Optimum fuel combination for MHD power generators

Various combinations of commercially available gaseous and liquid fuels, burnt with air and preheated (1400K) air, and seeded with K₂CO₃, have been investigated analytically to arrive at an optimum combination that gives a reasonable electrical conductivity (10 mho/m) at minimum cost. This analysis has been carried out for gaseous and liquid fuels, separately, under Indian conditions. Variation of the electrical conductivity with the ratio of the mass of the fuels has also been obtained to make them usable in the cost structure of any country. Further, it has been shown that it is not only the C/H ratio but also the calorific value of the fuel that determines the electrical conductivity of the working fluid.