Calculation of end effects in open-cycle MHD power generators
Abstract
A mathematical model is used to calculate currents and voltage patterns in the end regions of MHD generators of the type now being developed by the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) for baseload utility service. The model is obtained from a solution of the steady state Maxwell's equation and Ohm's Law. For computation of the resultant partial differential equation, a finite difference computer code employing efficient and storage-conserving numerical methods is adopted. The numerical technique combines the direct solution technique and an iterative process. Several boundary conditions to meet given physical situations are imposed, including assumption of infinitely fine electrode segmentation in the channel. Calculations are performed for three different cases of plasma boundary conditions and magnetic field profiles, and the results indicate significant increases in the asymmetry and strength of electric fields in the downstream end of the generator due to the effects of axial and transverse gradients of the magnetic field.
- Publication:
-
16th Symposium on the Engineering Aspects of Magnetohydrodynamics
- Pub Date:
- 1977
- Bibcode:
- 1977seam.procS....C
- Keywords:
-
- Current Distribution;
- Finite Difference Theory;
- Magnetohydrodynamic Generators;
- Mathematical Models;
- Volt-Ampere Characteristics;
- Boundary Conditions;
- Boundary Layer Plasmas;
- Computer Techniques;
- Current Density;
- Equipotentials;
- Iterative Solution;
- Magnetic Fields;
- Plasma Physics