Radiation/conduction model for multitube AMTEC cells

A radiation/conduction model was developed for calculating parasitic heat losses and temperatures in vapor-anode, multitube AMTEC cells. The model accounted for the presence of an internal circumferential radiation shield, and a conduction stud between the hot end of the cell and the BASE tubes support plate. The radiation view factors were calculated using either closed-form algebraic solutions or approximate relations, and all reciprocity and enclosure relations were satisfied. In the integrated cell model, the present thermal model was coupled to a vapor pressure loss model, and an electrochemical and electrical circuit model, using an efficient iterative solution procedure, The integrated cell model predictions were compared with experimental results of PX-4C, PX-SA and PX-3A cells, that were tested in vacuum at the Air Force Research Laboratory. Results illustrated the effects of using a CREARE condenser and a conduction stud, reducing the number of BASE tubes, and changing the size of the cell diameter, on the heat flow and temperatures in the cell, as well as the cell electrical performance parameters.