Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Shields, V. B..
In an effort to expand the range of operation for highly efficient, segmented thermoelectric unicouples currently being developed at JPL, skutterudite phosphides are being investigated as potential high temperature segments to supplement antimonide segments that limit the use of these unicouples at a hot-side temperature of about 873-973 K.
Two AMTEC power units fabricated by Advanced Modular Power Systems, Inc. using a cold end condenser manufactured by Creare, Inc. which operate for 342 hours and 575 hours were dissected and examined.
Electrochemical techniques including impedance spectroscopy are routinely used to test the performance of AMTEC electrodes.
AMTEC power systems are designed for use on extended space missions. During the lifetime of such missions the power available for the spacecraft will depend on the degradation of the system performance. Development of a tool that allows monitoring of the system degradation will provide an aid in dtermining the condition of the power source.
The technical challenges confronting development of Alkali Metal Thermal-to Electric Converters (AMTEC) for up to 15 year life on NASA Mars and outer planetary missions are significant, although approaches to solutions are understood by many investigators.
An improved electrode for the Alkali Metal Thermal to Electric Converter (AMTEC) has been made and tested.
The Sodium Exposure Test Cell (SETC) is a non-power producing cell which has been developed to evaluate and test components of the electrochemical cell in an Alkali Metal Thermal to Electric Converter.
A silicon carbide sensor has been constructed that is capable of distinguishing between methane and propene. This could have applications with automobile emissions and chemical processing.