Operation of Low Temperature AMTEC Cells

The Alkali Metal Thermal to Electric Converter (AMTEC) technology can provide static energy conversion at efficiencies between 15 and 30%. Most of these devices reach this efficiency by operating at temperatures near 1100 K or above. High efficiency at lower temperatures is, however, feasible. Experiments and supporting analysis show that 15-20% could be achieved at 925 K by minimizing parasitic losses and using sodium molybdate enhanced electrodes. The sodium molybdate in these enhanced electrodes evaporates from the electrode within 10 to 100 hours at 1100 K, but the molybdate enhancement may last for several years at 925 K.