Potentialities of TEC topping: a simplified view of parametric effects

Technical Report · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1980

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5670184· OSTI ID:5670184

Morris, J F

Reductions in the cost of thermionic-energy-conversion (TEC) modules yield direct decreases in cost of electricity (COE) from TEC-topped central-station power plants. Simplified COE, overall-efficiency charts presented illustrate this trend. Additional capital-cost diminution will result from designing more compact furnaces with considerably increased heat-transfer rates allowable and desirable for high-temperature TEC and heat pipes. Such improvements can evolve because of the protection from hot corrosion and slag as well as the thermal-expansion compatibilities offered by silicon-carbide clads on TEC-heating surfaces. Greater efficiencies and far fewer modules are possible with high-temperature, high-power-density TEC: This will decrease capital and fuel costs much more - and substantially increase electric-power outputs for fixed fuel inputs. In addition to more electricity, less pollution, and lower costs, TEC topping used directly in coal-combustion products will contribute to balance-of-payment gains and national energy independence.

• Research Organization: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, OH (USA). Lewis Research Center
• OSTI ID: 5670184
• Report Number(s): DOE/NASA/1062-80/5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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