Alternative Power Systems 127
cant time periods. Efficiency is of importance for this type of generation
system. While the conventional steam generation system (fired by coal) is
at most 40 percent efficient (that is, it turns 40 percent of the coal energy
into electricity), and most nuclear-powered plants are about 33 percent effi-
cient, MHD plants could operate at 60 percent efficiency. Thus, fuel supplies
could be enhanced by using this generation system. At present, the future of
MHD systems for large-scale electrical power generation is questionable.NUCLEAR-FUSION POWER SYSTEMS
Another alternative power production method which has been con-
sidered is nuclear fusion. Deuterium, the type of fuel used for this process,
is very abundant. The supply of deuterium is considered to be unlimited,Figure 5-5. Simplified drawing of a magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) generator
system