High-density magnetohydrodynamic energy conversion

High-density energy conversion using a compact closed-cycle magnetohydrodynamics electrical power generator was described in this paper. Cesium-seeded argon gas was first used to demonstrate the conversion process. High power density (0.76 GW/m³ ) for outstanding efficient energy conversion was successful through the application of high- and uniform-density 4 T magnetic flux which enables high-Hall parameter operation, high electrical conductivity, due to a high seeding rate, symmetric and stable plasma creation, and a sufficient pressure gradient to drive a fluid. The feasibility of high-density MHD energy conversion in the high-temperature seed-free argon plasma was also described. The state of the MHD power-generating plasma change with increasing total inflow temperature from 8200 K to 9400 K; the unstable behavior accompanied by fine structures is transformed to the homogeneous and stable state. The enthalpy extraction efficiency obtained under the high-temperature condition is comparable with previous experiments using conventional seeded gases. Furthermore, the considerably high power output density of 0.3 GW/m3 is achieved even under the relatively low-density magnetic flux of 0.5 T