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US 4,151,423 AGranted
Flowing saline water magnetohydrodynamic electric generator
OwnerFrank J. Hendelinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A magnetohydrodynamic electric generator for the direct energy conversion of the kinetic energy of saline water flowing through a magnetic field, preferably in the constricted part of a duct. Means may be provided to increase the kinetic energy of the flowing saline water using wave-powered air compressors and/or water pumps. Also described are sea platforms containing a multitude of electricity generators in a configuration to maximize the conversion of the kinetic energy of flowing saline water into electric energy.
Claims23
A flowing saline sea water MHD electric generator comprising:
- a duct for the channelization of conductive flowing saline water;
- means applying a magnetic field orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the duct;
- electrode means positioned orthogonally to both the magnetic field and the flow of water through the duct, and in contact with the flowing conductive saline water therein such that the electrode means receives at least some of the electrical energy generated as the sea ebbs and flows and the conductive flowing saline water passes through the magnetic field;
- means to augment the flow of sea water thru the duct in synchronization with wave flow past the duct, thereby to increase the generated electrical energy;
- buoying and anchoring means for holding the duct just beneath the surface of the water;
- means connected to the electrode means for both rectifying and condensing the electrical energy generated by motion of the flowing saline water through the magnetic field;
- means to prevent leakage of electric current from the condensing means to the saline water;
- and
- power transmission means for supplying the generated, rectified, and condensed electric energy to an external electrical load.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.