A system and control method based on fault-tolerant AMTEC thermoelectric conversion
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202610891698.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-06-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-04
AI Technical Summary
[0003]本发明提供一种基于可容错AMTEC热电转换的系统及控制方法，解决现有热电转换系统缺乏有效隔离机制，易造成系统可靠性低和容错能力低的问题，能增加故障隔离与容错能力，提高系统级容错及可靠性
[0031] This invention provides a system and control method based on fault-tolerant AMTEC thermoelectric conversion. An adjustment control module is installed on the pipe at the steam inlet of the base unit within the AMTEC module. A monitoring module monitors the output status of the AMTEC module. Based on the output status feedback from the monitoring module, the heat distribution input to the AMTEC module is adjusted. When an anomaly occurs in a base unit within the AMTEC module, the adjustment control module isolates the corresponding base unit to adjust the output power of the corresponding AMTEC module. This addresses the problem of existing thermoelectric conversion systems lacking effective isolation mechanisms, which easily leads to low system reliability and low fault tolerance. It increases fault isolation and fault tolerance capabilities, improving system-level fault tolerance and reliability.
Smart Images
Figure CN122697902A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of thermal power generation, and more specifically, to a system and control method based on fault-tolerant AMTEC thermoelectric conversion. Background Technology
[0002] AMTEC (Alkali Metal Thermal-to-Electric Converter) is a device that utilizes alkali metal vapor to achieve thermoelectric conversion through ion conduction in a solid electrolyte (BASE) at high temperatures. It boasts high theoretical efficiency and good adaptability to extreme environments. However, existing AMTEC systems generally suffer from the following problems: 1. Severe single-point failure issues: Cracks or damage to the BASE can lead to alkali metal leakage, causing pressure imbalance and ultimately system-wide failure. 2. Lack of effective isolation mechanisms: Existing AMTEC systems typically employ a completely closed structure, lacking independent isolation between BASE units. A partial failure in one BASE unit can propagate to a system-wide AMTEC failure. 3. Low system reliability: Due to the above reasons, AMTEC systems exhibit "catastrophic failure" characteristics, making them unsuitable for long-life unmanned systems. Therefore, a structural design capable of maintaining system operation even in the event of a single BASE unit failure is of great significance. Summary of the Invention
[0003] This invention provides a system and control method based on fault-tolerant AMTEC thermoelectric conversion, which solves the problem that existing thermoelectric conversion systems lack effective isolation mechanisms, easily leading to low system reliability and low fault tolerance. It can increase fault isolation and fault tolerance capabilities, and improve system-level fault tolerance and reliability.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:
[0005] A system based on fault-tolerant AMTEC thermoelectric conversion includes: an AMTEC module, a heat source module, a thermal management module, a regulation and control module, and a monitoring module;
[0006] The output terminal of the heat source module is connected to the input terminal of the AMTEC module, and the monitoring module is set at the output terminal of the AMTEC module to monitor the output status of the AMTEC module.
[0007] The AMTEC module contains multiple fluid parallel and electrical series BASE units, and each BASE unit is equipped with the regulating and control module in the steam inlet pipe connected to the heat source module.
[0008] The thermal management module is connected to the heat source module and the monitoring module respectively. When the BASE unit in the AMTEC module malfunctions, the adjustment and control module isolates the corresponding BASE unit and adjusts the output power of the corresponding AMTEC module so that the AMTEC module can continue energy conversion as required.
[0009] Preferably, after the corresponding BASE unit is isolated, the thermal management module adjusts the input heat of the remaining BASE units in the corresponding AMTEC module through the adjustment control module to adjust the output power of the AMTEC module.
[0010] Preferably, when adjusting the output power of the AMTEC module, the input heat of the remaining BASE units is increased so that the AMTEC module outputs at its rated power.
[0011] Preferably, when adjusting the output power of the AMTEC module, the output power is gradually reduced according to the number of isolation units of the BASE unit, so that the AMTEC module adopts a power degradation operation mode.
[0012] Preferably, the AMTEC module is provided with an evaporation chamber and a condensation chamber. The BASE unit is disposed in the evaporation chamber and is connected to the condensation chamber through a fluid passage. The BASE unit is provided with electrodes, which drive the solid electrolyte to conduct ions when energized.
