The application of an integral method to a slagging magnetohydrodynamic channel flow

An integral method analysis for the performance of a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) channel is developed based on a coupled core flow-boundary layer approach. A model for the thermal behavior of the slag layer coated on the channel internal surfaces of a coal-fired MHD generator, and a model for the current leakage phenomena are incorporated into the analysis.

Comparisons between The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) Energy Conversion Facility (ECF) generator TP40A-17 test results and the present calculations are discussed. The present method also compares to the multidimensional model calculations with good agreement. With these verifications, the integral boundary layer method is found to be well suited for the entire channel analysis in an engineering development application. On the other hand, the integral boundary layer analysis has greatly relaxed some empiricism from the one-dimensional calculations. The present method is found to be adequate for the weak-to-moderate MHD interactions of MHD generators.