RESEARCH PROGRAM ON APPLICATION OF JET COMPRESSORS TO MAGNETOPLASMADYNAMIC ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION. PHASE II.
Abstract
The feasibility of using jet compressors in closed cycle MPD systems was investigated. In jet compressors the thermal energy of a driving gas is converted into kinetic energy and subsequently used to compress a second gas. The thermal energy could be obtained from the residual energy of the exhaust of an MPD generator. A thermodynamic analysis of a jet compressor was made which showed that an ideal device in which both fluids mix at equal forward velocities has the same pressure ratio as a reversible engine. Theoretical expressions for the losses due to irreversible mixing of the fluids were derived. A comparison of a jet compressor system with one using rotating machinery was made. Jet compressors appear feasible, provided that a slightly lower overall efficiency can be tolerated. An experimental single stage jet compressor using cesium and helium as working fluids was built and operated. Pressure ratios up to 1.48 of the helium were measured which correspond to approximately 90% of the theoretical value. The experimental compression work was over 50% of that of a reversible engine. It is estimated that in a large, optimized system 80-90% of the reversible compression work can be obtained. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 15, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0642769
Entities
People
- Walter B. Bienert
Organizations
- Glenn L. Martin Company