Performance Calculations on MHD Generators with Fluid Injection through the Walls

This is a preliminary study aimed at determining how injection of fluids through the wall of an MHD generator will affect the generator's performance. The advantages inherent in partial or total recovery of heat losses at high temperature and protection of the walls against deposits of seed have to be weighed against disadvantages such as non-recovery of latent heat of vaporization from any water that may be present in the fluid and a possible lengthening of duct. The calculations were performed on a data-processing machine. Complete recycling of heat losses and instantaneous mixing of the injected fluid with the principal fluid were assumed. The results relate to two types of generator, one of comparatively modest performance and size, the other a more advanced type. Of the different fluids injected, air proved to be by far and away the most promising owing to its non-condensability under MHD operating conditions and as it participates in the combustion reaction. (author)