초록 ▼

The present invention provides an AMTEC cell having a more robust power conductance path (conduction, radiation, convection, and latent heat transfer) from the heat input surface of the cell to the working fluid, evaporation surface, and SES. More particularly, one embodiment of the present inventio

The present invention provides an AMTEC cell having a more robust power conductance path (conduction, radiation, convection, and latent heat transfer) from the heat input surface of the cell to the working fluid, evaporation surface, and SES. More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention includes collars, post and/or bridges extending between the SES support plate and the heat input surface. In another embodiment, a plurality of channels or conduits extend between the heat input surface and SES support plate. These embodiments simultaneously increase the thermal conductance path between the heat input surface of the cell and the evaporation surface as well as between the heat input surface of the cell and the SES, and enables superheating of the working fluid. Additionally, posts, fins or heat pipes may be provided in the low pressure zone of the cell between members of the SES to simultaneously increase the conductance between the heat input surface of the cell and the evaporation surface, raise the temperature of the SES, through radiation and/or conduction heat transfer, and isothermalize the SES. Furthermore, posts, fins, or heat pipes may extend from the heat input surface of the cell to a location proximate the SES on the high pressure side to simultaneously raise the temperature of the SES through radiation and conduction heat transfer, isothermalize the SES, and superheat the working fluid through convective heat transfer.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [3.] An alkali metal thermal electric conversion cell having a low pressure zone and a high pressure zone separated by a solid electrolyte structure operable for permitting ions of an alkali metal working fluid to migrate therethrough for the purpose of generating electric ene

[ What is claimed is:] [3.] An alkali metal thermal electric conversion cell having a low pressure zone and a high pressure zone separated by a solid electrolyte structure operable for permitting ions of an alkali metal working fluid to migrate therethrough for the purpose of generating electric energy, said alkali metal thermal electric conversion cell comprising:a support plate coupled to said solid electrolyte structure and cooperating therewith to separate said low pressure zone and said high pressure zone;a condenser disposed in said low pressure zone for condensing said alkali metal working fluid;an evaporation surface disposed in said high pressure zone for vaporizing said alkali metal working fluid;a return line extending between said low pressure zone and said high pressure zone for recirculating said alkali working fluid;a heat input surface disposed in said high pressure zone proximate said support plate for transferring thermal energy to said evaporation surface, said alkali metal working fluid and said solid electrolyte structure;means for transferring thermal energy from said heat input surface to at least one of said evaporation surface, alkali metal working fluid, and solid electrolyte structure (SES) such that said alkali metal working fluid is prevented from condensing on said solid electrolyte structure; andwherein said means for transferring said thermal energy further comprises said heat input surface coupled to said support plate and a conductance collar coupled to said support plate.