Working medium circuit for alkali metal thermal-to-electric converters (AMTEC)

The possibility is studied to create a sodium circuit in an AMTEC type conversion device. The proposed circuit is based on a heat pipe that includes the evaporation-condensation cycle. Different layouts based on this principle are presented. The proposed circuit is characterized by the following advantages: no need for an electromagnetic pump, low load on the converter, and better capability to control temperature drop at the converter.