Experimental two-phase liquid-metal magnetohydrodynamic generator program. Annual report. [NaK-nitrogen generator]
A new diverging-channel liquid-metal MHD generator with gas injection along the insulating walls was built and placed in operation in late 1974. This generator yielded nearly-constant liquid velocity along the channel for near-design conditions, as desired for best performance. Extensive measurements of the generator terminal and internal parameters were made over a range of gas and liquid flow rates, magnetic field strengths, and load resistance values. Data are given for generator efficiency and load voltages, and the variations along the channel of liquid and gas velocities, pressure, local load factor, void fraction, and slip ratio. Comparisons are made with theoretical predictions. Tests made to evaluate the effectiveness of the gas injection indicated that the generator performance improved slightly as the amount of gas injected was decreased, and that the injected gas was not forming the desired pure-gas wall layer. Following this, air-water tests indicated that this was to be expected, and a one-dimensional computer model indicated that performance should be better without the partial flow obstruction of the gas injection ports. The gas injection ports were removed, and substantial improvement was obtained in generator performance--by far the best to date. Data comparable to that for gas injection is presented for this case. The future directions of the program, including the role of gas injection, and the modifications to the NaK-nitrogen facility are described.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31-109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 7319969
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/ENG-76-04
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Experimental two-phase liquid-metal magnetohydrodynamic generator program. Annual report, October 1976--September 1977
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Related Subjects
LIQUID-METAL MHD GENERATORS
TEST FACILITIES
TWO-PHASE FLOW
EFFICIENCY
GAS INJECTION
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MIXTURES
MODIFICATIONS
NITROGEN
PERFORMANCE
POTASSIUM
SLIP
SODIUM
VELOCITY
VOID FRACTION
ALKALI METALS
CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
DISPERSIONS
ELEMENTS
FLUID FLOW
FLUID INJECTION
FLUIDS
METALS
MHD GENERATORS
NONMETALS
300101* - MHD Generators- Design & Development
300104 - MHD Generators- Duct Engineering & Fluid Dynamics