Radioisotope powered AMTEC systems

Author

Ivanenok, Joseph F., III ; Sievers, Robert K.

Author_Institution

Adv. Modular Power Syst. Inc., Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Volume

9

Issue

11

fYear

1994

Firstpage

29

Lastpage

35

Abstract

Alkali Metal Thermal to Electric Converter (AMTEC) systems are being developed for high performance spacecraft power systems, including small, General Purpose Heat Source (GPHS) powered systems. Several design concepts have been evaluated for the power range from 75 W to 1 kW. The specific power for these concepts has been found to be as high as 18-20 W/kg and 22 kW/m/sup 3/. The projected area, including radiators, has been as low as 0.4 m/sup 2//kW. AMTEC power systems are extremely attractive, relative to other current and projected power systems, because AMTEC offers high power density, low projected area, and low volume. Two AMTEC cell design types have been identified. A single-tube cell is already under development and a multi-tube cell design, to provide additional power system gains, has undergone proof-of-principle testing. Solar powered AMTEC (SAMTEC) systems are also being developed, and numerous terrestrial applications have been identified for which the same basic AMTEC cells being developed for radioisotope systems are also suitable.<>

Keywords

photovoltaic power systems; radioisotopes; space vehicle power plants; thermoelectric conversion; 75 W to 1 kW; AMTEC cell design; AMTEC cells; AMTEC power systems; Alkali Metal Thermal to Electric Converter; General Purpose Heat Source; additional power system gains; high performance spacecraft power systems; multi-tube cell design; proof-of-principle testing; radiators; radioisotope powered AMTEC; radioisotope systems; single-tube cell; terrestrial applications; Biomembranes; Heat transfer; Isothermal processes; Power systems; Radioactive materials; Solids; Space heating; Space vehicles; System testing; Temperature;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, IEEE

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0885-8985

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/62.329559

Filename

329559