[0013] Preferably, the adjustment and control module adopts a mechanical one-way valve.
[0014] Preferably, the monitoring module includes at least one of the following: a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a flow sensor.
[0015] Preferably, the thermal management module includes: a controller and a host computer;
[0016] The controller is connected to the adjustment control module and the monitoring module via signals, and the controller is also connected to the host computer via communication.
[0017] The host computer is equipped with a human-machine interface, which includes an AMTEC module operation monitoring interface to monitor the operating status of the BASE unit and the adjustment and control module in real time.
[0018] The present invention also provides a control method based on fault-tolerant AMTEC thermoelectric conversion, comprising:
[0019] The AMTEC module contains multiple fluid parallel and electrical series BASE units, and each BASE unit is equipped with a mechanical check valve at its steam inlet pipe.
[0020] The pressure, temperature, and / or flow rate of each BASE unit in the AMTEC module are acquired in real time, and any abnormalities are determined.
[0021] If an anomaly is detected, the corresponding mechanical check valve of the BASE unit is closed to isolate the corresponding BASE unit, and the output power of the corresponding AMTEC module is adjusted so that the AMTEC module can continue energy conversion as required.
[0022] If no abnormality is found, report that the system is operating normally.
[0023] Preferably, adjusting the output power of the AMTEC module includes:
[0024] Obtain the total number of BASE units in the AMTEC module, and the number of isolated BASE units;
[0025] Calculate the power attenuation factor based on the total number of BASE cells and the number of isolation cells;
[0026] Calculate the total power of all BASE unit busbars and multiply the total power by the power attenuation coefficient as the degraded operating power.
[0027] Preferably, adjusting the output power of the AMTEC module includes:
[0028] Obtain the total number of BASE units in the AMTEC module, and the number of isolated BASE units;
[0029] The remaining number of available BASE cells is determined based on the total number of BASE cells and the number of isolation cells.
[0030] Based on the rated power of the AMTEC module and the remaining number, the input heat of the remaining BASE units is increased so that the AMTEC module outputs at its rated power.
[0031] This invention provides a system and control method based on fault-tolerant AMTEC thermoelectric conversion. An adjustment control module is installed on the pipe at the steam inlet of the base unit within the AMTEC module. A monitoring module monitors the output status of the AMTEC module. Based on the output status feedback from the monitoring module, the heat distribution input to the AMTEC module is adjusted. When an anomaly occurs in a base unit within the AMTEC module, the adjustment control module isolates the corresponding base unit to adjust the output power of the corresponding AMTEC module. This addresses the problem of existing thermoelectric conversion systems lacking effective isolation mechanisms, which easily leads to low system reliability and low fault tolerance. It increases fault isolation and fault tolerance capabilities, improving system-level fault tolerance and reliability. Attached Figure Description
[0032] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below.
[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a system based on fault-tolerant AMTEC thermoelectric conversion provided by the present invention.
[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the AMTEC module provided in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a fault-tolerant AMTEC module operation monitoring interface provided in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the fault-tolerant operation of a fault-tolerant AMTEC module provided in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a control method based on AMTEC thermoelectric conversion provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0038] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the embodiments of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and implementation methods.
[0039] To address the problem that current thermoelectric conversion systems lack effective isolation mechanisms, which easily leads to low system reliability and fault tolerance, this invention provides a system and control method based on fault-tolerant AMTEC thermoelectric conversion. This solves the problem of low system reliability and fault tolerance caused by the lack of effective isolation mechanisms in existing thermoelectric conversion systems, and can increase fault isolation and fault tolerance capabilities, thereby improving system-level fault tolerance and reliability.
[0040] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, a system based on fault-tolerant AMTEC thermoelectric conversion includes: an AMTEC module, a heat source module, a thermal management module, a regulation and control module, and a monitoring module. The output terminal of the heat source module is connected to the input terminal of the AMTEC module. The monitoring module is located at the output terminal of the AMTEC module to monitor the output status of the AMTEC module. The AMTEC module has multiple BASE units connected in parallel and in series electrically. Each BASE unit is connected to the heat source module via a steam inlet pipe, and the regulation and control module is correspondingly installed therein. The thermal management module is connected to both the heat source module and the monitoring module. When an abnormality occurs in a BASE unit within the AMTEC module, the regulation and control module isolates the corresponding BASE unit and adjusts the output power of the corresponding AMTEC module, allowing the AMTEC module to continue energy conversion as required.
[0041] Specifically, the heat source module can be a nuclear heat source or other high-temperature heat source. The AMTEC module contains multiple BASE units connected in parallel fluid configurations and in series electrical connections. Each BASE unit has a regulating control module on its steam inlet pipe. When any BASE unit malfunctions, the corresponding regulating control module shuts down, blocking the fluid passage and isolating the corresponding BASE unit. Other units continue to operate, regulating the output power of the AMTEC module. The regulating control module is located in the fluid passage corresponding to each energy conversion unit, used to block the connection between that unit and the fluid passage system when an abnormality occurs. The presence of an abnormality can be determined by detecting pressure drops, flow rate anomalies, and / or temperature anomalies in the BASE units. This system prevents system-level failures; individual unit failures do not propagate to the overall system. Even with the failure of one or more energy conversion units, the system maintains overall operation, thus achieving a system-level fault-tolerant operation mode. Simultaneously, the system power output gradually decreases with unit failure, rather than being abruptly interrupted, improving system-level fault tolerance and reliability.
[0042] Furthermore, after isolating the corresponding BASE unit, the thermal management module adjusts the input heat of the remaining BASE units in the corresponding AMTEC module through the adjustment control module to regulate the output power of the AMTEC module.
[0043] Furthermore, when adjusting the output power of the AMTEC module, the input flow of the remaining BASE units is increased so that the AMTEC module outputs at its rated power.
[0044] In practical applications, in order to ensure that the energy conversion efficiency of the AMTEC module meets the set requirements, the flow converted by the isolated BASE unit can be evenly distributed to the remaining BASE units, so that the output power of the AMTEC module is close to the previous power or outputs at the rated power, ensuring that the AMTEC module continues to work and maintaining the stable operation of the system.
[0045] Furthermore, when adjusting the output power of the AMTEC module, the output power is gradually reduced according to the number of isolation units of the BASE unit, so that the AMTEC module adopts a power degradation operation mode.
[0046] In practical applications, there are 4 base units arranged in series in an AMTEC module, and each base unit has the same output power. If one base unit fails while the other 3 base units are normal, the output power of the AMTEC module will be 75% of the total power, with a power attenuation of 25%, and the AMTEC module will operate in a degraded manner.
[0047] Furthermore, the AMTEC module includes an evaporation chamber and a condensation chamber. The BASE unit is located within the evaporation chamber and is connected to the condensation chamber via a heat-conducting pipe. The BASE unit is equipped with electrodes, which, when energized, drive the solid electrolyte to conduct ions.
[0048] In practical applications, such as Figure 2 As shown, BASE unit 2 is equipped with a solid electrolyte wall, porous electrodes 6 on both inner and outer walls, and an internal vapor channel 5. The high-temperature side is connected to the evaporation chamber 3, and the low-temperature side is connected to the condensation chamber 4. Under normal operating conditions, metal vapor flows from the evaporation chamber into the inner tube of each BASE unit, passes through the outer wall of the BASE, and enters the condensation chamber.
[0049] Furthermore, the adjustment and control module employs a mechanical one-way valve.
[0050] In one embodiment, the system comprises N BASE units, each equipped with an independent check valve located on the BASE steam inlet passage. When the pressure of a BASE unit drops beyond a threshold Pt, the control system determines it as a failure and closes the corresponding check valve. The system then enters a degraded operation mode, with the output power approximately (Nk) / N of the original power, where k is the number of failed BASE units. The check valve can be a mechanical spring valve, an electromagnetic control valve, a shape memory alloy driven valve, etc. The check valve has a high-temperature corrosion-resistant structure, suitable for alkali metal steam environments, and is located in the medium inlet or outlet passage of the energy conversion unit.
[0051] Furthermore, the monitoring module includes at least one of the following: a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a flow sensor.
[0052] In practical applications, monitoring methods include, in addition to pressure, temperature and flow rate. These can be used as individual or combined fault criteria, with anomaly detection based on at least one of pressure, temperature, or flow rate changes. When the pressure of a certain energy conversion unit is detected to be lower than a preset threshold, the corresponding unit-level isolation module is triggered to shut down.
