Magnetohydrodynamic/steam power plant modeling and control

Abstract

A dynamic power-flow simulation of an overall magnetohydrodynamic (MHD)/steam electrical power generating plant is developed. Time domain solutions to the set of system equations are given. Several control configurations are applied to the system and their effects on system dynamic response are presented. The overall combined-cycle system model utilizes an input-output characterization of the Combustor/Nozzle/Channel/Diffuser. This characterization is developed from polynomial approximations of data resulting from the solutions of energy balance, state, and continuity equations for the combustor and the quasi one-dimensional MHD equations for the nozzle, channel and diffuser. The boiler and turbine valve model has turbine valve area and power available to generate steam as inputs, and throttle pressure, power to the turbines, and boiler and stack losses as outputs. Regenerative air preheater cycling is also modeled, and the effect of cycling on plant output is given.