises a plurality of turns (65′) of electrical conductor wire arranged on the outer toric surface (31a).

A thermomagnetic apparatus for electric power production, comprising: a hollow toric vessel (30) delimited by a wall (31) having an outer toric surface (31a) having a toroidal direction, wherein the toric wall (31) encloses a volume containing a ferrofluid which comprises magnetic nanoparticles dispersed or suspended in a fluid carrier; a plurality of hydraulic conduits (36-39) in thermal contact with the outer toric surface (31a); a magnetic field source (62) coupled to the outer toric surface (62) and an extraction coil (65) which comprises a plurality of turns (65′) of electrical conductor wire arranged on the outer toric surface (31a).

Optical element (1) comprising a first window (21) and a second window (22), wherein the first window (21) is connected to the second window (22) by an elastic membrane (41) such that the first window (21), the second window (22) and the membrane (41) enclose a deformable, sealed volume (42), which is filled with a fluid, wherein at least one first actuator (51) is arranged to tilt the first window (21) with respect to the second window (22) around a first tilting axis (81) in a first direction, wherein the first actuator (51) comprises a Shape Memory Alloy and has the shape of a wire.

Optical element (1) comprising a first window (21) and a second window (22), wherein the first window (21) is connected to the second window (22) by an elastic membrane (41) such that the first window (21), the second window (22) and the membrane (41) enclose a deformable, sealed volume (42), which is filled with a fluid, wherein at least one first actuator (51) is arranged to tilt the first window (21) with respect to the second window (22) around a first tilting axis (81) in a first direction, wherein the first actuator (51) comprises a Shape Memory Alloy and has the shape of a wire.

A machine for converting thermal energy originating from waste heat deposits into electrical energy. It uses the magnetic phase transition properties of certain materials when they are exposed to a temperature variation with respect to their Curie temperature. The machine includes a magnetothermal converter provided with a fixed stator provided with active elements made of the materials, and a mobile rotor provided with magnetic poles and non-magnetic poles. The machine includes a closed fluidic circuit of heat-transfer fluid, coupled with two thermal sources of different temperatures by means of heat exchangers and with the stator to transfer thermal energy collected in the active elements. A synchronization system makes it possible to expose the active elements to alternating thermal cycles to generate a permanent magnetic imbalance between the rotor and the stator, and generate a displacement of the rotor, creating mechanical energy that can be converted into electrical energy.

A thermionic energy conversion system, preferably including one or more electron collectors, interfacial layers, encapsulation, and/or electron emitters. A method for manufacturing the thermionic energy conversion system. A method of operation for a thermionic energy conversion system, preferably including receiving power, emitting electrons, and receiving the emitted electrons, and optionally including convectively transferring heat.