Solar-assisted liquid metal MHD power generation: A state of the art study

Abstract

The research and development of LMMHD energy conversion (EC) systems which started in the 1960s has already come a long way and is heading towards commercialization. Design and development of such systems has to deal with a number of questions relating to single- and two-phase flows of molten metals, including different patterns of two-phase flow, interphase, phenomena, heat transfer, performance of LMMHD components and compatibility of liquid metals with other fluids and with confinement materials. Liquid metal MHD (LMMHD) power conversion systems proposed many years ago are gaining increasing attention in their various proposed modes, consisting of single-phase or two-phase fluid flow for a wide range of heat sources, e.g. solar energy, waste heat, nuclear energy, etc. Liquid metal MHD (LMMHD) power systems have been recently proposed for direct electrical energy conversion of low grade thermal sources of energy, like solar energy. Solar-powered LMMHD power generation systems are very attractive regarding efficiency and cost per unit of installed power. Theoretical and experimental investigations carried out in the various aspects of these systems are presented. A state of the art review of activities in the solar-powered LMMHD power systems field which have taken place so far is described here. © 1995.