The Effects of Space Charge in a Hypersonic Magnetohydrodynamic Power Generator

This paper explores a new MHD generator design that uses space charge to create an axial-symmetric electric field in the region between concentrically cylindrical channels. The space charge fraction is shown to have a significant effect in the current density, power density, electric field, output voltage, efficiency, pressure drop, and enthalpy. The radial symmetry produces simple analytic solutions for these equations over a wide range of gas flow speeds. Adjustments in the space charge can be used to regulate the output voltage of the generator for a constant magnetic field. This technique can eliminate the need for a full output power conditioner.