Configuration optimization for a coupled 200-MWe MHD channel and magnet coil system

This paper reports on the results of the optimization of the cross-sectional shape of a magnet coil system including an MHD channel. This optimization was carried out for a 200-MWe supersonic Faraday-type MHD generator. It was shown that the channel length can be shortened more than 30 percent, without the decrease of the enthalpy extraction by the optimization of the coil shape from the crescent shape coil producing a uniform magnetic field. It was estimated also that the capital cost for a commercial MHD/steam combined plant can be decreased more than 6 percent by this coil shape optimization.