MHD

generator

Uvod
Magneto HydroDynamic (MHD) system is a nonconventional source of energy which is based upon
Faradays Law of Electromagnetic Induction, which
states that energy is generated due to the movement
of an electric conductor inside a magnetic field.

Concept given by Michael Faraday in

1832 for the first time.

MHD System widely used in advanced

countries.
Under construction in INDIA.

Need of MHDs
At present a plenty of energy is needed to
sustain industrial and agricultural production,
and the existing conventional energy sources
like coal, oil, uranium etc are not adequate to
meet the ever increasing energy demands.
Consequently, efforts have been made for
harnessing energy from several nonconventional energy sources like Magneto
Hydro Dynamics(MHD) System.

Principle Of MHD Power

Generation
Faradays law of electromagnetic induction
When an electric conductor moves across a magnetic field, an
emf is induced in it, which produces an electric current .

Lorentz Force

on the
charged particle (vector),

F = q(v B)
where,
v = velocity of the particle
(vector)
q= charge of the particle
(scalar)
B = magnetic field (vector)

Comparison between a Turbo

generator and a MHD generator

Types of
MHD SYSTEM
(1)Open cycle System
(2)Closed cycle System
(i)Seeded inert gas systems
(ii) Liquid metal systems

OPEN CYCLE MHD SYSTEM

HYBRID MHD STEAM PART

OPEN CYCLE

CLOSED CYCLE MHD

SYSTEM

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OPEN

CYCLE AND CLOSED CYCLE
SYSTEM
Open Cycle System

Working fluid after generating

electrical energy is discharged
to the atmosphere through a
stack .
Operation of MHD generator is
done directly on combustion
products .
Temperature requirement :
2300C to 2700C.
More developed.

Closed Cycle System

Working fluid is recycled to the

heat sources and thus is used
again.

Helium or argon(with cesium

seeding) is used as the working
fluid.
Temperature requirement : about
530C.
Less developed.

NEED FOR FURTHER

RESEARCH

The MHD channel operates on extreme conditions of

temperature, magnetic and electric fields .
So, numerous technological advancements are needed
prior to commercialization of MHD systems .
Search is on for better insulator and electrode
materials which can with stand the electrical, thermal,
mechanical and thermo-chemical stresses and
corrosion.

ADVANTAGES OF MHD
SYSTEM

Conversion efficiency of about 50% .

Less fuel consumption.
Large amount of pollution free power generated .
Ability to reach full power level as soon as started.
Plant size is considerably smaller than
conventional fossil fuel plants .
Less overall generation cost.
No moving parts, so more reliable .

DISADVANTAGES OF
MHD SYSTEM

Suffers from reverse flow (short circuits) of

electrons through the conducting fluids around the
ends of the magnetic field.
Needs very large magnets and this is a major
expense.
High friction and heat transfer losses.
High operating temperature.
Coal used as fuel poses problem of molten ash
which may short circuit the electrodes. Hence, oil
or natural gas are much better fuels for MHDs.
Restriction on use of fuel makes the operation
more expensive.

APPLICATIONS

Power generation in space craft.

Hypersonic wind tunnel experiments.

Defense application.

CONCLUSION
The MHD power generation is in advanced stage today
and closer to commercial utilization. Significant progress
has been made in development of all critical components
and sub system technologies. Coal burning MHD
combined steam power plant promises significant
economic and environmental advantages compared to
other coal burning power generation technologies. It will
not be long before the technological problem of MHD
systems will be overcame and MHD system would
transform itself from non- conventional to conventional
energy sources.

THANK YOU !!