To Study the Suitability of Some Liquid Metals/Alloys for Liquid Metal Magnetohydrodynamic (LMMHD) Power Generation

摘要

This paper discusses rapid depletion of conventional energy sources and environmental degradation which are putting lot of pressure to look for renewable, non-conventional energy sources. Liquid metal magneto-hydrodynamic (LMMHD) power generation is one of such methods of power generation under investigation and development. Mercury is generally considered as a fluid of flow (ie, liquid metal) in LMMHD power generation systems. This paper also suggests some more suitable liquid metals/alloys eg, FL1, FL2, and FL3, for this purpose with more advantages. Gallium (Ga) and fusible alloys can be best alternatives in place of mercury (Hg). Where, Ga and FLI have melting points 29.8℃ and 20℃ respectively, FL2 and FI3 can be made liquid at slightly higher temperatures of 72℃ and 74℃ respectively and these are having electrical conductivities higher than mercury. Thus, Ga, FLI, FL2 and FL3, if used, will produce more power than Hg for the same quantity of liquid metal.