Theoretical considerations of the magnetohydrodynamic generator

Abstract

The distinction between the magnetohydrodynamic generator and the conventional wire-wound generator is that the role of the armature in the letter is played by an electrically conducting fluid in the former. This fluid is passed through a transverse electric and magnetic field and between two parallel plate electrodes. The induced electric field in the fluid, which is proportional to the fluid velocity and magnetic flux density, maintains a voltage drop across the electrodes and a current is generated when the electrodes are connected to an external load, closing the circuit. Thus energy is extracted from the fluid and delivered to an external load as electrical power.