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MHD Generator Overview and Applications

The document discusses magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generators, which use magnetic fields to directly convert the kinetic or thermal energy of electrically conducting fluids like plasma into electricity. The Department of Energy funded a program from 1983-1993 to prove the concept of coal-fired commercial MHD power plants. While the concept was proven, MHD generators had lower efficiencies than other existing coal power options and were much more expensive to build. As a result, the program was discontinued with no realized economic or environmental benefits despite over $1 billion in funding. However, the research contributed to subsequent clean coal projects and MHD continues to be explored for applications like submarine propulsion with no moving parts.

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6 views3 pages

MHD Generator Overview and Applications

The document discusses magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generators, which use magnetic fields to directly convert the kinetic or thermal energy of electrically conducting fluids like plasma into electricity. The Department of Energy funded a program from 1983-1993 to prove the concept of coal-fired commercial MHD power plants. While the concept was proven, MHD generators had lower efficiencies than other existing coal power options and were much more expensive to build. As a result, the program was discontinued with no realized economic or environmental benefits despite over $1 billion in funding. However, the research contributed to subsequent clean coal projects and MHD continues to be explored for applications like submarine propulsion with no moving parts.

Uploaded by

naveenkarri
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Presentation Transcript

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD)Generator :

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD)Generator HIMANSHU SINGH 0519221021 March 16, 2009

Slide 2:

MHD power generation uses the interaction of an electrically conducting fluid with a magnetic
field to convert part of the energy of the fluid directly into electricity Converts thermal or kinetic
energy into electricity

Slide 3:

Where F is the force of the acting particle (vector) V is the velocity of the particle (vector) Q is
the charge of the particle (scalar) B is the magnetic field (vector) Lorentz Force Law: F = QvB

Conversion Efficiency :

Conversion Efficiency MHD generator alone: 10-20% Steam plant alone: ˜ 40% MHD generator
coupled with a steam plant: up to 60%

Losses :

Losses Heat transfer to walls Friction Maintenance of magnetic field

MHD + Steam plant :

MHD + Steam plant

What we thought in 1975: :

What we thought in 1975: Maximum electric power generation is unlimited by physical


principle, only by technological development With no dynamically or thermally stressed
components, the system is expected to be robust, with high operational safety, and little required
maintenance Can yield full output of power in between 0.3 to 0.5 seconds ? Ideally suited for
emergency back-up or reserve power or experimental scientific uses (pulsed power) Research
under way by a number of countries including the US, China, Italy, and Japan
ENTER: The Department of Energy (DOE) :

ENTER: The Department of Energy (DOE) ?Called for a ‘Proof-of-Concept’ program to be


completed between 1983-1993 focused development on open-cycle, coal-fired, commercial
MHD power plants & creating a database for the private sector Tested combinations with other
power conversion components (nuclear & steam)

Results of DOE Research :

Results of DOE Research “successfully proved the concept of MHD technology” Program was
discontinued in 1993 due to the high cost of designing, constructing, and operating a complete
system Much higher than the corresponding cost for other coal-fired power generation options
already in use Lower efficiency than developing gas turbine technology

More Results of DOE Research :

More Results of DOE Research Knowledge benefits: database of technologies for pressurized
high-temperature gas heaters Contributed to subsequent clean coal technology projects “NO
realized economic, environmental, or security benefits” (Total Money spent on MHD program:
$1.02 Billion by government & $90 million by industry (in constant 1999 dollars))

“Lessons Learned” (according to the DOE) :

“Lessons Learned” (according to the DOE) “Private sector interest in developing a technology,
as evidenced by a willingness to cost share in the demonstration process, must be considered.”
“There must be an understanding of where a technology fits in an R&D portfolio from a priority
standpoint, so that decision makers at all levels can be provided with all the information they
need to make the best decisions in the interest of the overall R&D program.” “Difficult decisions
to terminate programs must be made as early as possible and available funds redirected to the
areas of greatest potential.”

Other uses of MHD Technology :

Other uses of MHD Technology The “Yamoto”: a boat built by Mitsubishi powered solely by
MHD propulsion Can travel at up to 15 km/hr

Final application: :

Final application: Caterpillar drive uses MHD technology to silently power sub (no moving
parts) so that the Commies can attack the US undetected (but Sean Connery defects and saves the
day) The Hunt for Red October

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