Magnetohydrodynamic Power Generation in Space from a Repetitively Detonated Device
Summary:
MSE Technology Applications, Inc. (MSE; Butte, MT), is coupling a pulsed detonation rocket engine (PDRE) with a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator to simultaneously create propulsion and electric power. The PDRE-MHD will be applied to orbital power generating platforms and space propulsion. BMDO, now MDA, funded MSE to develop a power generation approach that allows for the deployment of clusters of satellites, which will increase the survivability and operability of the defense system.
Technology Description:
MSE is developing a method of generating propulsion and high electric power simultaneously for short durations. The company is coupling a pulsed detonation rocket engine (PDRE) with a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator. A PDRE is a variation of a ground-based pulsed detonation engine (PDE). The conventional PDE is aimed at air breathing operation, but the PDRE has a converging-diverging nozzle and stored fuel and oxidizer making it applicable to space operation. MHD power generators are generally known for ground-based applications, however they can be designed for space applications. A MHD generator is extremely robust and reliable, allowing it to withstand the rigors of launch and space environments, and operate at various power levels.
In the PDRE-MHD system, the constant-pressure combustion mode of a conventional rocket is replaced by a constant-volume combustion process, which is achieved by fast, repetitive cycling of the detonation of reactants within a combustion chamber. The MHD generator is established with concentric magnetic coils at the diverging exhaust nozzle of the engine. Because the exhaust gases passing through the nozzle are in an ionized condition, it is possible to generate an electric current. MSE will seed the gases with a chemical compound containing an alkaline metal to make conductive plasma.
MSE envisions a higher performance PDRE-MHD generator for directed energy satellite weapon systems with multiple smaller tubes arranged symmetrically and fired synchronously thereby mitigating engine failure rates, vibrations, and costs while, at the same time, increasing survivability and operability. This PDRE-MHD generator will be capable of providing both the power required for the onboard directed energy weapon system and orbital maneuvering capabilities.
MDA Origins:
MSE was awarded a 2001 BMDO, now MDA, SBIR Phase II contract to continue the development of space power generation based on the coupling of PDRE with an MHD generator. It is a highly efficient chemical power generation approach that allows for deployment of clusters of satellites, which increases the survivability and operability of the defense system. The technology would provide MDA with a low-cost, dual-use, highly efficient, and flexible design for an orbital power-generating platform. NASA has also provided funding early in the project for possible space propulsion applications. Some MSE capital money was applied as well.
Spinoff Applications:
MSE’s main application of the PDRE-MHD is as an orbital power-generating platform. However, a pulsed detonation engine (PDE) combined with a MHD offer ground-based applications for the company to explore.
Space-based: MSE is primarily focused on applying the PDRE-MHD to orbital power-generating platforms for directed energy weapons. The company would like to see a PDRE-MHD used as an orbiting power supply for microwave or laser weapons used in missile defense. The PDRE-MHD design fully accommodates the dual-use requirements of power generation and orbital maneuvering propulsion. It can potentially minimize satellite vibrations because there will be multiple generators firing with a lower power. The PDRE-MHD is also expected to be failure tolerant and robust. Because there are few moving parts, there is less opportunity for something to break. If a generator does malfunction, it would be shut off along with the one directly across from it, and the other generators would continue to operate. The PDRE-MHD should also be inexpensive to operate because it does not require exotic fuels; it will run on simple hydrogen and oxygen.
A second type of platform being considered is an emergency communications satellite. The satellite would only be activated in the event of a communications emergency. The PDRE-MHD could be dormant in space for years until it is needed. When the system is fired, it would give a very high power output and orbital maneuverability, if required.
Ground-based: The PDRE-MHD can be modified to a PDE-MHD, which can generate power on the ground. The system would be useful for high-power, short-duration applications such as ground-based energy weapons for theater defense like the space-based PDRE-MHD; however, it would use a less expensive fuel. MSE is also contemplating using an air-breathing PDE with MHD for continuous power generation, however that is not an application the company is currently pursuing.
Commercialization:
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center provided early funding for the PDRE-MHD project and Boeing Rocketdyne Corporation participated as a subcontractor. Boeing has expressed interest in the directed energy weapons application, which could be available in three to five years with sufficient funding. MSE is not a manufacturing company, so it needs a licensing partner involved in aerospace (such as Boeing or TRW) to commercialize the technology.
MSE needs “dollar-for-dollar” matching funds up to $300,000 from additional sources for the company to use the remaining half of its MDA SBIR Phase II funding to further refine the technology. The company is also interested in obtaining marketing resources to identify potential commercialization/licensing partners.
Company Profile:
MSE is focused on the research, development, and commercialization of aerospace, advanced energy, and environmental technology. The company’s main customer is the DOD, but it has performed technology development for several Federal agencies, including MDA. MSE is headquartered in Montana and has six field offices located throughout the United States. The company employs 200 people.
Contact Information:
David Lofftus
MSE Technology Application, Inc.
200 Technology Way
P.O. Box 4078
Butte, MT 59702
Tel: (406) 494-7272
Fax: (406) 494-7230
email: dlofftus@mse-ta.com
web: www.mse-ta.com
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