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MHD Presentation
MHD Presentation
Sarah Herder Aubrey Spilde Margaret Zahller ESM 288 May 17, 2006
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
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)
Conversion Efficiency
MHD generator alone: 10-20%
Steam plant alone: 40% MHD generator coupled with a steam plant: up to 60%
Losses
Heat transfer to walls
Friction
Maintenance of magnetic field
Tested combinations with other power conversion components (nuclear & steam)
Final application:
The Hunt for Red October
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)