Magnetohydrodynamic Electrical Power Generation Hugo K. Messerle University of Sydney, Australia The global demand for energy continues to grow. Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) conversion processes offer a highly efficient, clean and direct conversion of energy for power generation and propulsion. By converting the kinetic energy of a flowing fluid into electricity directly, MHD systems help address the problems of environmental pollution. At the same time MHD is particularly suitable for primary energy sources or fuels providing energy at temperatures extending far beyond those manageable by any conventional thermal conversion plant. It therefore offers a potentially more effective utilisation of fossil and nuclear fuels. The author covers all aspects of MHD power generation, including the design and operation of MHD conversion systems in practice. Features include: A comprehensive introduction to the principles behind the interaction of magnetic field and electric currents with electrically conducting fluids in the conversion of energy. Coverage of all aspects of generator configurations, as well as the disk generator, multi-phase converters, and propulsion systems. Study of the design for AC power generation, covering the control and power conditioning of the generator and the integration of such designs into existing power systems. Study of the use of MHD plant as part of a topping cycle combined with a steam and/or gas turbine or ternary cycle potentially leading to combined cycle efficiencies of up to 60%. Relevant worked examples in each chapter to assist the reader with self-study and the understanding of the topic. This text will appeal to advanced students in power engineering, physics and mechanics. Practising engineers and scientists is the field of power technology will find if an excellent practical reference and a basis for developing ideas on large scale MHD processes. Magnetohydrodynamic Electrical Power Generation forms a part of the Energy Engineering Learning Package. This innovative distance learning package has been established to train power engineers to meet today’s and tomorrow’s challenges in this exciting field. Organised by a team of distinguished, international academics, the modular course is aimed at advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as power engineers working in industry. World Solar Summit Process

Magnetohydrodynamics, or MHD, is a theoretical way of describing the statics and dynamics of electrically conducting uids. The most important of these uids occurring in both nature and the laboratory are ionized gases, called plasmas. These have the simultaneous properties of conducting electricity and being electrically charge neutral on almost all length scales. The study of these gases is called plasma physics. MHD is the poor cousin of plasma physics. It is the simplest theory of plasma dynamics. In most introductory courses, it is usually afforded a short chapter or lecture at most: Alfven ́ waves, the kink mode, and that is it. (Now, on to Landau damping!) In advanced plasma courses, such as those dealing with waves or kinetic theory, it is given an even more cursory treatment, a brief mention on the way to things more profound and interesting. (It is just MHD! Besides, real plasma phy- cists do kinetic theory!) Nonetheless, MHD is an indispensable tool in all applications of plasma physics.

Providing a fundamental introduction to all aspects of modern plasma chemistry, this book describes mechanisms and kinetics of chemical processes in plasma, plasma statistics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and electrodynamics, as well as all major electric discharges applied in plasma chemistry. Fridman considers most of the major applications of plasma chemistry, from electronics to thermal coatings, from treatment of polymers to fuel conversion and hydrogen production and from plasma metallurgy to plasma medicine. It is helpful to engineers, scientists and students interested in plasma physics, plasma chemistry, plasma engineering and combustion, as well as chemical physics, lasers, energy systems and environmental control. The book contains an extensive database on plasma kinetics and thermodynamics and numerical formulas for practical calculations related to specific plasma-chemical processes and applications. Problems and concept questions are provided, helpful in courses related to plasma, lasers, combustion, chemical kinetics, statistics and thermodynamics, and high-temperature and high-energy fluid mechanics.