Title :
Radioisotope powered AMTEC systems
Author :
Ivanenok, Joseph F., III ; Sievers, Robert K.
Author_Institution :
Adv. Modular Power Syst. Inc., Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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;
Journal_Title :
Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, IEEE
