[en] High efficiencies can be achieved in the conversion of heat into electrical energy by the introduction of a combined magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) steam cycle. The potential offered by MHD has been demonstrated by studies showing coal-to-busbar conversion efficiencies approaching 50% with an electricity cost lower than that of competitive systems. Low NOsub(x) and SO₂ emission levels are obtained. The development program in the world will be described briefly, problem areas identified and recommendations for new developments given. (orig.)

[en] The results of Government-sponsored research on the use of magnetohydrodynamic generators in electric power production are presented. The report includes research on performance, costs, efficiency, and design of MHD generators and their use in fusion and fission reactors, and fossil fueled plants. (This updated bibliography contains 120 abstracts, 25 of which are new entries to the previous edition.)

[en] Routine preventive maintenance of the DOE Coal Fired Flow Facility (CFFF) is being performed. Modernization programs, funded under subcontract from Foster Wheeler Development Corporation by the DOE HIPPS Program, have been completed on the coal processing system, the data acquisition and control system and the control room. Late in the quarter, all work was stopped on maintenance of the CFFF at DOE instruction. Environmental restoration actions continued with monitoring of groundwater wells and holding pond effluent. Progress is reported on the approved groundwater remediation plan. Actions are underway to dispose of spent seed/ash mixtures and excess coal remaining from the MHD POC program. The status of five (5) High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) projects is reported. A summary is included of the results attained with sol-gel experiments with buffer layers and YBCO. The status of the cost/performance study of electron beam and PLD deposition is pre-sented. A summary of work performed in diagnostics for real time control of HTS processes is presented

No abstract available

[en] The Component Development and Integration Facility (CDIF) is one of the Department of Energy's (DOE) Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) experimental test facilities. The scope of this paper is limited to a brief description of the facility activation and results from the initial MHD testing using an oil fired ash injected combustor (AIC) and a supersonic channel. 1 ref

[en] A summary of the systems results from a study of power plants using MHD generators of the disk geometry is presented. Open and closed cycle systems were investigated, both of which were coal fired. Powerplant performance, plant design and costing of the nozzle, channel, diffuser, radiant boiler, magnet and power management system were performed for the open cycle system. 3 refs

[en] Both the guide vanes of the outflow disk MHD generator and the multiple inlets of the inflow disk MHD generator induce inlet azimuthal fluctuations, whose propagation along the channel may cause r-θ two-dimensional magneto-acoustic instability. The present paper evaluates the growth rate of r-θ two-dimensional disturbance during the propagation along supersonic disk channels by means of a sensitivity analysis. The generator analyzed here is a coal-fired outflow supersonic disk MHD generator of commercial scale. The paper proposes a method of sensitivity analysis for the azimuthally nonuniform disturbance. The sensitivity analysis shows that both low and high frequency two-dimensional disturbances have higher growth rate than one-dimensional ones. Time-invariant inlet azimuthal disturbances can tremendously grow during the propagation, which means that the fluctuation induced by the guide vanes may be quite dangerous. The azimuthal direction of traveling waves much affects the growth rate of waves. Two-dimensional time-dependent calculations also show that slight inlet azimuthal disturbances grow large during the propagation along the channel

[en] This magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) EDP identifies and examines the environmental, health, and safety issues concerning the development of the ERDA Magnetohydrodynamics Program, the environmental activities needed to resolve these issues, applicable ongoing and completed research, and a time-phased action plan for the evaluation and mitigation of environmental impacts. A schedule for environmental research, assessment, and other activities is laid out. The purpose of the EDP is to identify environmental issues and to specify actions to ensure the environmental acceptability of commercial energy technologies being developed by ERDA. The EDP also will assist in coordinating ERDA's environmental activities with those of other government agencies. This document addresses the following technologies associated with ERDA's MHD program: (1) open-cycle magnetohydrodynamics; (2) closed-cycle plasma magnetohydrodynamics; and (3) closed-cycle liquid metal magnetohydrodynamics. The proposed environmental action plan is designed to meet the following objectives: (1) develop methods for monitoring and measuring emissions; (2) characterize air emissions, water effluents, and solid wastes from MHD; (3) determine potential environmental impacts and health hazards associated with MHD; (4) model pollutant transport and transformation; (5) ensure adequate control of pollutant emissions; (6) identify and minimize occupational health and safety hazards; (7) prepare NEPA compliance documents; and (8) assess the environmental, health, and safety impacts of the commercialized industry. This EDP will be updated and revised annually to take into account the progress of technologies toward commercialization, the environmental work accomplished, and the resolution of outstanding environmental issues concerning the technologies

No abstract available

No abstract available