Thermal Degradation Rate of Electrode Material for the Alkali Metal Energy Converter

Alkali Metal Energy Converter, which is commonly referred to Alkali Metal Thermal To Electric Converter (AMTEC), was investigated for its use as a potential power supply unit in future space mission, for example, the Pluto Express Mission. In this study, the degradation rate of different electrode materials used in AMTEC was examined under different hot side temperatures. The data were analyzed, using a Fortran command statements simulation program. Simulation studies carried out on Titanium Nitrate (TiN), Rhodium Tungsten (RhW) and Rh2W electrodes for power output and conversion efficiency degradation over an operating period of 15 years, as recommended by space mission for Pluto. Simulations were also carried to test the performance of the electrodes for maximum power output and efficiency at both normal and maximum operating temperature at 1100 and 2000 Kelvin, respectively. The optimum power output was in the range of 16W ~17W for the 3 types of electrode. The results obtained with these 3 new electrode materials agree with results of other researchers. The solar thermal heat is proposed as the heat source of thermal energy input to the AMTEC as it is renewable and available for space applications.

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