Optimum operation states and parametric selection criteria of an updated solar-driven AMTEC. (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peng, Wanli; Li, Wangyang; Chen, Xiaohang; Su, Guozhen; Chen, Jincan
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 141(2019)
• Page Start: 209
• Page End: 216
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: Solar concentrator -- Alkali metal thermal electric converter -- Irreversible loss -- Membrane thickness -- Optimum operation state -- Parametric selection criterion; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2019.03.132
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: A novel model of the coupling system consisting of a solar collector and an alkali metal thermal electric converter (AMTEC) is proposed, in which various irreversible losses are considered. Analytical expressions for the efficiencies of the solar collector, AMTEC, and coupling system are derived. The operative temperatures of the solar collector and AMETC are determined by energy balance equations rather than some specified parameters. The influences of the thickness of the electrolyte membrane, current density, and area ratio of the absorber to the AMTEC on the performance of the system are discussed. The maximum efficiency and power output density for a given value of the solar concentration ratio are calculated and revealed to be two different operation states of the coupling system. The effects of the solar concentration ratio on the optimal regions of some key parameters are discussed in detail. The optimum selection criteria of these parameters are provided. Highlights: A model consisting of a solar collector and a AMTEC is updated. Analytical expressions for the efficiency of coupling system are derived. The maximum power output density and efficiency of the system are calculated. The optimum design strategies of main parameters are provided. Both the efficiency and the POD is consider simultaneously.