Modular liquid-metal magnetohydrodynamic (LMMHD) power generation cell
AssigneeScientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc.
InventorsRobert A. Koslover, Raymond C. Law
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A LMMHD power generation cell, having a fluid channel in which a conductive fluid is forced to flow in response to an external force. A pair of pressure conveying members such as bellow reservoirs can be used for conveying the external force to the conductive flow. A magnetic field is established across the fluid channel by a pair of magnets. A pair of electrodes is disposed with respect to the fluid channel to collect the electric current induced by the conductive fluid flowing through the magnetic field. The magnets are selected from either permanent magnets or electromagnets. Preferably, the conductive fluid is selected from low-density, low-viscosity, high-conductivity liquid metal such as NaK-78.
Claims30
A liquid-metal magneto-hydrodynamic power generation cell, comprising:
- a fluid channel;
- a conductive fluid sealed within the fluid channel and flowing along the fluid channel in response to an external force;
- a pair of magnets disposed at a first pair of opposing sides of the fluid channel, each of the magnets has a tapered side surface adjacent to the fluid channel;
- and
- a pair of electrodes disposed at a second pair of opposing sides of the fluid channel, the electrodes extending perpendicularly to a magnetic field generated by the magnets.
A liquid-metal magneto-hydrodynamic power generation cell, comprising:
- a fluid channel, having two opposing tapered ends;
- a liquid metal flowing within the fluid channel in response to an external force;
- a pair of magnets positioned with respect to the fluid channel to provide a magnetic field perpendicular to the fluid channel between the tapered ends;
- and
- a pair of electrodes, positioned between the tapered ends for intercepting an electric current induced by flow of the liquid metal through the magnetic field.
A liquid-metal magneto-hydrodynamic power generation cell, comprising:
- a fluid channel;
- a liquid metal flowing within the fluid channel in response to an external force;
- a pair of magnets for generating a magnetic field perpendicular to flow of the liquid metal;
- a pair of electrodes for collecting an electric current induced by the liquid metal flowing through the magnets;
- and
- a pair of yokes holding the magnets around the fluid channel, each of the yokes comprising:
- a pair of symmetric magnetic steel portions;
- and
- a non-magnetic member connecting the symmetric magnetic steel portions.
A power generator, comprising:
- an array of liquid-metal magneto-hydrodynamic power generation cells electrically connected in series, each of the power generation cells comprising:
- a fluid channel;
- a pair of internal pressure conveying members coupled to two ends of the fluid channel;
- a liquid metal sealed within the fluid channel, the liquid-metal flowing within the fluid channel in response to motion of the pressure conveying members;
- a pair of magnets for establishing a magnetic field perpendicular to flow direction of the liquid metal;:
- a pair of electrodes disposed perpendicular to both the flow direction and the magnetic field;
- a pair of external pressure conveying members communicating with the internal pressure conveying members at two ends of the fluid channel;
- and
- a pair of output terminals coupled to the electrodes.
A method of increasing power efficiency of a liquid-metal magneto-hydrodynamic power generation cell, comprising:
- providing a tapered magnetic field perpendicular to a flow of liquid metal;
- providing a pair of electrodes for collecting an electric current induced by the flow of liquid metal through the tapered magnetic field;
- and
- tapering the flow of liquid metal at two opposing sides of the electrodes.
A method of suppressing magnetic saturation of a liquid-metal magneto-hydrodynamic power generation cell which comprises a fluid channel, a liquid metal flowing within the fluid channel, a pair of magnets providing a magnetic field perpendicular to the flow of the liquid metal, and a pair of magnetic yokes holding the magnets about the fluid channel, the method comprising:
- using a non-magnetic material to partition each of the magnetic yokes into two symmetric magnetic portions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.