Gaseous electrode for MHD generator

Abstract

A gaseous electrode for a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator is positioned in a primary magnetic field. Single or multiple openings or slots are provided in the electrode from which a gaseous plume or plumes may be emitted into the main MHD channel depending on whether one or more than one opening is provided. The openings or slots are normally oriented parallel to the magnetic field, but can be at an angle to the magnetic field. The electrode is formed having an inter cavity which is continuously filled with an ionizable inert gas. Microwave or RF energy is radiated into the cavity to ionize the gas thereby generating an ionized plasma source from which a gaseous plasma plume may be formed. The plasma plume is injected into the MHD generator's main channel thereby forming a gaseous electrode. The electrode is oriented in the main channel opposed by at least a second electrode which may be of the same or a different configuration. One of the electrodes acts as an emitter and the other electrode acts as a collector. Generally the electrodes are interchangeable in function.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.