Thermoacoustic-To-Magnetohydrodynamic Energy Converter for Deep Space Flights and Possibilities to Improve It
18th International Conference of Young Scientists on Energy and Natural Sciences Issues (CYSENI 2022): Proceedings 2022
Artūrs Brēķis

For Deep Space missions, there is a lack of available solar energy in locations far away from the Sun. So, the traditional technology of energy generation that is used as a power supply for deep Space probes is nuclear fuel. Typically, thermoelectric generators can be an option for decades-long Space flights. However, they have very low efficiency, often less than 2%. So, a novel concept [1] is proposed to convert nuclear heat power into electrical energy that is based on the coupling of a thermo acoustic (TAc) engine and magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) generator (Fig. 1). In this approach, the TAc engine converts 1 kW heat to the mechanical form of energy in the form of sound or pressure oscillations. These vibrations are then converted to 200 W electrical energy by using an MHD generator. An MHD generator is an electric machine where liquid metal (sodium on 100°C) is moving in the magnetic field created by permanent magnets [2]. This movement periodically changes its direction. The movement of electrically conducting media in a magnetic field induces an electromotive force that results in an electric current in Na. Further, the magnetic field created by the Na current induces a voltage in the generator’s coil that can finally be connected to the electric load [3]. On the contrary, the thermoacoustic cycle is somehow similar to the Stirling cycle, however, with an almost fully different approach. Here, the temperature difference of 800°C applied on the ends of the specific heat exchanger, called regenerator or stack, creates a spontaneous travelling wave of sound inside the engine’s working gas (Argon) on the frequency of 50 Hz. This is obtained when 2 thermoacoustic engines are connected in the loop, so one is working as an amplifier to the other one [4].The brilliance of this technology is that it doesn’t have any moving parts, neither in the TAc engine nor in the MHD generator. The liquid metal is the only moving media. So, it is able to operate without human maintenance for a half-century or even more. In the FP7 project SpaceTRIPS (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/312639), the facility was developed, constructed and tested in a sodium laboratory at the Institute of Physics of the University of Latvia (IPUL). A strong team of scientists from France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and Latvia were involved. The competence of the team can be justified by the fact that IPUL is the leading institute in the world that has focused exclusively on MHD research for more than 75 years. IPUL have specific stainless steel laboratory equipment for Alkali metal experiments that have no analogues in the world as well as, for example, Dutch company “ASTER” – the worldwide leader in thermoacoustic technologies, that provided sophisticated and unique parts from exotic materials for “SpaceTRIPS” thermoacoustic engine construction. Italy was represented by the company “THALES ALENIA SPACE”, which was in charge of proposed technology integration in a Space environment. Finally, France was represented by their leading nuclear company, “AREVA”, which was responsible for the “SpaceTRIPS” nuclear fuel concept development. However, an important disadvantage was found for this type of machine. It is the existence of a liquid metal-free surface that can become unstable when it oscillates. Based on the findings of the SpaceTRIPS project, a newly developed MHD generator free surface electromagnetic stabilization method was proposed that in future could increase technology readiness level (TRL) at least by +1.


Atslēgas vārdi
Magnetohydrodynamics, MHD, thermoacoustic, liquid metals, deep Space exploration

Brēķis, A. Thermoacoustic-To-Magnetohydrodynamic Energy Converter for Deep Space Flights and Possibilities to Improve It. No: 18th International Conference of Young Scientists on Energy and Natural Sciences Issues (CYSENI 2022): Proceedings, Lietuva, Kaunas, 24.-27. maijs, 2022. Kaunas: Lithuanian Energy Institute, 2022, 145.-148.lpp. ISSN 2783-6339.

Publikācijas valoda
English (en)
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