How Do MHD Generators Work

Magnetohydrodynamic generators (MHD) generators are used for the generation of electrical
energy. In the MHD generators, electricity generation is carried out using conducting fluid as
an electrical conductor. Read on to know more about the working of the MHD generator.

MHD is the acronym for magnetohydrodynamic generator. MHD generators are similar to
the conventional electric generators. The only difference is that they use electrically
conducting fluid instead of solid conductors to generate electric power. Basically,
magnetohydrodynamics is a research area that involves the study of motion of electrically
conducting fluids such as plasma and salt water.

Structure of MHD Generator

A simple magnetohydrodynamic generator consists of a gas nozzle. The gas nozzle is a

combustion chamber that injects a pulse of gas into the channel/duct. The walls of the
channel act as an electrode. The induced electric current is fed to the load by an external
circuit that supplies the generated electricity to the desired destination. The MHD generators
can be constructed in various designs like the Faraday generator, Hall generator and disc
generator. Faraday generator was the first designed MHD generator. It was made by Michael
Faraday in 1831. The Faraday generator used copper disks and a horse-shoe magnet to
generate electricity.

How do MHD Generators Work?

How do MHD generators work? Under high pressure condition, an electrically conducting
gas is produced by burning a fossil fuel. Most of the MHD systems use coal or natural gas as
fossil fuel. However, inert gases like argon and helium are also used in some MHD systems.
The gas is passed through a nozzle at a high speed of 1000 to 2000 meter per second. The
magnetohydrodynamic generators do not create electric charge, it is inherent in the ionized
fluid or gases. To understand it better, think of a water pump that allows the water to pass
through but it is not the source of water. Conductivity of the fluid can be increased by
adopting various methods. If the fluid is an inert gas, then suitable amounts of potassium
carbonate can be added.

The gas enters the channel or duct where a strong magnetic field is applied with the help of
superconducting magnets. The magnetic intensity or magnetic field strength of the magnetic
field inside the channel is usually between 3 to 5 Tesla. As the gas passes through the
channel, an electromotive force is experienced by it. How does this force arise? According to
the Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction current/voltage (EMF) is induced in a
coil/wire whenever there is a change in the magnetic flux linked with the coil. Here, the
electromagnets are stationary but the conductor fluid is moving constantly. This causes the
generation of electric field.

As mentioned earlier the MHD systems consist of channel/duct that are a bridge to the
external circuit which will finally let the electricity to flow to the load. The question that
arises here is; what is an electrode? Electrodes are the plates, rods or wires that act as a
conductor to the flow of electricity. They act as a connector to the external circuit. Here the
channel acts as an electrode. The external circuit is connected to the electrode and electric
power supply is transferred to the desired path.
How do MHD Generators Work on the Principle of Magnetohydrodynamic Generator
Theory?

The basic mathematical equation governing the working of a magnetohydrodynamic

generator is the Lorentz force law. Suppose, a particle is projected with certain velocity (v) in
an area whose magnetic field intensity is B, then the force acted on the charged particle is
given by Lorentz force law. The direction of motion of the charged particle is dependent on
the charge of the particle (positive, negative or neutral) and also on the direction of the
magnetic field. Here is the vector form of the Lorentz force law.

F = Q · (v × B), where
F = Force acting on the particle,
Q = Charge on the particle,
v = Velocity of the particle,
B = Magnetic field

The important thing to remember is that the direction of force vector is perpendicular to the
plane of velocity and magnetic field.

However, in depth analysis requires the study of Navier-Stokes equation (included in fluid
dynamics) and Maxwell's law of electromagnetism. The Navier-Stokes equations are
differential equations that determine the velocity of the fluid at any particular instant of time.
The Maxwell's law of electromagnetism are four partial different equations that combine
together to form complex equations involving either magnetic or electric field or both.
Coupled with Navier-Stokes equations they are very useful in studying the working of
magnetohydrodynamic generator.

Magnetohydrodynamic generators were initially developed to heat the boilers of a steam

power plant as they require very high temperatures to function. This was not possible with
conventional electric generators. Magnetohydrodynamic generators have high thermal
efficiency required for power plants. MHD generators do not cause any significant harm to
the environment. With more research and innovation, MHD systems will lead to development
in the work of thermonuclear fusion reactors.