Power output of segmented MHD Faraday generators with Hall voltage compensation

Compensation methods are considered for the performance deterioration of a segmented MHD Faraday generator due to Hall voltage effects. Current flow through the generator, and the effect of compensating voltages, are analyzed by means of a simple network analogue. Practical segmentation ratios are found to be less than 0.2, a limit which is shown to be well below that required for the minimization of Hall effects due to electrode length. It is determined that Hall effect compensation can yield a significant increase in generator power only at the expense of a large recirculation of power and internal losses, calling for a substantial increase in the rating of associated inverter equipment.