Magnetohydrodynamic method and apparatus for converting solar radiation to electrical energy

Patent · Tue Jun 23 00:00:00 EDT 1981

OSTI ID:5774129

Duncan, F A

A method for converting radiative energy, such as coherent laser radiation or non-coherent solar radiation, to electrical energy using a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) electrode system comprises the steps of: (1) forming a magnetic pinching field for and directing moving charged particles through the MHD electrode system; (2) supplying an ionizable working substance within the magnetic pinching field; and (3) applying radiative energy to the working substance in order to produce moving charged particles therefrom, whereby the moving charged particles are and directed through the MHD electrode system for generating electrical energy. Residual radiative energy and recombined working substance are recycled in a fully enclosed system. In one preferred embodiment, the magnetic pinching field is formed along the major axis of an ellipsoidal reflecting surface, and the radiative energy is focused at the foci of the ellipsoidal surface with the consequence that the reflected energy is repeatedly focused at the foci. In another preferred embodiment, the magnetic field is formed along the longitudinal axis of an elongated enclosure, and radiative energy is directed through the enclosure along the longitudinal axis. Apparatus for practicing this method is also described.

• Assignee: IFI; EDB-82-040020
• Patent Number(s): US 4275318
• Application Number: TRN: 82-003696
• OSTI ID: 5774129
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: Filed date 18 May 1978
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
14 SOLAR ENERGY
MHD GENERATORS
DESIGN
SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION
CESIUM IONS
CHARGED PARTICLES
COHERENT RADIATION
ENERGY CONVERSION
IONIZATION
LASERS
MAGNETIC COMPRESSION
MAGNETIC FIELD CONFIGURATIONS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
PINCH EFFECT
RECYCLING
WORKING FLUIDS
COMPRESSION
CONVERSION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FLUID MECHANICS
FLUIDS
HYDRODYNAMICS
IONS
MECHANICS
RADIATIONS
300100* - Direct Energy Conversion- MHD Generators
140500 - Solar Energy Conversion