Molten Metal Circuit Biasing for Plasma Power Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power generation systems face challenges in efficiently forming and harnessing the power from plasma, particularly in commercial applications, as they struggle to effectively capture and convert the optical power released during the ignition of water or water-based fuels.
Innovation Solution
A power generation system utilizing a SunCell® configuration with molten metal electrodes, a magnetohydrodynamic power converter, and photovoltaic converters to capture and convert the optical power from plasma formed by igniting water-based fuels, employing a plasma cloud of electron-stripped atoms and excited state atoms to emit optical power, which is then converted to electricity using photovoltaics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional power generation systems are used to form plasma, then plasma can be formed, but the efficiency of capturing and converting optical power is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or thermal power generation methods with a plasma-based system that uses electromagnetic fields and photovoltaic conversion. The plasma ignition system uses electrical discharge to create plasma, and the optical power is converted to electricity through photovoltaic cells, substituting traditional mechanical energy conversion mechanisms with electromagnetic and optical conversion processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the working medium from conventional fuel combustion to plasma state. By igniting water or water-based fuels to form plasma, the system achieves higher temperatures and energy density. The use of molten metal electrodes and high-voltage electrical discharge creates plasma conditions that enable more efficient optical power generation and conversion.
2Power
If plasma is formed with higher optical power output, then more energy is available for conversion, but it becomes more difficult to capture and convert the optical power efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces photovoltaic cells as an intermediary device between the plasma source and the electrical power output. The PV cells directly convert optical power from the plasma to electricity, serving as an efficient intermediary that captures high-energy photons and converts them to electrical energy with high efficiency, reducing energy loss in the conversion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic plasma ignition cycles where water or water-based fuels are repeatedly ignited to form plasma clouds. The pulsed or periodic nature of plasma formation allows for optimized energy capture during each ignition cycle, with the photovoltaic cells continuously converting optical power during the plasma emission phases.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system efficiently generates electrical and thermal energy by forming plasma through molten metal ignition, effectively capturing and converting optical power into usable energy, enhancing the efficiency of power generation.
Implementation Method 1
The ions and excited state atoms can recombine and undergo electronic relaxation to emit optical power.
Implementation Method 2
The optical power can be converted to electricity with photovoltaics.
Implementation Method 3
at least one magnetohydrodynamic power converter positioned to receive high temperature and pressure plasma
Data Source
AI summary
Systems to induce current flow in a circuit formed by intersecting molten metal streams are provided. The systems involve induction type electromagnetic pumps that produce each molten metal stream. In some embodiments, the current induced through the molten metal streams is induction current.