High performance pulsed power generation system using a disk MHD generator driven by NPG system

We proposed a closed cycle disk MHD generator driven by nonequilibrium plasma generator (NPG/CCDisk) system as an alternative for the application of portable high performance pulsed power supply which could be applied for geophysical research, geological survey, earthquake prediction and other commercial and experimental power supplies. Performance prediction and design study of a disk generator for NPG system were carried out. We found that in order to demonstrate higher performance, detailed design of channel shape was necessary. So then design study was carried out based on the concept that local electron temperature is kept so as to locate the plasma in the stable regime. Typical enthalpy extraction of up to 40% and output power of 7.2 MW with the thermal input of 18 MWt were successfully expected. In order to confirm NPG/CCDisk concept, effects of combustion product of alumina particle and residual oxygen on generator performance were studied. Results showed that if alumina particle and oxygen concentration exceeded a certain level, output power suddenly decreased. Fortunately, possible alumina particle and residual oxygen concentration at the typical NPG burning conditions were found to be well below each critical level of power degradation. The main principle of this NPG/CCDisk concept was confirmed. Finally we can conclude that this proposed system must provide reliable and durable high performance pulsed power supply.