Promising applications of the liquid metal MHD energy conversion technology

Applications of the liquid-metal MHD (magnetohydrodynamic) energy conversion technology that could benefit from its unique features are reviewed with emphasis on applications that might be realized in the relatively near future and on the OMACON (optimized magnetohydrodynamic conversion) concept. Included among the promising applications are cogeneration, energy recovery from industrial processes involving the use of molten metals, energy conversion from fluidized bed combustors, supercritical steam cycles, electricity generation at peak demand hours, solar energy utilization and sea water desalination. The diversity of promising applications identified suggests that the liquid metal MHD technology has a good chance for improving energy utilization. Further studies are required to quantify the attainable improvement.