The objective of this project is to apply to geophysical mapping a novel power source consisting of a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator driven by a chemically heated, nonequilibrium gas plasma. This application requires 1 to 3 MWe power pulses of 10- to 30-sec duration repeated several times per hour. A combustor directly heats the MHD working gas to conditions at which very high power densities are achieved. As a result, a complete 1 to 3 MWe power system fits on a small truck, while a comparable diesel-driven generator system requires a flatbed truck trailer. In previous research, tests established the feasibility of this concept using chemical fuel formulations suitable for use for only a fraction of a second. In the Phase I effort, an electrical heater is being used to achieve between 0.5 to more than 1 MWe of nonequilibrium MHD power generation in an existing MHD system for periods of several tenths of a second. The MHD generator channel is only 1 ft long. In addition, a preliminary design of a 1 to 3 MWe pulsed power system capable of multisecond operation is being made. In Phase II, this system is to be tested using a chemical fuel suitable for multisecond operation.Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee:Potential applications of this chemically fired, nonequilibrium MHD system include (1) a compact, low cost, mobile power source for geophysical mapping and (2) oil or gas exploration in areas where electromagnetic methods are superior to seismic methods. Such areas generally are beneath basalt rock formations in the western U.S. The compact size of the present power system allows its effective use in regions inaccessible to large vehicular traffic. Other potential applications include a very compact power source for downhole logging and very high pulsed power sources for fusion research, lasers, wind tunnels, space-based power, and electromagnetic guns.
