New Technology Increases Concentrated Solar
Conversion Efficiency by 60 Percent
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| Magneto-Hydro-Dynamics (MHD) is derived from Magneto-meaning magnetic field, Hydro-meaning liquid, and Dynamics-meaning movement. MHD generates electricity directly from a body of very hot moving gas without any mechanical moving parts. Magnetohydrodynamics works by using magnets to extract electricity from superheated charged gas. In a sense MHD replaces the wires used in conventional electrical generators with ionized gas. This rendering depicts the solar MHD device that uses power from the sun to generate electricity. The system can also run on biodiesel or jet fuel JP8. In addition, it can also be used as a topping cycle to improve the efficiency to existing power plants. |
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Pictured here, MHD generates electricity |
Right now, more than 6.5 billion people are competing for
the Earth’s dwindling supply of fossil fuels. By 2050, it is
estimated that there will be 8 to 10 billion, and major
advances in energy technology will be required to meet their
needs. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has faced that
challenge by launching and expanding programs in renewable
energy sources and energy conservation.
Today, Rensselaer announced the signing of an exclusive
license agreement with Concentrating Solar Power Utility for a
new solar power technology utilizing what is known as
magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). The promising technology uses
superconducting magnets to increase the efficiency of
conversion from sunlight to electricity by stripping electrons
from high-energy plasma jets and thereby generating power with
no moving parts.
The three co-inventors are Concentrating Solar Power Utility
founder Thomas P. Kay and two Rensselaer faculty members:
Douglas Chrisey, professor in the Department of Materials
Science and Engineering and the Department of Biomedical
Engineering, and Yoav Peles, associate professor in the
Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear
Engineering.
Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) is derived from the terms
magneto—meaning magnetic field; hydro—meaning liquid; and
dynamics—meaning movement. MHD uses magnets and plasma to
extract electricity from superheated charged gas, and allows
the generation of power directly from a body of hot gas without
the need for any moving parts. A key benefit of MHD is its
ability to operate at higher temperatures, which makes it a
strong fit to use in solar power generation.
“In developing this technology, the use of the extremely
large superconducting permanent magnets will improve
efficiency, and this is even more so when combined with the
micro-channel cooling process developed by Professor Peles,”
said Chrisey.
The team has been working on the project for more than two
years. Some of their joint work was, in turn, based on two
earlier MHD patents held by Kay.
“Because of the higher temperature, generated solar MHD is
more efficient than other types of solar thermal technologies
that work at a much lower temperature. The laws of
thermodynamics tell us that to generate power from a heat
source, such as a burning fuel, the higher the temperature, the
more efficient it will be, and that is the key advantage of
this green technology,” said Kay, who has worked in solar
power since the 1970s.
“We are delighted to partner with Concentrating Solar Power
Utility,” said Ron Kudla, executive director of the Office of
Intellectual Property, Technology Transfer, and New Ventures at
Rensselaer. “This is an excellent example of progress under
The Rensselaer Plan in the area of clean energy and
technology transfer that demonstrates Rensselaer’s unique
strength in its ability to translate scientific discoveries
into practical application.”
Founded in the 1990s, the Office of Technology
Commercialization resides within the Intellectual Property,
Technology Transfer, and New Ventures portfolio. Along with the
Rensselaer Technology Park, the OTC helps the Institute protect
intellectual property and forges relationships with industry to
bring Rensselaer’s discoveries to the marketplace. The OTC also
contributes to the local economy by spinning off new companies
generated from the research on campus. Discoveries in
nanotechnology, electronics, energy, biotechnology, and
terahertz are all part of the Institute’s expanding
intellectual property portfolio as Rensselaer increases its
aggressive research initiative.
With the establishment of the OTC, Rensselaer has staked its
claim in the changing landscape of American research
universities, where researchers are increasingly encouraged to
protect their discoveries and hopefully effectively license
them to industry for life-enhancing products. This year,
through OTC’s efforts, licensing revenues and patent
reimbursements paid to the Institute are expected to be
approximately $1,722,900, building upon a steady annual growth
rate of more than 18 percent since 2002 when Rensselaer only
generated $62,000.
Since 2000, more than 1,200 inventors have filed patent
disclosures with the OTC. In addition, more than 200 patents
have been issued and Rensselaer has over 70 active licenses and
averages 12 to 15 new deals a year, according to Kudla.
And thanks to the OTC, Rensselaer Professor Chrisey and
Professor Peles, along with Kay, are one step closer to their
dream of developing an innovative and cutting-edge solar energy
system.
For more information about the Office of Technology
Commercialization at Rensselaer, visit: http://www.rpitechnology.com/.
For more information about Concentrating Solar Power Utility
Inc., visit: http://concentratingsolarpowerutility.com/.
