Stacked vapor fed amtec modules
- North Huntingdon, PA
The present invention pertains to a stacked AMTEC module. The invention includes a tubular member which has an interior. The member is comprised of a ion conductor that substantially conducts ions relative to electrons, preferably a beta"-alumina solid electrolyte, positioned about the interior. A porous electrode for conducting electrons and allowing sodium ions to pass therethrough, and wherein electrons and sodium ions recombine to form sodium is positioned about the beta"-alumina solid electrolyte. The electrode is operated at a temperature and a pressure that allows the recombined sodium to vaporize. Additionally, an outer current collector grid for distributing electrons throughout the porous electrode is positioned about and contacts the porous electrode. Also included in the invention is transporting means for transporting liquid sodium to the beta"-alumina solid electrolyte of the tubular member. A transition piece is positioned about the interior of the member and contacts the transporting means. The transition piece divides the member into a first cell and a second cell such that each first and second cell has a beta"-alumina solid electrolyte, a first and second porous electrode and a grid. The transition piece conducts electrons from the interior of the tubular member. There is supply means for supplying sodium to the transporting means. Preferably the supply means is a shell which surrounds the tubular member and is operated at a temperature such that the vaporized sodium condenses thereon. Returning means for returning the condensed sodium from the shell to the transporting means provides a continuous supply of liquid sodium to the transporting means. Also, there are first conducting means for conducting electric current from the transition piece which extends through the shell, and second conducting means for conducting electric current to the grid of the first cell which extends through the shell.
- Research Organization:
- Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-86SF16503
- Assignee:
- United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4808240
- OSTI ID:
- 866855
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
vapor
fed
amtec
modules
pertains
module
tubular
interior
comprised
conductor
substantially
conducts
relative
electrons
preferably
beta
-alumina
solid
electrolyte
positioned
porous
electrode
conducting
allowing
sodium
pass
therethrough
recombine
form
operated
temperature
pressure
allows
recombined
vaporize
additionally
outer
current
collector
grid
distributing
throughout
contacts
included
transporting
means
liquid
transition
piece
divides
cell
supply
supplying
shell
surrounds
vaporized
condenses
thereon
returning
condensed
provides
continuous
electric
extends
supply means
electric current
current collector
solid electrolyte
liquid sodium
porous electrode
pass therethrough
form sodium
conducting means
collector grid
conducting electric
continuous supply
transporting liquid
amtec module
conducting electrons
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