A Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Power Generating System: A Technical Review

Abstract

Abstract A magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) power generation technique is a nonconventional electric power harvesting modality in which the electricity is generated from an ionised fluid flow under a magnetic field. The ionized fluid moving under a magnetic field works as a moving electrical conductor and the MHD generator generates electrical energy according to the Faraday’s electromagnetic principle. The concept of MHD based electric power generation was first time introduced by Michael Faraday in 1832, and since then the MHD power generation method has been studied by several groups of researcher. In this paper the MHD technique has been discussed in details followed by a discussion on its components and instrumentation. A technical review on the research works conducted on MHD power generation has been presented and the major developments have been highlighted. The present scenario and the future trends are also discussed along with the challenges of the technology.