VORTEX MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC GENERATOR DESIGN STUDY
Abstract
Processes in the generation of electric power in a vortex MHD generator were studied. Emphasis was on the analysis of vortex flow characteristics and development of design equations for computer methods of solution. Other areas included plasma generation, heat transfer, and materials for vortex MHD generator application. For the investigation of plasma generation, a limited test activity was conducted to determine the voltage breakdown characteristics of alkali metal vapors. MHD flow characteristics of a vortex channel can be obtained analytically; solutions to the various design and performance equations can best be obtained by computer methods. The relations for obtaining the composition of seeded combustion gases were also derived for computer solutions. Heat transfer analysis revealed that insulation of the vortex is a serious problem due to the increased separation of the magnetic poles, and that the minimum insulation is obtained with the maximum external wall temperatures and an appropriate control of the cooling rates. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0270479
Entities
People
- E.m. Knoernschild
- H.g. Starck