Compact high-power MHD electric station on natural gas

The results of preliminary study of the compact combined electric power station (CPS) of high-power, composed from 4 autonomous identical power units, are presented. Each power unit includes the closed cycle disk MHD generator on non-equilibrium plasma with gas turbine and gas turbine power plant (GTPP) of open cycle. The power station is intended for conversion of the chemical energy of natural gas into electric power immediately on a field with the subsequent transmission of it to the existing power system. The proposed electric power of CPS amounts to {approx}16 GWe ({approx}28 GWt) at consumption of a natural gas mass flow rate 590 kg/s. The power of one unit is {approx}4 GWe. A binary combined Brayton cycle on a ground of GTPP with firing of natural gas and MHD generator on inert gas (Ar) of high-pressure (2.5 MPa) is reviewed. It provides CPS efficiency {approx}58%. Conceptual system of power unit include the 3 identical open loops with GTPP and closed loop with high power disk MHD generator. The transformation and transmission systems of electric power from ac generator and dc MHD generator, a direct current with 500 kV voltage by cable to distances up to 600 km, are calculated andmore » designed. The CPS structural block-scheme, multiple-unit scheme of cycles, main components, both parameters and features of power unit, layout and general view of CPS are presented. The minimization of mass and volume of units and CPS as a whole at reasonable meaning of efficiency is fulfilled. The executed designs have shown that the proposed CPS can be accommodated in bulk 140 x 140 x 50 m{sup 3}, thus its complete mass will make {approx}60,000 tons.« less