Novel scheme for space power generation and energy storage

A scheme designed to overcome the drawbacks of existing sources of pulsed power is described. The concept involves a self-contained, disposable cartridge which serves both as prime power source and electrical energy store. The energy initially stored in chemical form is transformed into kinetic form and stored in a hydromagnetic capacitor. The capacitor discharges through a closing switch into the electrical input of the weapon system. There are no structural rotating parts and no effluent. Scaling laws for the performance of the device are formulated, and numerical values of the parameters are derived. A comparative assessment with existing systems shows that the cartridge has the potential for increasing the achievable energy density by two orders of magnitude and the power density by four orders of magnitude. 6 references