Alkali Metal Thermoelectric Converter (AMTEC) systems offer significant potential advantages for space power. Recent experiments have shown that electromagnetic pumps can operate with a negative priming head and so may be suitable for space applications in microgravity (Hunt et al. 1992). Capillary pumped cells offer an alternative approach to microgravity compatibility. We have designed, built, and operated capillary pumped AMTEC cells in various orientations with respect to gravity in order to provide a presumptive demonstration of zero‐G capability (Sievers et al. 1992). We report lifetime and performance data for these capillary pumped AMTEC cells. Progress on other issues relating to space flight testing of AMTEC systems is also discussed.
Small capillary pumped AMTEC systems
10th SymposiumùSpace Nuclear Power and Propulsion ; 1993 ; Albuquerque, NM, USA
AIP Conference Proceedings ; 271 , 2 ; 891-896
1993-01-15
6 pages
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
Small Capillary Pumped AMTEC Systems
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