Abstract
The Alkali Metal Thermal-to-Electric Converter (AMTEC) is an electrochemical cell that requires a high temperature heat source to generate electricity. At KIT the AMTEC technology is being investigated focusing on the use of concentrating solar energy as heat source. First a review on AMTEC technology is given. Further, the design and realization phases of the AMTEC Test Facility (ATEFA) and AMTEC test cell are presented, including the data acquisition and control system and two key technology developments: a ceramic to metal joint for high temperatures (800 – 1000 °C) and the magnetron sputtering of cathode layers on the ceramic electrolyte. The sheet resistance of several electrode samples has been analyzed using the 4-point probe technique and the microstructure of the cathode layer has been examined using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Highlights
Liquid metals are possible candidates for expanding the temperature application range in concentrating solar power (CSP) plants and leading to an increased efficiency of central tower solar systems
At Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) the Alkali Metal Thermal-to-Electric Converter (AMTEC) technology is being investigated focusing on the use of concentrating solar energy as heat source
The same objective can be supported by the Alkali Metal Thermal-to-Electric Converter (AMTEC), which operates with sodium in two main modes: liquid- or vapor-anode modes depending on the applied temperature range
Summary
Liquid metals are possible candidates for expanding the temperature application range in concentrating solar power (CSP) plants and leading to an increased efficiency of central tower solar systems. The concept proposed by Hering et al [1] uses liquid metals such as sodium for a hybrid CSP plant combined with the AMTEC technology. As first step towards the present concept, several liquid sodium facilities have been designed and constructed at the Institute for Neutron Physics and Reactor Technology (INR) – KIT [2]; in particular the AMTEC Test Facility (ATEFA) serves for research on single AMTEC test cell characteristics and performance evaluation, as well as process optimization in short term tests. A SOLTEC (SOdium Loop to TEst materials and Corrosion) facility has been designed at INR-KIT for long term tests on power degradation issues [3]
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