Coal-Fired Magnetohydrodynamic Power Plant With Zero-CO2 Atmospheric Emission

Abstract

In this system, an MHD generator is used instead of a gas turbine. The cycle efficiency is reaching 50%. The system is based on a cycle using CO2 as the working fluid and oxygen as oxidant. The fuel is pulverized coal. All the pollutants, including the CO2 produced in the combustion process, are fully removed and diposed of. This highly pressurized excess CO2 is easily separated from the working fluid without any costly and energy consuming device and, being in liquid state, is ready for transportation and disposal or possibly reuse in other applications. The most important parameter determining the cycle efficiency is shown to be the isentropic effectiveness of the MHD expander. This latter is depending, on the one hand, on the design of the channel and on the other hand, on the conductivity of the gases which can be optimized with respect to the cycle parameters. In conclusion, the assets of the proposed system are high performance and no pollutant releases. As a consequence, MHD generators may be considered as viable options for coal-firing and possible competitors of advanced coal-based plants. One of the spin-off of this study is the possible revival of existing MHD facilities.