Evaluation of Available MHD Seed-Regeneration Processes on the Basis of Energy Considerations

摘要

Of the several processes described in the literature that are capable of separating sulfur from alkali-metal sulfates, seven processes were selected as candidates for regenerating seed material for reuse in open-cycle MHD. After a brief assessment of each process, two were selected for a detailed analysis, namely, a process developed by the Pittsburgh Energy Research Center (PERC) and a modified version of the Tampella process. The processes were compared on the bases of energy requirements and the amount of research work needed to develop a seed-regeneration process for MHD systems. The energy requirements given should be considered as rough values, because factors such as heat losses and component efficiency were not included in the analysis. On the basis of energy consumption, the PERC process has a slight advantage over the Tampella process; on the basis of the present state of development of various components, the Tampella process has a clear advantage. Accordingly, it was recommended that developmental programs be carried out for both the PERC and Tampella processes. (ERA citation 04:026830)