ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND LOSS MECHANISMS OF A NON-EQUILIBRIUM LINEAR MHD GENERATOR.
Abstract
The purpose of this experimental study was twofold: One, to compare the electrical characteristics of the linear, high omega tau, MHD generator with the uniform generator theories. Two, to determine the causes of the power output and Hall potential reduction in linear, MHD generators. Since the origin of this reduction could be due to a number of mechanisms, a systematic study was made of the generator operation in the equilibrium and non-equilibrium modes. Also time resolved photographs were taken of the discharge pattern in the MHD generator. Xenon was the test gas, with an initial conductivity value ranging from 100 to 900 mhos/m and omega tau value between 0.8 and 7.0. With the generator operating at current levels below 40 amperes/electrode and in the equilibrium mode, the major loss mechanisms were the high resistance of the aerodynamic boundary layer in front of the electrodes and the electrode sheath voltage. The inclusion of this loss in the data analyses gave voltage-current characteristics which were in agreement with the uniform Faraday generatory theory and the Hall generator theory. At transverse current levels greater than 40 amperes per electrode, additional power and Hall potential losses are caused by the formation of non-uniform conductivity layers along the electrodes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0482514
Entities
People
- Bert Zauderer
Organizations
- General Electric