Investigation of rocket-powered, open-cycle, magnetohydrodynamic generators for high, pulsed power needs in space. Master's thesis

Technical Report · Sat Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:6377402

Power, J W

This investigation examined the possibility of using a rocket-powered magnetohydrodynamic generator for pulse power in space of 300 megawatts (MW). The result is a preliminary design of an MHD generator using an open cycle disk channel and a single superconducting solenoid coil. The disk channel acts as a thrust deflector, and internal vanes counteract induced vorticity. The use of a solid-fuel-wafer grain design rocket motor is proposed for increased electrical conductivity and pulse operation of the generator. Using conservative parameters, a generator design capable of being carried on one or two space-shuttle launches is developed with estimated mass of 24,450 kg and estimated power output of 1346 MW. The nominal operation time before refurbishment is 115 seconds; the restriction operation time is deterioration of the channel throat. This design exceeds present nuclear and solar-cell power systems in power output per unit mass.

• Research Organization: Air Force Inst. of Tech., Wright-Patterson AFB, OH (USA). School of Engineering
• OSTI ID: 6377402
• Report Number(s): AD-A-178869/4/XAB; AFIT/GSO/ENP-86D-1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
OPEN-CYCLE MHD GENERATORS
DESIGN
POWER SUPPLIES
SPACE SHUTTLES
EFFICIENCY
MASS
OPERATION
POWER
PULSES
SOLENOIDS
SUPERCONDUCTING COILS
SUPERCONDUCTORS
VORTICES
AIRCRAFT
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRIC COILS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
MHD GENERATORS
SPACE VEHICLES
VEHICLES
300101* - MHD Generators- Design & Development