Stars, Jets and Batteries

Magnetic instabilities play a role in the genesis of black holes, yet they regulate also the rotation speed of collapsing stars and influence the behaviour of cosmic streams of matter, so-called jets. This year, at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, such a magnetic instability – the Tayler instability – was verified for the first time ever in a laboratory. This phenomenon occurs when sufficiently strong electrical current flows through a conductive liquid. As of a certain magnitude, the interaction of the electrical current with its own magnetic field creates a stream. The HZDR researchers have found out that this phenomenon can occur not only in outer space but also on Earth, that is, in liquid metal batteries. These are a potential, cost-effective storage solution for renewable energies. However, the latest results now suggest that this form of application could prove rather complicated.

"We have calculated that as of a certain current density and battery size, the Tayler instability inevitably occurs, resulting in strong streams within the layers of metal. This will agitate the liquid layers and cause them to short-circuit", says Dr Frank Stefani.

Further Information:

To the press release of the HZDR

af

back