High Power AMTEC Converters for Deep-Space Nuclear Reactor Power Systems

Details High Power AMTEC Converters for Deep-Space Nuclear Reactor Power Systems High Power AMTEC Converters for Deep-Space Nuclear Reactor Power Systems

Jan 2003

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2003aipc..654..730e&link_type=abstract

SPACE TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS INT.FORUM-STAIF 2003: Conf.on Thermophysics in Microgravity; Commercial/Civil Next Generation

Mathematics

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Industrial And Technological Research And Development, Spaceborne And Space Research Instruments, Apparatus, And Components

Scientific paper

A high electrical power, Alkali Metal Thermal-To-Electric Conversion (AMTEC) unit design is developed, and performance estimates as functions of the beta''-alumina solid electrolyte (BASE) temperature (or anode vapor pressure), condenser temperature, and the type of the working fluid (sodium or potassium) are calculated and discussed. The Na and K-AMTEC units, measuring 410 mm × 594 mm × 115 mm in outside dimensions, are identical except for the type of the BASE and working fluid. The peak efficiency of the Na-AMTEC at a BASE temperature of 1123 K is 29.2%, decreasing to 26.8% at a BASE temperature of 1073 K. The corresponding specific powers of the Na-AMTEC unit are 76 and 54 We/kg, respectively. For nominal operation at 85% of peak electrical power at BASE temperatures of 1123 K and 1073 K, the conversion efficiency of the Na-AMTEC decreases to 26.7% and 24.5%, respectively, but the corresponding specific powers increase significantly to 125 and 91 We/kg, respectively. The Na-AMTEC nominally generates 4.0 and 5.6 kWe when operating at BASE temperatures of 1073 K and 1123 K, respectively. When operating at the same anode vapor pressure of 76.8 kPa, the BASE temperature in the K-AMTEC is only 1002 K, versus 1123 K for the Na-AMTEC, generating only 2.0 kWe at a specific electrical power of 45 We/kg. In addition to the lower specific power, the specific radiator area for the K-AMTEC is significantly larger than for the Na-AMTEC because of the lower conversion efficiency (~ 22.5%). The Na-AMTEC operates at higher conversion efficiency and higher electrical power than the K-AMTEC for condenser temperatures >= 620 K.

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