Abstract: A magnetohydrodynamic energy conversion device with an electrically conductive working fluid flowing through a conduit in a magnetic field has permanent magnets aligned for maximum field density for inducing an electric current in the fluid and a multistage cooling system for cryogenically cooling the magnets whereby heat is removed from the device at successive cooling stages having respective different coolants, e.g., water, liquid nitrogen and liquid helium, to maintain the magnets at temperatures low enough to produce high tesla magnetic flux densities in the presence of a high temperature working fluid.

Abstract: A magnetohydrodynamic energy conversion device with an electrically conductive working fluid flowing through a conduit in a magnetic field has permanent magnets aligned for maximum field density for inducing an electric current in the fluid and a multistage cooling system for cryogenically cooling the magnets whereby heat is removed from the device at successive cooling stages having respective different coolants, e.g., water, liquid nitrogen and liquid helium, to maintain the magnets at temperatures low enough to produce high tesla magnetic flux densities in the presence of a high temperature working fluid.

Abstract: A magnetohydrodynamic energy conversion device has a tungsten housing containing a working fluid and a conduit leading from and reentering the housing under pressure developed by heating the fluid with by an optical concentrator which directs rays from the sun at the housing. A voltage is developed across electrodes spaced within the conduit as the heated fluid passes therethrough. The fluid may be directed to turn a gas turbine for driving an electric generator.

Abstract: A modified Brayton Cycle Engine employs solar radiation to heat a metal hydride material in a storage unit. Hydrogen driven from the metal hydride material is recombined with the material at a controlled rate in an exothermic reaction for heating a compressible Brayton working fluid for driving a turbine to which an electric generator is coupled for converting solar radiation to electricity. A compressor, also coupled to the turbine, compresses the Brayton working fluid before it is heated by the solar radiation. Heat from a solar MHD generator may also be used to heat the Brayton working fluid.

Abstract: A modified Brayton Cycle Engine employs solar radiation to heat a compressible Brayton working fluid for driving a turbine to which an electric generator is coupled for converting solar radiation to electricity. A compressor, also coupled to the turbine, compresses the Brayton working fluid before it is heated by the solar radiation. Heat from a solar MHD generator may also be used to heat the Brayton working fluid. A heat pipe can be used to efficiently transfer heat from the solar radiation or MHD generator to the Brayton working fluid. Spent Brayton working fluid exiting the turbine is passed through a heat exchanger to preheat compressed Brayton working fluid exiting the compressor before the compressed Brayton working fluid is heated by the solar radiation. The spent Brayton working fluid exiting the heat exchanger may be further cooled in another heat exchanger across which ambient air can be blown.

Abstract: An energy conversion device for generating electricity includes a heat exchanger adapted to receive heat from a heat source. A closed magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) circuit includes a section for extracting heat from a heat exchanger so as to raise the temperature of the flowable electrically conductive material within the MHD circuit. The heat exchanger includes a heat-conductive support adapted to be heated, and a heat-extracting section of the MHD circuit extracts heat from the support. The support may be a metal plate having a sinuous pipe arrangement in heat-conductive contact against each face, one of these pipe arrangements being part of a circuit for heating the plate and the other pipe arrangement being part of the MHD circuit. The heat source may be combustion of a fuel, solar, geothermal, chemical reaction, or waste heat in the form of a hot gas.

Abstract: A magnetohydrodynamic energy conversion device has a tungsten housing containing a working fluid and a conduit leading from and reentering the housing under pressure developed by heating the fluid with by an optical concentrator which directs rays from the sun at the housing. A voltage is developed across electrodes spaced within the conduit as the heated fluid passes therethrough. The fluid may be directed to turn a gas turbine for driving an electric generator.