Electromagnetic Driving for Liquid Metal

Liquid metals are characterized by high boiling points, high thermal and electrical conductivity, low viscosity, and excellent heat transfer capabilities, thus attracting a lot of attention in both research and application areas. The fluidity and high electrical conductivity of liquid metals allow them to exhibit magnetohydrodynamic behavior in electric and magnetic fields, and hence can be driven by electromagnetic pumps (EMPs). Compared with conventional mechanical pumps, EMPs have the advantages of quiet operation, no moving parts, high reliability, and easy maintenance, thus becoming an important part of liquid metal flow systems. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of the theory, technology, and applications of liquid metal electromagnetic driving. Specifically, the theory of magnetohydrodynamics as it relates to liquid metals is first introduced. Subsequently, the classification, operating principles, loss mechanisms, equivalent circuits, advantages, and disadvantages of electromagnetic pumps are discussed in detail to provide a reference for electromagnetic pump design. Finally, this chapter also addresses the opportunities and challenges for electromagnetic driving and presents an outlook on this topic.