vHow 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 NavierStokes 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.