Unit-5 Direct Energy Conversion

Unit – 5
Magneto Hydro Dynamic (MHD), Thermo-

electric and Thermo-ionic Power Generations:
Principles of MHD power generation – open cycle
and closed cycle – advantages and limitations. Basic
principles of thermo-electric and thermo-ionic
power generation – advantages and limitations
1
PRINCIPLES OF DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION:
Some technologies that convert thermal energy directly into electrical energy (without a mechanical
link) are:
1. Magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) Power Generator
2. Thermoelectric Power generator
3. Thermionic generator
A feature common to all of these methods is that there are no moving parts. This feature is
particularly of special interest to overcome motion related limitations / problems of conventional
power conversion systems.
MHD is intended for large-scale central station power generation, the latter two are being developed
for low power special purpose applications.
2
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION OF MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC GENERATION:
• The principle for MHD generation is simply that

discovered by Faraday: when an electric
conductor moves across a magnetic field a
voltage is induced in it which produces an electric
current.
• This is the principle of the conventional generator
also, where the conductor consists of copper
strips.
• In MHD generator, the solid conductors are
replaced by a gaseous conductor, an ionized gas.
If such a gas is passed at a high velocity through a
powerful magnetic field, a current is generated
and can extracted by placing electrodes in a
suitable position in the stream.
• The arrangement is shown in figure provides d. c.
Principle of MHD Generation: power directly.
3
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC POWER GENERATOR:
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Thermoelectric power generation
The term ‘thermoelectric effect’ encompasses three separately identified

effects namely
1. Seebeck effect
2. Peltier effect and
3. Thomson effect
12
SEEBECK EFFECT:
It is the basic principle behind thermoelectric power generation. It states that
whenever there exist a temperature difference between two junctions in a loop made
of two dissimilar conductors, the electromotive force (emf) is produced in the loop.
This type of loop is called as thermocouple.
A thermocouple is formed with p-type and n-type semiconductors can produce a fairly
large emf. The current always flows in the direction of heat flow in n-type
semiconductor. The amount of emf produced is always proportional to the
temperature difference between the two junctions of the thermocouple. The emf
produced is given as follows:
13
PRINCIPLES OF DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION: SEEBECK EFFECT:
The thermal efficiency of Thermoelectric generator is very low.

14
THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR:
Basic principle of Thermoelectric Power generation:
• Thermo-electric generator is a device which converts heat energy (thermal energy) into
electrical energy through semi-conductor or conductor.
• The direct conversion of heat energy into electric energy (i.e. without a conventional
electric generator) is based on the ‘Seebeck Thermo electric effect’.
15
MATERIALS FOR THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR:
The properties required in a material used in the thermoelectric generator are as
follows:
1. It should be capable to withstand high temperatures
2. Its thermal conductivity should be small
3. It must have high mobility for charge carriers.
4. It can be a semiconductor of n-type and p-type.
5. It should have low ionization energy.
6. It should have high corrosion resistance.
16
CHARACTERISTICS OF A THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR:
The characteristics of a thermoelectric generator are as follows:

1. It has no moving parts
2. It can be used in remote areas
3. It can be used for aerospace applications.
4. It can be used as a system for waster heat recovery.
5. It has low thermal efficiency.
17
APPLICATIONS OF A THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR:
The applications of thermoelectric generator are as follows:

1. Thermoelectric generator can be used with fuel elements of the nuclear reactor to obtain
additional power.
2. Thermoelectric generator can also be used with steam power plant for obtaining higher
efficiency.
3. Thermoelectric generator can be used to produce electricity using the waste heat from gas
turbines, diesel engines and stack gases.
4. Thermoelectric generator can be operated with the help of heat obtained by the solar collector.
18
Thermionic power generation
19
20

Unit-5 Direct Energy Conversion

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Unit-5 Direct Energy Conversion

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Unit-5 Direct Energy Conversion

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Unit – 5

Magneto Hydro Dynamic (MHD), Thermo-

• The principle for MHD generation is simply that

The term ‘thermoelectric effect’ encompasses three separately identified

The thermal efficiency of Thermoelectric generator is very low.

The characteristics of a thermoelectric generator are as follows:

The applications of thermoelectric generator are as follows:

You might also like

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.