How does the Hall effect affect the flow of current in an MHD generator?

In a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator, the Hall effect occurs because electrons in the plasma possess much higher mobility than ions. When an electric load current flows across the generator channel, these electrons experience a force directed along the channel axis.1

This phenomenon causes the electric current to flow at an angle across the channel rather than directly between the electrodes. Consequently, an additional electric field, known as the Hall field, is established along the channel's axis.1

To manage this effect, engineers utilize specific generator configurations:

• Faraday generator: Uses segmented, insulated electrode walls to support the axial Hall field, allowing power to be extracted through a series of loads.1
• Hall generator: Short-circuits the Faraday field across channel sectors and connects them in series, enabling the use of a single electric load.1
• Diagonal generator: Employs staggered electrodes to match equipotentials, also permitting the use of a single electric load.1
• Disk generator: Allows load current to flow radially while short-circuited Faraday currents flow in circular paths, with the Hall output appearing between the center and the periphery.1