Energy Conversion

A regenerative emf cell operates in a closed cycle to convert heat to electricity. The studies being undertaken at Argonne are concerned with devising regenerative cell systems which can be coupled eventually to a reactor heat source. The principal potential advantages of these systems are the elimination of most of the moving parts that are found in conventional systems, compactness, (a relatively low weight per unit of power output), a long, maintenance-free life, and high temperature operation for those applications where heat rejection at high temperature is required. The applications of such systems might be for remote terrestrial and extraterrestrial power units, energy depots for armed services, and propulsion units for ships and large vehicles.