Potentialities of TEC topping: A simplified view of parametric effects
Abstract
An examination of the benefits of thermionic-energy-conversion (TEC)-topped power plants and methods of increasing conversion efficiency are discussed. Reductions in the cost of TEC modules yield direct decreases in the cost of electricity (COE) from TEC-topped central station power plants. Simplified COE, overall-efficiency charts presented illustrate this trend. Additional capital-cost diminution results from designing more compact furnaces with considerably increased heat transfer rates allowable and desirable for high temperature TEC and heat pipes. Such improvements can evolve of the protection from hot corrosion and slag as well as the thermal expansion compatibilities offered by silicon-carbide clads on TEC-heating surfaces. Greater efficiencies and far fewer modules are possible with high-temperature, high-power-density TEC: This decreases capital and fuel costs much more and substantially increases electric power outputs for fixed fuel inputs. In addition to more electricity, less pollution, and lower costs, TEC topping used directly in coal-combustion products contributes balance-of-payment gains.
- Publication:
-
Presented at Intern. Conf. on Plasma Sci
- Pub Date:
- 1980
- Bibcode:
- 1980plsc.conf...19M
- Keywords:
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- Energy Conversion Efficiency;
- Thermionic Converters;
- Thermionic Power Generation;
- Boilers;
- Cost Effectiveness;
- Heat Transfer;
- Pollution Control;
- Plasma Physics