Battery storage concept for magnetohydrodynamic generator systems

The authors describe a battery storage and voltage conversion concept appropriate to liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic (LMMHD) generator systems. LMMHD generators in principle provide a low-voltage, very-high-amperage direct current power output, and hence there is a need to develop a simple, efficient and cost-effective power conditioning system to handle this output power. Various approaches and their drawbacks are discussed. These include use of a homopolar DC/AC inverter and use of conventional storage batteries. An alternative approach is suggested for DC/DC voltage conversion to more useful voltage levels that also has built-in energy storage capability. It uses advanced flow batteries, incorporating liquid-phase reactants.<>