Effect of load segmentation on the performance of a nonequilibrium disk MHD generator

Abstract

Power generation experiments of a nonequilibrium disk MHD generator have been conducted under segmented load conditions. Effects of the load segmentation on the plasma fluid behavior and the generator performance are made clear. The MHD channel is divided into upstream and downstream parts. Although an MHD interaction along the fluid flow is divided by a middle electrode, each individual power generating part influences each other electrically and fluid dynamically. A higher loading condition in the upstream part is preferable in comparison with that in the downstream one to obtain higher electrical conductivity of the plasma. An excessive enthalpy extraction from the upstream part deteriorates the isentropic efficiency of the generator. It is possible for the segmented loading to maintain a comparable performance to that of the single-loading case by controlling each electrical efficiency in the segmented generation channels.