Direct energy conversion of plasma energy

An application of ambipolar potential in a magnetized plasma is proposed for direct energy conversion. Analyses of a model device for 20-MW-per-unit-length (without considering end loss) and 14-MW-per-unit-length (with the end loss) are shown. The plasma density profile, the potential distribution in the device, and the voltage-current characteristics are obtained on the basis of the Poisson continuity equation system. As an example, a theoretical energy loss by neutral particles, which should not affect the total efficiency much. Experiments with a small thermal ionization-type device were performed wherein the relations of output voltage versus current and power versus impedance were acquired. the experimental results are compared with the theoretical and a qualitative agreement is obtained