This document discusses magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) power generation. MHD power generation directly converts heat energy into electrical energy without a conventional electric generator. It works based on Faraday's law - an electric current is generated when a conducting fluid passes through a magnetic field. There are two types of MHD systems - open cycle uses seeded inert gas while closed cycle uses liquid metal. MHD power generation has advantages like high efficiency, no moving parts, pollution-free operation, and low operational costs. However, it also has disadvantages like short equipment life due to high temperatures and technical limitations.

1. Gandhinagar Institute
of Technology
Renewable Energy Engineering (2181910)
Active Learning Assignment
MHD Power Generation
Mechanical 8-A1
Prepared By:
Nitin Rathod (140120119187)
Guided By :
Prof. Mrugesh Khatri

2. Introduction
• Magneto hydrodynamics (MHD)(magneto fluid
dynamics) is the academic discipline which studies the
dynamics of electrically conducting fluids.
• Examples of such fluids include plasmas, liquid metals,
and salt water.
• As its name implies, magneto hydro dynamics (MHD) is
concerned with the flow of a conducting fluid in the
presence of magnetic and electric field.
• An MHD generator is a device for converting heat
energy of a fuel directly into electrical energy without
conventional electric generator.

3. • MHD power generation is a new system of electric
power generation which is said to be of high efficiency
and low pollution.
• The output of the MHD is supplied to the conventional
Thermal Plants.

4. Principle
• The principle of MHD generation is same as the
principle of conventional electrical generator(Faraday’s
law).
• “When an electric conductor moves
across a magnetic field, a voltage is
induced in it which produces an
electric current.”
• This is the principle of the
conventional generator where the
conductors consist of copper strips.

5. • In MHD generator, the solid conductors are replaced by
a gaseous conductor, an ionized gas. If such a gas is
passed at a high velocity through a powerful magnetic
field, a current is generated and can be extracted by
placing electrodes in suitable position in the stream.
• An electric conductor moving through a magnetic field
experiences a retarding force as well as an induced
electric field and current.

6. MHD systems
• The MHD systems are broadly classified into two types.
• Open cycle system
• Closed cycle system
▫ Seeded inert gas system
▫ Liquid metal system

7. Advantages
• Highly efficient.
• No moving part, hence more reliable.
• The closed cycle system produces power, free of
pollution.
• It has ability to reach the full power level as soon as
started.
• All kind of heat sources can be used.
• Operational & maintenance costs are low. Thus, the cost
of power generation per unit is less.

8. Disadvantages
• MHD equipments have shorter life due to high
temperature stresses.
• High fluid friction losses and heat transfer losses.
• Very high operating temperature.
• Technical limitation on enhancing the fluid conductivity
and strength of magnetic field.