Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Can ferrofluids be used in transformers during geomagnetic storms to stop them from overheating?

Since ferrofluids are used in loudspeakers to remove heat from the voice coil, is the same possible in the coils of transformers when they get heated up in geomagnetic storms? In a geomagnetic storm, wouldn't they be exposed to an external magnetic field that would lead to some sort of heat transfer.
sorry, I don't know if I am making any sense at all but if you know the answer or know of a source of information, please help me out.

Hi,

Try a search using Google for “Ferro fluids in transformers”. It returns many relevant and credible sites, such as:

http://www.eng.yale.edu/koserlab/Ferrof ... round.html

See page 73 (Section 5.7.5) of this study:

http://www.wtec.org/loyola/nano/IWGN.Re ... pter05.pdf

Here is a company website discussing, among other things, the application of Ferro fluid to transformers and having the advantages you suggest:

http://www.ferrotec.com/products/ferrof ... lications/

And here is a US Patent 5462685 issued in 1993 claiming the ideas you questioned:

http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Pars ... PN/5462685

So it sounds like the idea is close to commercialization.

Best regards,

Barrett Tomlinson

Hi
Thanks so much for the links.
Now I know I want to do my science fair project on ferrofluids but I don't know exactly what kind of experiment to conduct or what the judges usually expect. I was thinking I could try different carrier fluids, precipitation or coating methods when creating the ferrofluid and then measure/experiment with its heat capacity, viscosity or other physical properties. I don't really know how these tests are conducted or what materials are required so I don't know if I will be able to do them.
And do you think I could effectively test a transformer using a ferrofluid like they are used in loud speakers? It doesn't seem likely but what kind of a project do you think is best or can you recommend some other things I could try? ??

Hi,

Here are some project ideas to get you thinking:

http://chemistry.about.com/od/demonstra ... magnet.htm

http://www.coolmagnetman.com/magattr.htm

http://www.thescienceforum.com/viewtopic.php?p=159126

http://www.usc.edu/CSSF/History/2002/Projects/S0202.pdf

http://www.wondermagnet.com/ferro.html

http://www.slipperybrick.com/2007/04/ferrofluid-art/

http://www.usc.edu/CSSF/Current/Projects/J1235.pdf

http://www.reddit.com/r/science/comment ... mposed_of/

http://www.sciscoop.com/story/2008/3/22/153359/443


This site is not about Ferro fluids, but is interesting:

http://www.juliantrubin.com/fairproject ... etism.html

I also suggest studying the Science Buddies Project Guide on this site for tips on how to do and present the project and what judges expect. Try to pick a project you are fascinated with, and then really have fun with it.

Hope this helps!

Best regards,

Barrett Tomlinson

Hi, I'm from the UK and was wondering if anyone could possibly explain how ferrofluid can be used in cancer treatment (hyperthermia). I have heard two theories, one regarding an a electromagnet and the other, alternating current. I understand it heats the cancerous tumour/growth but was wondering what degree of heat is produced and how much power the process consumes. How does it work? Many thanks Jonathan

If you put "ferrofluids in cancer treatment" into your favorite search engine, you should be able to find some articles on what various people are trying.