An analytical model for liquid-anode and vapor-anode AMTEC converters

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1997 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.51977· OSTI ID:627670

Tournier, J; El-Genk, M S ^[1]; Schuller, M; Hausgen, P ^[2]

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1. Institute for Space and Nuclear Power Studies Dept. of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering The University of New Mexico Albuquerque, New Mexico87131 (United States)
2. Power Systems Branch Phillips Laboratory Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, New Mexico87117 (United States)

This paper describes a lumped analytical model of liquid-anode single-tube and vapor-anode multi-tube AMTEC cells. The model results agreed well with experimental data for Mo, NbN and TiN electrodes. Results showed that Mo and NbN electrodes exhibit high B values between 400 and 600A.K{sup 1/2}/Pa.m{sup 2}, and have the potential for peak power densities slightly above 1W/cm{sup 2}, with efficiencies as high as 28{percent}. In contrast, TiN electrodes have lower temperature-independent exchange currents, between 120 and 135A.K{sup 1/2}/Pa.m{sup 2}, lower peak power densities between 0.5 and 0.75W/cm{sup 2}, and efficiencies below 24{percent} at a BASE temperature of 1200 K. These values of B compare well with that reported by other investigators. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 627670
• Report Number(s): CONF-970115-; ISSN 0094-243X; TRN: 98:006041
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 387, Issue 1; Conference: Space technology and applications international forum (STAIF - 97), Albuquerque, NM (United States), 26-30 Jan 1997; Other Information: PBD: Jan 1997
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING NOT INCLUDED IN OTHER CATEGORIES
21 NUCLEAR POWER REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
SPACE VEHICLES
POWER SYSTEMS
THERMIONIC REACTORS
THERMIONIC CONVERTERS
DESIGN
EFFICIENCY
TEMPERATURE RANGE 1000-4000 K
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems