Patent Number: 043814620
Section: abstract

Solar energy (called energy to the extent it is thermodynamically useful) is focussed by an inflated, buoyant reflector for heating lithium circulating through an MHD conversion system. Hydrogen and nitrogen are added to the heated lithium, finely divided iron serving as catalyst to obtain lithium amid. The hydrogen has been produced by electrolysis of water. The lithium-lithium amid mixture (liquid) is mixed with pressurized nitrogen to obtain a two phase flow in which the liquid is accelerated; focussed into a jet passing through the MHD converter to obtain hydrazine and additional electrical energy e.g. for the hydrogen electrolysis; and returned to the solar heater. The gas (N.sub.2) is separated; subjected to recuperative heat exchange with itself; and low temperature isothermic compression under direct contact with a liquid which in turn is, ultimately, air cooled. The entire assembly is of elongated construction wherein the main active elements are arranged along a center axis e.g. as part of a central tubing surrounded by smaller tubing which section-wise runs various fluids to their appropriate destinations while serving as support frame. The entire process runs on the basis of self-sustaining fluid circulations without moving parts; the thermo and hydrodynamics as well as the electromagnetic interactions are explained and mathematically analyzed. The use of hydrazine as universal fuel is explained on the basis of compatibility with the biosphere. Alternative modes of hydrazine synthesis including using nuclear reaction as primary heat source is discussed.