Study on Electrofluid Dynamic Power Generation.
Abstract
Progress achieved during the second year of a three-year program to develop and advance Electrofluid Dynamic (EFD) Power Generation Technology is described. Experimental results obtained on the 1/12-inch, 1/17-inch, 1/24-inch, and 1/48-inch axisymmetrical conversion channels are presented. A new high pressure test rig was designed and fabricated and used to compare these channels with the larger 1/12-inch geometry operated at lower pressures. Performance of the system was degraded as channel size was reduced and/or pressure was increased. The most dominant experimental observation was that the corona point eroded extremely rapidly as pressure was increased. Peak currents were low and the smaller geometries necessitated operation at lower voltages to prevent air breakdown. Several alternate gases were investigated in search of a working fluid having a higher voltage breakdown strength. In general, those gases having superior properties at one atmosphere, are not as good at high pressures. Experimental measurements of the water drop size and droplet number density were made using laser scattering in a 1/4-inch channel. These measurements confirmed the spontaneous nucleation and growth of the droplets before they reach the corona region when the relative humidity is high. For low humidities, nucleation occurs in the corona region. Analyses and computer results that predict drop size and density for a wide range of materials and temperatures appropriate to different channel sizes, are also presented. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA017709
Entities
People
- H. Shelton
- W. Krieve