Scalability to practical power-generating devices

Determine whether scaling the demonstrated low–magnetic-Reynolds-number, magnetically permeable cylindrical-shell configuration—or alternative topologies that satisfy ∇×(v×B) ≠ 0 and Rm < 1—can produce practical devices capable of generating useful electrical power from Earth's rotation through its axisymmetric geomagnetic field.

Background

The paper experimentally validates a small-scale demonstration that generates continuous DC voltage and current in accordance with prior theory requiring specific topological and material conditions (low Rm and ∇×(v×B) ≠ 0).

While avenues to increase voltage and current are discussed conceptually (e.g., miniaturization, materials with higher conductivity/permeability, increased velocity environments), it remains unsettled whether such scaling can yield practical power devices.