Optimum power generation from a moving plasma

Abstract

The possibility exists of directly using the plasma, resulting from a controlled fusion reaction, to generate electricity by electromagnetic induction. Two special cases of a more general problem are considered here: (1)the extraction of optimum power from the steady one-dimensional flow of an incompressible inviscid plasma across a uniform transverse magnetic field in an externally loaded channel of arbitrarily varying cross-section, and (2) the extraction of optimum power from the steady one-dimensional flow of a compressible inviscid plasma across a uniform transverse magnetic field in a channel of uniform cross-section. In each case, the magnitude of the required external loading at optimum power operation is determined as a function of the parameters which characterize the hydromagnetic interaction. Also determined are the magnitudes of the terminal voltate, power, fluid mechanical to electrical conversion efficiency, and the variation of the fluid dynamical variables along the channel at optimum power.

On the one-dimensional flow of a conducting gas in crossed fields

“…These assumptions, obviously, do not yield a fully determined problem; thus Way introduces one of three restrictions: constant velocity, constant area or constant pressure. Neuringer [3] has analysed the constant-area, constant-conductivity flow in constant electric and magnetic fields. Especially, he has derived equations giving the electric field corresponding to maximum power for given length, magnetic field and inlet values.…”

Shape optimization of a MHD generator based on pressure drop and power output constraints

“…Hence there is a need to develop a framework to conduct optimization studies wherein; any arbitrary electrical conductivity model can be used by the designer. Several design, analysis and optimization studies exist with regards to ground-based MHD generators [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. Optimization studies such as [5][6][7] were conducted with several simplifying assumptions and analytical expressions for an objective function was derived for a given set of design conditions/constraints.…”

“…These analyses assumed the electrical conductivity to be constant or obey some prescribed power law dependence. Neuringer [5] considered the problem of optimizing power from a channel with a constant cross-section and uniform electrical conductivity. Swift-Hook and Wright [6] considered the problem of minimizing the duct length/volume for a constant Mach-number generator.…”

Analysis of optimum power extraction in a MHD generator with spatially varying electrical conductivity

“…These devices are characterized by high efficiencies and can operate at high temperatures. Several analytical studies [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] have investigated various aspects of design, analyses and optimization of MHD generators. Ref.…”

“…Ref. [1] through [12] represents only a partial list of the large body of literature pertaining to the study of MHD generators.…”