Power output of segmented MHD Faraday generators with hall voltage compensation

Abstract

Hall voltage causes a deterioration of the performance of a segmented MHD Faraday generator, and methods of compensation for this effect are studied. A simple network analogue is developed and used to analyze current flow through the generator and the effect of compensating voltages. Practical segmentation ratios are found to be <0.2. This limit is shown to be well below that required to minimize Hall effects due to electrode length. Smaller segmentation ratios, as used in larger designs therefore, are used mainly to cover inter-electrode breakdown caused by Hall voltages. Hall effect compensation is found to produce a significant increase in generator power only at the expense of a large recirculation of power and internal losses.