magnetohydrodynamics (MHD)

(MHD), magnetohydrodynamic power generator

fluid generator magnetic field conducting power conductivity study

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The study of the interactions between a conducting fluid and a magnetic field. MHD is
important in the study of controlled thermonuclear reactions in which the conducting
fluid is a plasma confined by a magnetic field. Other important applications include the
magnetohydrodynamic power generator (see illustration). In the open-cycle MHD
generator a fossil fuel, burnt in oxygen or preheated compressed air, is seeded with an
element of low ionization potential (such as potassium or caesium). This element is
thermally ionized at the combustion temperature (usually over 2500 K) producing
sufficient free electrons (e.g. K → K+ + e) to provide adequate electrical conductivity.
The interaction between the moving conducting fluid and the strong applied magnetic
field across it generates an e.m.f. on the Faraday principle, except that the solid
conductor of the conventional generator is replaced by a fluid conductor. The power
output per unit fluid volume (W) is given by W = kσv2B2, where σ is the conductivity of
the fluid, v is its velocity, B is the magnetic flux density, and K is a constant. Devices of
this kind are in use in some power stations, where they are suitable for helping to meet
high short-term demands and have the ability of increasing the thermal efficiency of a
steam-turbine generator from about 40% to 50%. In experimental closed-cycle systems
the fluid is continuously recirculated through a compressor; the fluid consists of a
heated and seeded noble gas or a liquid metal.

Read more: magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) - (MHD), magnetohydrodynamic power

generator - Fluid, Generator, Magnetic, Field, Conducting, and Power
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(MHD).html#ixzz1GI13xM5Y