Space Thermoacoustic Radioisotopic Power System, SpaceTRIPS: The Magnetohydrodynamic Generator

Electricity production is a major problem for deep space exploration. The possibility of using radioisotope elements with a very long life as an energy source was investigated in the framework of an EU project “SpaceTRIPS”. For this, a two-stage system was tested, the first in which thermal energy is converted into mechanical energy by means of a thermoacoustic process, and the second where mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy by means of a magnetohydrodynamic generator (MHD). The aim of the present study is to develop an analytical model of the MHD generator. A one-dimensional model is developed and presented that allows us to evaluate the behavior of the device as regards both electromagnetic and fluid-dynamic aspects, and consequently to determine the characteristic values of efficiency and power.

Multiparameter approach in the deep geoelectrics

The main provisions of geoelectrics are described, the importance of taking into account the ambiguity of its inverse problem is emphasized. Three main methods of deep geoelectrics which use natural fields of ionospheric-magnetospheric origin are considered: geomagnetic deep sounding (GDS), magnetotelluric sounding (MTS), and magnetovariational profiling (MVP). The response functions of each method are described. Each response function carries its own specific information about some parameters of the studied object and is characterized by the degree of reliability of the information about the object extracted from it. For example, the most reliable information about electrical conductivity anomalies (if any in the study area) is contained in the MVP response functions. The horizontal tensor of the anomalous field contains information about the electrical conductivity under the observation point, and the tipper (induction vector) contains information from the surrounding areas. In general, MVP information is less susceptible to distortions than MTS information and deserves more trust. Artificial field sources in deep geoelectrics are rarely used due to their high cost. Since 1970, two powerful sources created for other purposes arised on the Kola Peninsula and were used for deep sounding. In the center of these studies found themself young talented geologist-geophysicist and organizer of major projects AbdulkhaiAzimovichZhamaletdinov. The «Khibiny» project with an MHD generator and an ultra-deep well as one of the objects of the study, the «Zeus» low-frequency emitter, the signals of which were recorded in China at a distance of 7000 km, and a number of projects conceived and organized by Zhamaletdinov and executed under his leadership: «Volgograd-Donbass» (1979, 1986), experiments «PHOENIX» (2007, 2009, 2014, 2019) and others. At the same time, methods of interpretation were developed for sounding with artificial EM sources and new response functions were obtained which make it possible to «see» the object of research in a new way. This experience must be preserved, generalized, improved and used, for example as follows. In the area of modern synchronous multipoint MTS-MVP survey, a controlled source composed of two grounded lines emits strong current (harmonics at fixed frequencies and/or pulses) which signal will be recorded by survey instruments during night-time sessions.

To on-board MHD power generation

The electric power generation in on-board MHD generator is considered under conditions of vehicle’s flight in Earth atmosphere. The physical and computational model of on-board MHD power generation is presented. It is shown that electric power of order of 18 – 20 MW (or ∼ 100 W/cm3) can be extracted in ordinary Faraday-type segmented MHD generator. This high level of electric power is achieved at magnetic field about 0.3 – 0.4 tesla and constitutes nearly 9.5% of total enthalpy flux. The main factor limiting the rise of extracted power is a stall of flow due to MHD deceleration.

Heat and Mass Transfer Effect on an Infinite Vertical Plate in the Presence of Hall Current and Thermal Radiation with Variable Temperature

MHD and radiated heat flow on a rotating system of an electrically conducting fluid in the presence of Hall current under the influence of variable temperature is studied analytically. An exact solution of a non-dimensional form of coupled partial differential equations is obtained by the technique of Laplace transform. The effect of temperature, velocity and concentration is analyzed for various parameters like the Hall parameter (m), thermal radiation (R), rotation parameter (Ω), Hartmann number (M) and results are discussed in detail with the help of graphs. A mixed analysis of a rotating fluid with Hall current and thermal radiation plays a very essential role in the research area such as plasma physics, MHD generator, fluid drift sensor, cosmological and geophysical level, etc.

