skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

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

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6443042

A single channel double-duct liquid metal electrical generator using a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) device. The single channel device provides useful output AC electric energy. The generator includes a two-cylinder linear-piston engine which drives liquid metal in a single channel looped around one side of the MHD device to form a double-duct contra-flowing liquid metal MHD generator. A flow conduit network and drive mechanism are provided for moving liquid metal with an oscillating flow through a static magnetic field to produce useful AC electric energy at practical voltages and currents. Variable stroke is obtained by controlling the quantity of liquid metal in the channel. High efficiency is obtained over a wide range of frequency and power output. 5 figs.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
Assignee:
Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corp., Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5923104; A
Application Number:
PPN: US 8-874517
OSTI ID:
6443042
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 13 Jun 1997
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English