Development and heat transfer analysis of direct coal-fired MHD combustors

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Abstract
The development of MHD coal combustors at (UTSI) is based on experimental and analytical experience and knowledge gained over a period of ten years. In the earlier experiments, coal mixed with potassium salt (seed) was burned with pure oxygen. A diagnostic conductivity channel was used in the tests and the measured bulk conductivity was used as a criterion for combustor performance. Even though the bulk conductivity measurement is a good indication of the performance of the coal combustor for MHD generator application, this is not the most effective method. A better approach is to study the performance of the generator as a function of the combustor geometry and other factors (MHD combustor/generator interaction); knowledge of the heat flux distribution and the heat losses at various locations is necessary. The heat loss in the coal combustor increases the cost of electricity and should thus be kept at a minimum. For higher conductivities, the thermal energy of the coal should be released as completely as possible. So an efficient and stable coal combustor with a low surface-to-volume ratio is to be designed. The uncertainty in the particle size and mixing, the varying amount of slag coating and associated changes in geometry, andmore » the difficulty in the precise control of coal flow rate require detailed experimental study to optimize coal combustion for MHD generators. Since the resulting performance of the generator is the best criterion of combustor selection, detailed combustor/generator interaction testing was undertaken. Heat transfer was used as one diagnostic tool among others. Details of this testing and data analysis are presented. (WHK) « less

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