Study of High Power, High Performance Portable MHD Generator Power Supply Systems

This report presents the results of a study program undertaken to investigate and evaluate high power, lightweight, MHD generator systems. Detailed design studies of various MHD generator systems for use as a prime source in the range of power from 10 to 50 MW operating for some 63 to 120 seconds total run time were performed. Both single and multipulse operations were considered. A relatively wide range of operating parameters were considered and eight specific point designs were investigated. A three-year development program for a lightweight ground based prototype MHD generator system was defined. The design of a high performance, compact MHD generator system involves the consideration and trade-off of a number of the MHD generator operating parameters including the power density, the efficiency, the magnet flux density, the length to diameter ratio of the channel, the channel configuration, the boundary layers, the conductivity, and the various flow parameters. Once compactness and optimization have been achieved in this regard, the matter of lightweight components becomes an important consideration. In the present study, trade-off studies in terms of the operating parameters were conducted, and the designs of lightweight components were studied and evaluated. Lightweight rocket-type combustors, both using solid and liquid fuels, exist and were evaluated in terms of performance in an MHD generator system. The design of compact, lightweight, superconducting magnets and generator channels were evaluated. A small lightweight MHD channel is currently being fabricated.