Potentialities of TEC topping: a simplified view of parametric effects
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:
- NASA Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, OH (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EC-77-A-31-1062
- OSTI ID:
- 5670184
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/NASA/1062-80/5
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS
COMBINED-CYCLE POWER PLANTS
ECONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
FOSSIL-FUEL POWER PLANTS
TOPPING CYCLES
THERMIONIC CONVERTERS
CLADDING
COAL
COMBUSTION PRODUCTS
CORROSION
COST
EFFICIENCY
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
HEAT PIPES
SILICON CARBIDES
SLAGS
CARBIDES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DEPOSITION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
POWER PLANTS
SILICON COMPOUNDS
SURFACE COATING
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
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