Investigation of a Non-Equilibrium Magnetohydrodynamic Generator.
Abstract
The completion of a detailed study of electrode conduction led to the selection of thermionically emitting, cesiated tungsten as the most desirable cathode material for closed cycle, MHD generators. It was also found that with a high cesium ion flux at the cathode, electrode currents considerably higher than thermionic levels could be obtained. Finally, it was shown that the cold aerodynamic boundary layer was a major contributor to the electrode losses. Measurements of the gas dynamic performance of the MHD generator under a wide range of load conditions showed good agreement with the MHD generator theory. For the first time anywhere, 8.5% heat to electric conversion was obtained in the MHD generator at 2100K in cesium seeded neon. Based on the above results, a new MHD system consisting of a longer and larger MHD channel and a magnet which was three times more powerful than the previous one was constructed and installed in the shock tunnel facility.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 31, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0747661
Entities
People
- Bert Zauderer
Organizations
- General Electric