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The Alkali Metal Thermal to Electric Converter (AMTEC) technology can provide static energy conversion at efficiencies between 15 and 30%. Most of these devices reach this efficiency by operating at temperatures near 1100 K or above. High efficiency at lower temperatures is, however, feasible. Experiments and supporting analysis show that 15-20% could be achieved at 925 K by minimizing parasitic losses and using sodium molybdate enhanced electrodes. The sodium molybdate in these enhanced electrodes evaporates from the electrode within 10 to 100 hours at 1100 K, but the molybdate enhancement may last for several years at 925 K.

The Alkali Metal Thermal to Electric Converter (AMTEC) is a static energy conversion technology that is expected to provide low mass thermal to electric conversion with efficiencies between 20 and 35%. The US program to develop this technology for space power applications has grown substantially over the past 3 years. This expanding program has brought together several laboratories and technical consultants, in separately sponsored projects, to develop the key elements of the technology. An assessment of this multi-party program indicates that, in general, the effort has focused on the high priority technical elements with only moderate overlap between individual projects. There are, however, several areas where additional coordination is needed between major participants in the existing projects, and other areas where new projects should be started, in order to provide reliable space power systems without unnecessary delays.