Project Title:

Zero-Gravity Condensate-Management Device for AMTEC Cells

10.03-3800
910196
Zero-Gravity Condensate-Management Device for AMTEC Cells
Creare, Inc.
P.O. Box 71
Hanover
NH
03755
Christopher J.
Crowley
603-643-3800
JPL
NAS7-1175
207

10.03-3800
910196

Abstract:

Zero-Gravity Condensate-Management Device for AMTEC Cells
The goal of this project is to create an innovative condenser component which will
enable technology for alkali-metal thermal-to-electric conversion (AMTEC). AMTEC
devices are strong candidates for space power applications, such as radioisotope
generators, because of high conversion efficiency, low mass, modularity, redundancy,
and reliability (absence of moving parts). This novel condenser component would enable
the AMTEC technology to achieve two critical goals: microgravity fluid management
and a conversion efficiency greater than 20 percent. Conversion efficiency is presently
less than ten percent in laboratory tests without this condenser. With this condenser
component, it is expected that the efficiency of AMTEC power conversion will exceed
20 percent and, with improved electrode technology, possibly approach 25 to 30 percent.
This project will experimentally demonstrate the feasibility of the capillary fluid
management with this innovative condenser design through separate effects tests.
Phase II will complete the condenser development by building a working AMTEC cell
(including the condenser) and demonstrating its operation--fluid management, high
conversion management and high conversion efficiency--at normal gravity.
AMTEC power conversion systems coupled with radioisotope heat will provide a power
unit one-fourth to one-half as massive as alternative approaches, thereby saving
millions of dollars in launch costs. Applications of interest include NASA space
probes and rovers, Air Force and SDIO space missions, and solar-powered or combustion
systems for Earth applications.
AMTEC, condensation, microgravity