Magnetohydrodynamic system -- a need for a sustainable power generation source

The magnetohydrodynamic generator is one of the renewable energy generation methods which is primarily based on the Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction. This paper presents a detailed review about MHD -- its introduction and further advancement in its technology subsequently. An attempt has been made to make the reader understand the details about its operating principle. The MHD systems, being static, are much more efficient compared to conventional fossil fuel based generating systems. Also, these are more environment friendly as there are no emissions from the MHD generator. This paper also presents different types of MHD generators. The MHD generator can be considered to be a newest, efficient and reliable alternative to the conventional energy conversion system which would help to make a step forward towards the totally sustainable society. Figs 8, Refs 73.

A CONCEPTUAL STUDY OF A LIQUID METAL ALLOY IN A DISK-SHAPED MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS CONVERSION SYSTEM

The use of solar-heated liquid metal in a magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) generator provides an alternative and direct conversion method for electric power generation. This prompted the present study to conduct a three-dimensional numerical analysis for a liquid Ga68In20Sn12 flow exposed to several uniform magnetic field intensities (Bo of 0.5 T, 1T and, 1.41 T) within a disk channel geometric boundary. The aim is to study the influence of the external magnetic fields on the generator performance and the fluid flow stability at a high Reynolds number (Re) and Hartmann number (Ha) using the Ansys Fluent software. The simulation results show that at Re of ≈ 2.44e6, the fluid velocity decreases inside the generator regardless of Bo. When Bo of 1T and 1.41T are applied, the velocity magnitude decreases and spreads within the disk channel and walls due to high Ha values (5874 and 8282). The fluid pressure increases from the nozzle pipe inlet to the disk channel and decreases towards the outlet. The induced current density in the radial direction, jx, increases within the disk channel and near the inner electrode edge as Bo increases. A significant observation is that the current densities obtained for Bo of 1T and 1.41T cases are higher than in other cases. The numerical analysis obtained in this study showed that the Bo of either 1T or 1.41T is needed to achieve the required flow stability, current density, and output powers.

Laboratory Characterization of a Liquid Metal MHD Generator for Ocean Wave Energy Conversion

Harnessing ocean wave energy is an old challenge that has gained momentum in recent years. In this paper, we present the flow and electrical characterization of a prototype of an alternate liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator at a laboratory scale which has the potential to make use of the energy of marine waves for its conversion into electrical energy. The eutectic alloy Galinstan, used as a working fluid, was driven in oscillatory motion in a duct of a rectangular cross-section exposed to a transverse magnetic field generated by permanent neodymium magnets. The electric current induced by the motion of the liquid metal in the magnetic field was collected through copper electrodes and delivered to the load. The oscillatory axial velocity component along the duct was measured using ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry for different oscillation frequencies. In turn, the output currents and voltages were measured for different operation conditions and the electric power and efficiency were estimated from experimental measurements. The coupling of this generator to a wave energy converter (WEC) is discussed.

AN ELECTROMAGNETIC CATAPULT FOR LAUNCHING HEAVY UAVs (DRONES) FROM SMALL VESSELS

The paper presents the results of mathematical modeling of the operation of a novel electromagnetic catapult design. The main elements of the latter are a single-section multi-rail accelerator with a metal armature and a pulsed energy source based on the powerful pulsed MHD generator and current-increasing transformer. The possibilities of such a scheme for accelerating bodies weighing 7 tons to speeds of about 150 km/h at a maximum permissible acceleration of 15 g are investigated. The mathematical model describes the coordinated operation of the device, starting with connecting of the pulsed MHD generator in idle mode to the primary winding of the transformer and up to the moment when the drone accelerates to a given takeoff speed. Using the proposed model, the efficiency of the electromechanical energy conversion in the developed catapult scheme is tested. The parameters of the main elements of the device, namely the length of the acceleration section of the catapult and the maximum acceleration of the drone, are determined.