Series II AMTEC cell design and development

The Series II alkali metal thermoelectric converter (AMTEC) cell, developed in the last year, represents a significant engineering advance in AMTEC technology, and major step toward first market applications. This cell still retains the single artery that characterizes the Series I cell, but has multiple /spl beta/"-alumina solid electrolyte (BASE) tubes connected in electrical series for higher voltage output and improved efficiency. A number of Series II cell design configurations have been tested. The test results have generally confirmed the performance predictions, but have also shown areas where continued development is needed. This paper provides an overview of the Series II cell technology and discusses the implications of results to date.