On the irreversible thermodynamics of hydromagnetic energy conversion

Abstract

The Onsager formalism of irreversible thermodynamics is applied to the steady-state laminar hydromagnetic energy convertor on both the local and global levels. The nature of the coupling on these two levels is studied. The global dissipation rate is obtained from the local entropy production rate and the coupling relations on the global level established. The figure of merit for the convertor is determined as a function of Hartmann number and aspect ratio and the maximum conversion efficiency calculated.