Single channel double-duct liquid metal electrical generator using a magnetohydrodynamic device

A magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator comprising:

• a channel having a first portion disposed in a magnetic field and a second portion disposed in said magnetic field, said first and second portions connected by a connecting portion of said channel external to said magnetic field, said channel having an electrically conductive fluid flowing therein;
• a magnetohydrodynamic device generating an electric potential from the interaction of said electrically conductive fluid and said magnetic field, both said first and second portions of said channel passing through said magnetohydrodynamic device forming a double-duct configuration;
• combustion cylinders connected to said channel for imparting reciprocating motion in said electrically conductive fluid contained in said channel;
• a magnet surrounding said magnetohydrodynamic device for applying said magnetic field;
• and
• adjusting means for adjusting the quantity of liquid metal in said channel.

A magnetohydrodynamic generator comprising:

• a magnet generating a magnetic field;
• a channel having an electrically conductive fluid flowing therein, said channel including a first portion disposed in said magnetic field having said electrically conductive fluid flowing in a first direction therein, said channel including a second portion disposed in said magnetic field having said electrically conductive fluid flowing in a second direction therein;
• an engine imparting reciprocating motion in said electrically conductive fluid contained in said channel;
• and
• a transformer outputting an electric current generated by the interaction of said magnetic field and said electrically conductive fluid flowing through said magnetic field in said first and second portions of said channel.

A method for generating an electric current, comprising:

• applying a magnetic field;
• driving electrically conductive fluid through a first portion of a channel in a first direction, said first portion disposed in said magnetic field;
• driving electrically conductive fluid through a second portion of said channel in an opposite direction to said first direction, said second portion disposed in said magnetic field;
• receiving an electric current from said first and second portions of said channel, said current generated by the interaction of said magnetic field with said electrically conductive fluid flowing through said first and second portions of said channel.