The induction MHD generator using an alternating magnetic field is proposed. The characteristics of the machine are analyzed theoretically and also compared with those of the induction MHD generator using a traveling magnetic field.
Following conclusions are obtained for the fundamental characteristics of the present machine:
(1) This type of the machine is possibly operated not only as the generator but also as the pump or as the damper.
(2) The optimum condition for the maximum generator efficiency exists among the relations of the frequency, the fluid velocity and the inner core radius because of the eddy current loss due to an alternating magnetic field.
(3) The power ratio of the reactive power of the machine to the gross output power can be reduced to a much smaller value than that of the traveling wave MHD generator. Therefore, even in the case of the working fluid with a relative low electrical conductivity such as two-phase liquid metal flow with high void fraction, the acceptable power ratio can be expected.
(4) For the working fluid with higher electrical conductivity the skin effect is also able to be reduced to the acceptable level in the present machine, while it is a serious problem in the traveling wave MHD generator.
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