Recent advances in Alkali Metal Thermoelectric Converter (AMTEC) electrode performance and modelingThe Alkali Metal Thermoelectric Converter (AMTEC) is a direct energy conversion device, utilizing a high sodium vapor pressure or activity ratio across a beta-double prime-alumina solid electrolyte (BASE). This paper describes progress on the remaining scientific issue which must be resolved to demonstrate AMTEC feasibility for space power systems: a stable, high power density electrode. Two electrode systems have recently been discovered at JPL that now have the potential to meet space power requirements. One of these is a very thin sputtered molybdenum film, less than 0.5 micron thick, with overlying current collection grids. This electrode has experimentally demonstrated stable performance at 0.4-0.5 W/sq cm for hundreds of hours. Recent modeling results show that at least 0.7 W/sq cm can be achieved. The model of electrode performance now includes all loss mechanisms, including charge transfer resistances at the electrode/electrolyte interface. A second electrode composition, cosputtered platinum/tungsten, has demonstrated 0.8 W/sq cm for 160 hours. Systems studies show that a stable electrode performance of 0.6 W/sq cm will enable high efficiency space power systems.
Document ID
19880055329
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Bankston, C. P. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Williams, R. M. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Jeffries-Nakamura, B. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Loveland, M. E. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Underwood, M. L. (California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1988
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Meeting Information
Meeting: Space structures, power, and power conditioning