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August: Joel Joseph (KIT)

Joel Joseph received the Helmholtz Doctoral Award 2024 for his outstanding research work during his doctorate at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), which he successfully completed last year. Today, he heads the Thermomagnetic Microactors and Generators research group at the Institute of Microstructure Technology. In this interview, Joel Joseph talks about his work and the motivation that drives him.

Interview

What are you currently working on?

Joel Joseph: Together as a team, we conceptualize, design, and fabricate micro actuators and micro energy harvesting devices primarily based on the thermomagnetic effect and the conventional shape memory effect. We have achieved a milestone of 50µW/cm² power per footprint for our micro energy harvesting devices operating in resonant self-actuation mode, which is comparable to micro thermoelectric devices. Currently, we are focused on enhancing the output of these generators by integrating new ferromagnetic materials. Additionally, we are working on incorporating piezoelectric and pyroelectric thin films into the devices to improve the output voltage. Continuous advancement in thermomagnetic energy generation is essential, particularly in achieving resonant self-actuation at near-room temperature. This breakthrough could unlock numerous potential applications, especially in the healthcare sector and wearable smart devices, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and connected future.

What is your personal motivation?

Joel Joseph: With the rising number of connected devices, there is a global demand for self-sufficient devices that can harvest energy from their environment. This demand is particularly significant in the healthcare sector, where new devices, especially sensors, are being developed to improve health monitoring and overall welfare. However, these devices are often limited by the lack of a sustainable power source. My motivation is to contribute to finding a green and sustainable solution for this challenge.

What kind of challenges are you facing in the near future?

Joel Joseph: While the energy harvesters perform well at the lab scale, several research questions need to be addressed to transition this technology into real-world applications:

  • What measures must be taken to ensure the long-term stability and durability of thermomagnetic generators (TMGs) in practical applications?
  • What considerations are necessary for integrating TMGs into existing energy systems and infrastructures?
  • How does the cost of TMG technology compare to other energy harvesting solutions, particularly in terms of power output per unit cost?
  • How can the expertise gained from this research be leveraged in partnership with other entities for broader implementation?

Addressing these questions will help bridge the gap between research outcomes and practical implementation in the industry.

If you could make a wish for something for your research, what would you wish for?

Joel Joseph: I would wish for more hands on the job to drive innovation faster. Creating opportunities for more people to join our team would help us address current challenges more efficiently. Given the multidisciplinary nature of our work, we need a diverse range of expertise. On a personal level, I wish to see our research translated into real-world applications in devices, making a tangible impact on people's lives.

Where do you see your discipline in 5-10 years?

Joel Joseph: I anticipate that the micro energy harvesting field, particularly using body heat to generate useful electrical energy at small scales, will significantly impact wearable device adoption. While battery-operated wearable devices are currently available, powering these devices using body heat would be a game changer. This capability would enable continuous monitoring, leading to the widespread adoption of these devices, improving the early detection and monitoring of various diseases.

ORCID: 0000-0002-2032-5174