High efficiency vapor-fed AMTEC system for direct conversion. Final report
The Alkali Metal Thermal to Electric Converter (AMTEC) is a high temperature, high efficiency system for converting thermal to electrical energy, with no moving parts. It is based on the unique properties of {beta}{double_prime}-alumina solid electrolyte (BASE), which is an excellent conductor of sodium ions, but an extremely poor conductor of electrons. When the inside of the BASE is maintained at a higher temperature and pressure, a concentration gradient is created across the BASE. Electrons and sodium atoms cannot pass through the BASE. However, the sodium atoms are ionized, and the sodium ions move through the BASE to the lower potential (temperature) region. The electrons travel externally to the AMTEC cell, providing power. There are a number of potential advantages to a wick-pumped, vapor-fed AMTEC system when compared with other designs. A wick-pumped system uses capillary forces to passively return liquid to the evaporator, and to distribute the liquid in the evaporator. Since the fluid return is self-regulating, multiple BASE tubes can use a single remote condenser, potentially improving efficiency in advanced AMTEC designs. Since the system is vapor-fed, sodium vapor is supplied at a uniform temperature and flux to the BASE tube, even with non-uniform heat fluxes and temperatures at the evaporator. The primary objective of the Phase 2 program was to develop wick-pumped AMTEC cells. During the program, procedures to fabricate wicks with smaller pore sizes were developed, to allow operation of an AMTEC cell at 800 C. A revised design was made for a High-Temperature, Wick-Fed AMTEC cell. In addition to the smaller wick pore size, several other changes were made to increase the cell efficiency: (1) internal artery return of condensate; (2) high temperature electrical feedthrough; and (3) separate heat pipe for providing heat to the BASE.
- Research Organization:
- Thermacore, Inc., Lancaster, PA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Research, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG05-91ER81233
- OSTI ID:
- 10201650
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/ER/81233-T3-Pt.1; ON: TI97020957; TRN: AHC29908%%136
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 23 May 1997
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
07 ISOTOPES AND RADIATION SOURCES
PROGRESS REPORT
THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS
RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
SOLID ELECTROLYTES
DESIGN
CAPILLARY FLOW
PERFORMANCE
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
DIAGRAMS
HEAT PIPE WICKS
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ISOTOPIC POWER SUPPLIES