Patent ID: 8129882

Claim:
A multiphase generator device for converting thermal energy to electric energy comprising a plurality of generator units, each of the generator units comprising: a magnetic circuit including at least a portion made of a magnetic material; a coil arranged around said magnetic circuit, in which electric energy is induced in response to a varying magnetic flux in said magnetic circuit; and a magnetic flux generator configured to create a magnetic flux in said magnetic circuit, wherein a temperature-varying device configured to vary a temperature in said portion made of the magnetic material alternately above and below a phase transition temperature of the magnetic material to thereby vary the reluctance of the magnetic circuit; and said temperature-varying is configured to alternately pass hot and cold fluid by, or through holes in, the portion made of the magnetic material of the magnetic circuits in a single direction to thereby vary the temperature in said portion made of the magnetic material alternately above and below the phase transition temperature of the magnetic material, wherein said temperature-varying device comprises a rotating valve having an input provided for receiving hot fluid, an input provided for receiving cold fluid and a plurality of outputs, each of which being provided for alternately outputting hot and cold fluid to a respective one of the plurality of generator units.