The Effects of Space Charge in a Hypersonic Magnetohydrodynamic Power Generator

Abstract

This paper explores a new MHD generator design that uses space charge to create an axial-symmetric electric field in the region between concentrically cylindrical channels. The space charge fraction is shown to have a significant effect in the current density, power density, electric field, output voltage, efficiency, pressure drop, and enthalpy. The radial symmetry produces simple analytic solutions for these equations over a wide range of gas flow speeds. Adjustments in the space charge can be used to regulate the output voltage of the generator for a constant magnetic field. This technique can eliminate the need for a full output power conditioner.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2007
Accession Number
ADA473277

Entities

People

  • Rene J. Thibodeaux

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Auxiliary Power Units
  • Current Density
  • Directed Energy Weapons
  • Electric Fields
  • Electric Power
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Electron Mobility
  • Equations
  • Gas Flow
  • Generators
  • Hypersonic Vehicles
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Power Supplies
  • Space Charge
  • Thermodynamic Properties
  • Turbines

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Fluid Dynamics.

Technology Areas

  • Hypersonics
  • Hypersonics - Hypersonic Flight
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster