Magnetically confined plasma solar collectorThe possibility of using a plasma medium for collecting solar energy in space is examined on the basis of a concept involving an orbiting magnetic bottle in which a solar-energy-absorbing plasma is confined. A basic system uses monatomic cesium as working fluid. Cesium evaporates from a source and flows into the useful volume of a magnetic bottle where it is photoionized by solar radiation. Ions and electrons lost through the loss cones are processed by a recovery system, which might be a combination of electromagnetic devices and heat engines. This study concentrates on the plasma production processes and size requirements, estimates of the magnetic field required to confine the plasma, and an estimate of the system parameters for a 10 GW solar collector using cesium.
Document ID
19790032604
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Walters, C. T. (Battelle Columbus Labs. OH, United States)
Wolken, G., Jr. (Battelle Columbus Labs. OH, United States)
Purvis, G. D., III (Battelle Columbus Laboratories Columbus, Ohio, United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1978
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Meeting Information
Meeting: Radiation energy conversion in space; Conference