A nuclear space-based disk MHD power system with very high energy extraction

An open cycle space power system obtained by the coupling of a high temperature NERVA derivative nuclear reactor with a special configuration MHD disk generator is discussed. This very compact system uses a minimum size simple magnet configuration and few electrodes. This system is designed to produce no net thrust and to have minimum environmental impact. The main figure of merit for open cycle space power systems is the specific power extracted per unit mass flow of working fluid expressed as MW/kg/s or MJ/kg. A secondary but important figure of merit is the power per system mass (MW/kg). This MHD system can achieve specific power in excess of 20 MW/kg/s or (MJ/kg) with 2900 Κ hydrogen expanded to high Mach No. through the available high pressure ratio. The performance prediction discussed is based on a conservative evaluation of the present understanding of the non-equilibrium ionized plasma