Space Thermoacoustic Radioisotopic Power System, SpaceTRIPS: The Magnetohydrodynamic Generator

Sustainability

Olivier Alemany¹  Augusto Montisci²  Arturs Brekis³  Antoine Alemany⁴ 

[1] Electrical and Electronic, English Department, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy;Institute of Engineering and Management, University of Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France;Institute of Physics, University of Latvia, 32 Miera, LV-2169 Salaspils, Latvia;SIMAP/Domaine Universitaire, 38402 Saint Martin d’Heres, France;

关键词: magnetohydrodynamics;    MHD;    liquid metals;    thermoacoustics;    energy converters;    deep space flights;   

DOI  :  10.3390/su132313498

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Electricity production is a major problem for deep space exploration. The possibility of using radioisotope elements with a very long life as an energy source was investigated in the framework of an EU project “SpaceTRIPS”. For this, a two-stage system was tested, the first in which thermal energy is converted into mechanical energy by means of a thermoacoustic process, and the second where mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy by means of a magnetohydrodynamic generator (MHD). The aim of the present study is to develop an analytical model of the MHD generator. A one-dimensional model is developed and presented that allows us to evaluate the behavior of the device as regards both electromagnetic and fluid-dynamic aspects, and consequently to determine the characteristic values of efficiency and power.

【 授权许可】

Unknown