Efficiency oriented design guidelines for a magnetohydrodynamic generator system

Abstract

Magnetohydrodynamic power generation (MHDG) was a thriving field of research in the 1960s but low efficiency and difficulty to reach desired operating points (high temperature) discouraged the investment of further efforts in the matter. Nowadays technological advances such as superconducting electromagnets (with very low power consumption for higher overall efficiency), power electronics (to enable harvesting and processing of current intensive DC power for any application), and powerful multiphysics simulation software, call for a reassessment of this power generation method. The aim of this paper is to deliver a realistic analysis of the competitiveness of MHDG as well as the possibilities offered by design variables to improve its attributes. Finite element analysis offers an improved understanding of field and flow distribution as well as the power density generated within the fluid channel. Analytical energy efficiency determination is completed for two different fluids as well as a sensitivity study of influential design factors. Furthermore a power output/cost comparison between MHD-systems operating with combustion gasses and liquid copper is carried out to offer a complete assessment of MHDG.