Energy Conversion/Storage for Aerospace Power Systems

HPALM Solar Thermionic Space Power System

• Demonstrated a ground-based 50 kW Solar Thermionic Space Power system in collaboration with General Atmoics of San Diego, CA. Tests were performed at the Army Base in Huntsville, AL.

1. New mirror panels installed on heliostat
2. Receiver being mounted in vacuum chamber for solar concentrator power source

Temperature Thermionic Emission from Diamond Films on Carbon Nanotubes

• A thermionic converter material evaluation test station has been set up at AFRL/PRP to evaluate emitter materials such as diamond film on carbon nanotubes.
• Electron emission characteristics have been evaluated.

1. Adjustable table with collector, emitter, leads and thermocouples
2. Emitter operating at 1100C

Study of Gas Sensors for Carbon Monoxide Detection

• Sensors to detect carbon monoxide (CO) in the reformatted fuel gas stream of power generation systems based on proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells.

1. Gas sensor
2. Sensor housing

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Technologies

• Electrolyte (300 microns thick) supported solid oxide fuel cells with increased power densities and lower ohmic losses.

1. Typical anode-supported SOFC
2. SEM micrograph of a cross-section of typical anode-supported cell