Assessment of the machine parameters affecting the overall performance of an inductive MHD generator

In this paper an inductive MHD generator is proposed, which aims to overcome the typical drawbacks of the conventional MHD generators, such as the need to operate at high temperatures and to have superconducting coils for the generation of the external magnetic field. The conceptual idea is described and the energy conversion process is illustrated by means of a finite element method model, which describes the fluid dynamic aspects, joined to a Simulink® model, which describes the electromagnetic phenomena involved in the process. Some results of analysis are reported, putting in evidence the influence of design parameters of the machine.