Two-dimensional analytical investigation into energy conversion and efficiency maximization of magnetohydrodynamic swirling flow actuators

Kaiyu Zhang, Yibai Wang, Haibin Tang, Yong Li, Baojun Wang, Thomas M. York and Lijun Yang

Energy, 2020, vol. 209, issue C

Abstract: The azimuthal Lorentz-force-driven magnetohydrodynamic swirling flow between coaxial cylindrical electrodes with an imposed axial magnetic field has extensive application in the swirling actuators. To identify the mechanism of energy conversion within the flow-discharge nonlinearly coupled field, we develop a 2-D analytical functional model bridging the gap between the imposed magnetic field distribution and the magnetohydrodynamic fields. With Hall effect present, the analytical solution is found to be controlled by the Reynolds number and a newly defined dimensionless number (K) deduced from the Hartmann number and the Hall parameter. The solution is confirmed with numerical and experimental results. By virtue of its analytic nature, the model provides more convenient insight and understanding into energy coupling and efficiency optimization. Based on this model, the nonlinear coupling relationship between the total voltage and the electromotive force is identified. The most striking contribution is the identification of double barriers, induced by Hall effect and viscosity, to maximize system efficiency through the model. To achieve efficiency maximization, the optimum magnetic field distribution is found by solution of the functional extremum problem derived from the analytical model.

Keywords: Magnetohydrodynamics; Analytical solutions; Efficiency maximization; Entropy generation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:209:y:2020:i:c:s0360544220315875

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.118479

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