The Alkali-Metal Thermal to Electric Converter (AMTEC) can be used as a next-generation power generation technology related with a large thermal energy storage. In particular, this technology is expected for the higher efficiency by a cascade power generation with the thermoelectric generator(TEG), and the temperature distribution becomes a very important design parameter in this case. In this study, the temperature distribution of the AMTEC unit was analyzed through CFD analysis, and design points were discussed based on the results.

In order to measure the flow rate of liquid sodium, the flow measurement method should be determined by considering the opacity of sodium, the chemical reaction with air and water, and so on. By using the segmental wedge flowmeter which is one of the representative devices for flow measurement, the methodology for measuring the liquid sodium flow was examined and the flow characteristics were observed. The variations of the discharge coefficients according to various flow conditions were also evaluated. In addition, the structural integrity at high temperature condition was evaluated by using the liquid sodium as a working fluid and these study results were reflected in the design of the segmental wedge flowmeter.