Browsing by Subject "Electrolytes -- Conductivity"
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Item Power degradation and performance evaluation of BASE in AMTEC(Texas Tech University, 2000-05) Vijayaraghavan, PrasannaPower degradation in the PX-3 A Alkali Metal Thermal-to-Electric Converter cell refers to the problem of decrease in power output with time. This problem has been observed for 12000 hours of operation of the cell in experiments. Since the cell has applications in deep-space exploration, it is necessary that the power output does not fall to levels below the minimum requirements of the spacecraft. It is therefore important to investigate the reasons for this power loss. The cell uses â-alumina as a solid electrolyte. The material degrades with time as a result of the chemical and thermal conditions within the cell during operation, â- alumina degradation manifests itself as an increase in its ionic resistance which reduces power output. The â-alumina is responsible for almost all of the power degradation in the first 7000 hours of operation. Thereafter, though â-alumina degradation continues to cause power loss, other factors, components and materials in the cell also contribute to power loss. The role of the P"-alumina in power loss is investigated and quantitatively established and it is shown that other components also are responsible for power degradation. Finally, some suggestions are made that will help reduce the rate of power degradation and extend the useful and functional time of the cell.