Abstract

Abstract A 60 Watt(e) Alkali Metal Thermal to Electric Converter (AMTEC) auxiliary electric power supply (AEPS) is being designed and built to provide reliable electrical power for stand-alone operation in remote sites. This unit is designed to bum propane, although any fossil fuel can be used with the properly designed burner. The system provides 60 Watt(e) power at overall system efficiencies between 11–14% from 12 AMTEC multi-tube cells, each with a nominal power output of 7 watts at 3.5 volts. These efficiencies are 3–4 times higher than existing power conversion systems and represent $6–7 million per year in reduced fueling costs, depending on the number of systems deployed. It is the modular capability of the AMTEC which allows the system to maintain this high conversion efficiency even at the low power level. The cells can be connected to provide either 12 or 24 volt DC operation without the need for a DC/DC converter. This paper presents results from the first non-adiabatic AMTEC cell SINDA/FLUINT model integrated with a combustion system and a recuperator. Parametric studies were performed using this system model to identify performance sensitivities of the most crucial parameters for the system design. Results indicate that the system efficiency is primarily limited by the heat transfer from the flame to the hot end of the cells and from the cold end of the cells to the environment. This heat transfer is a function of the heat transfer coefficients and the surface area available. Results also indicate that as high as 15% of the total energy may be lost through the insulation unless reduced by optimizing the system design. Maximum cell/system efficiencies, maximum system power output and optimum voltage/current conditions have been determined using this model.

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