Power-generating performance of alkali metal thermoelectric converter

The alkali metal thermoelectric converter (AMTEK) utilizing the sodium ion conducting β″-alumina is a device to convert heat energy to electric energy directly. It is characterized by high conversion efficiencies, high power densities, no moving parts and low maintenance requirements. Because of these merits, AMTEC is one of the most promising candidates for aerospace power systems, remote power stations and dispersed small-scale power stations. In this paper, the experimental results of the series-connected cells and the theoretical considerations about internal resistances have been reported.