AIP conference proceedings · 1992 · 29 citations · 0 references
EngineeringEnergy EfficiencyEnergy ConversionPower Electronic SystemsThermal Energy StorageVacuum DevicePower ElectronicsLow Voltage OutputThermodynamicsPower Electronic DevicesElectrical EngineeringEnergy StorageAmtec Vapor-vaporHeat TransferVapor‐vapor Amtec ConceptThermal ManagementHeat EnergyThermal EngineeringChemical Vapor Deposition
The alkali metal thermal‐to‐electric converter (AMTEC) converts heat energy to electrical energy with efficiencies up to 3 to 4 times the state of the art static converters. However, the high current, low voltage output of a single module requires difficult series connecting of cells, and several life limiting concerns may reduce the achievable efficiency. A concept is proposed that incorporates internal series connecting of cells and sodium supply as a vapor without condensation. This concept overcomes many of the long term materials concerns in liquid anode systems and results in a module with about the same power density, but at a higher voltage and lower current. The vapor‐vapor AMTEC concept is described and its performance predicted for typical AMTEC operating conditions.