Mixed Phase Positive Electrodes for Long Life AMTEC Modules

113 Mixed Phase Positive Electrodes for Long Life AMTEC Modules--TDA Research, Inc., 12345 West 52nd Avenue, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-1916; (303) 940-2301 Dr. Ronald L. Cook, Principal Investigator Mr. Michael E. Karpuk, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-97ER82496 Amount: $75,000 Radioisotope power systems using thermoelectric generators are used on spacecrafts as electric power sources for various missions. One such generator, an Alkali Metal Thermoelectric Converter (AMTEC) is attractive for these applications but its efficiency is limited by the performance of its thin, essentially ¿2D¿, electrodes. In this project, a 3D (i.e. fat) electrodes (electrodes collect the electrical power from AMTEC cells) that contain two interpenetrating phases will be developed to offer both long life stability and improved performance. The approach mixes two different materials to allow more electrical current to be extracted from the AMTEC devices (thereby improving their performance). In Phase I, procedures will be developed for preparation of the electrode materials and techniques for fabrication of the TiB2/beta-alumina electrodes on beta-alumina AMTEC cells. The performance of the resulting AMTEC cells will then be measured. In Phase II, the composition, structure and coating process will be optimized to give the highest AMTEC cell performance. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: This project would provide an improvement in the performance of AMTEC cells, making them more commercially attractive. Commercial applications of high performance AMTEC cells include reliable power generation in space, clean, quiet power for hybrid electric vehicles and recreational vehicles, home furnaces that provide their own electricity for forced air heating, and topping cycles for extracting more energy from large scale utility power plants.