Search Results

The alkali metal thermal to electric converter (AMTEC) technology has grown tremendously over the past 10 years. Innovations such as wick pumping, remote condensing and multi-tube cells have advanced the technology substantially. New innovations have been identified that will further advance the technology. The internal selfheat pipe (ISHP), for example, is predicted to increase the efficiency by a full 3 points. Proof-of-principle tests have been completed, and prototype testing is about to begin. This paper will present the design concept and available test data for this new AMTEC innovation.

The Sodium Heat Engine (SHE) or Alkali Metal Thermoelectric Converter (AMTEC) is a static thermoelectric energy conversion device that operates at conversion efficiencies that have achieved 19 % and are expected to reach 25-30%. The details of the SHE operating cycle and reports on operation of a variety of cell types and sizes have been described in the literature. [1][2][3] SHE systems have now been built and tested at electric power output levels from one watt to over 500 watts [4]. We have performed a study yielding estimates for volume production costs for a 1 kWe SHE system design. The results are pertinent for both capital cost and delivered electric power cost based on a 1 kWe SHE design closely related to an experimental system we have built and tested. The details of the analysis and the methods employed to characterize the costs of individual cell components, their assembly into complete systems and fuel costs are reported.