Performance and Fluid Flow Characteristics of an Electro-Fluid Dynamic Generator

摘要

An investigation was conducted on performance and fluid flow characteristics of an EFD (electro-fluid dynamic) generator in order to experimentally determine the performance of an EFD generator using two different ground plate inserts under various conditions. The generator consisted of a closed loop pressurized system with an ejector powered secondary flow. An ion production system produced a locally intense electric field which partially ionized a high velocity neutral gas. The ions were carried through a conversion duct against a potential gradient, and were then collected and neutralized. Because the electric field from the collector opposed the motion of the ions, fluid dynamic energy was converted into electrical energy. In Phase I of this study, four configurations were tested under various conditions in order to determine the best geometric configuration, to check needle currents, and to measure performance. In Phase II a modified conversion duct was used to measure total pressure profiles and static pressure at four stations along the duct. Results showed that the normal ground plate insert gave better performance because of higher needle currents, and that the primary to secondary pressure ratio of three did not yield maximum needle current, as a pressure ratio of four gave a definite increase. (Author)