[0053] Furthermore, the thermal management module includes a controller and a host computer; the controller is signal-connected to the monitoring module and communicatively connected to the host computer.
[0054] Furthermore, the host computer is equipped with a human-machine interface, which includes an AMTEC module operation monitoring interface to monitor the operating status of the BASE unit and the adjustment and control module in real time.
[0055] In practical applications, an AMTEC can contain arrays of 6, 8, or more BASE units, demonstrating modular scalability. For example... Figure 3 As shown, in the monitoring interface, a complete AMTEC module can be represented by an outer frame. The left side of the frame contains the heat source interface and evaporation chamber, while the right side contains the condensation chamber and heat dissipation interface. In the center is the core BASE unit array, composed of multiple (e.g., four) BASE units connected in parallel. A one-way valve symbol is drawn on the inlet pipe of each BASE unit. The pressure sensor (P) installed at the inlet or outlet of each BASE unit is clearly marked. A "fault event" arrow points to one of the BASE units (labeled "BASE rupture"), triggering a "pressure P↓" signal transmitted to the control unit. The control unit then issues a "shutdown command" to the inlet one-way valve of the faulty BASE unit, changing the valve status to "closed." Finally, the AMTEC output is labeled "Power Output: P". total = P1 + P2 + P3 (Example, 1 isolated out of 4)".
[0056] Under normal operating conditions: metal vapor flows from the evaporation chamber into the inner tubes of each BASE unit, passes through the outer wall of the BASE and into the condensation chamber, the one-way valve is in the open state, and the system outputs electrical energy as a whole.
[0057] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4As shown, each base has an independent intake channel for isolation and control. Each base's independent intake channel is equipped with a one-way valve to block faulty units. When a base unit malfunctions (e.g., base 3 ruptures): the monitoring module detects the anomaly (pressure drop or abnormal flow), and the control module triggers the one-way valve of the corresponding unit to close, isolating the unit while other units continue to operate. This transforms the system from "sudden failure" to "gradual power decay." Because the base units are electrically connected in series and their flow rates are parallel, the electrical series connection ensures consistent current. Even after isolation, the one-way valves still form a closed loop, and the heat flow is redistributed, preventing localized overheating faults.
[0058] As can be seen, this invention provides a system based on fault-tolerant AMTEC thermoelectric conversion. The regulating control module is installed on the pipe at the steam inlet of the base unit within the AMTEC module. When an anomaly occurs in the base unit within the AMTEC module, the regulating control module isolates the corresponding base unit, causing the AMTEC module to operate in a degraded manner. This solves the problem of existing thermoelectric conversion systems lacking an effective isolation mechanism, which easily leads to low system reliability and low fault tolerance. It increases fault isolation and fault tolerance capabilities, improving system-level fault tolerance and reliability.
[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, the present invention also provides a control method based on fault-tolerant AMTEC thermoelectric conversion, comprising:
[0060] The AMTEC module contains multiple fluid parallel and electrical series BASE units, and each BASE unit is equipped with a mechanical check valve at its steam inlet pipe.
[0061] The pressure, temperature, and / or flow rate of each BASE unit in the AMTEC module are acquired in real time, and any abnormalities are determined.
[0062] If an anomaly is detected, the corresponding mechanical check valve of the BASE unit will close, isolating the corresponding BASE unit and adjusting the output power of the corresponding AMTEC module so that the AMTEC module can continue energy conversion as required.
[0063] If no abnormality is found, report that the system is operating normally.
[0064] In one embodiment, adjusting the output power of the AMTEC module includes:
[0065] Obtain the total number of BASE units in the AMTEC module, and the number of isolated BASE units;
[0066] Calculate the power attenuation factor based on the total number of BASE cells and the number of isolation cells;
[0067] Calculate the total power of all BASE unit busbars and multiply the total power by the power attenuation coefficient as the degraded operating power.
[0068] Specifically, within an AMTEC module, four BASE units are arranged in series, and current flows from the electrodes of each unit, with a total power of Pnormal = Σ(P_base1~4). Within the same AMTEC module, if the second BASE unit is marked as faulty while the other three BASE units are normal, the total power of the current flow is Pfault = Σ(P_base1,3,4), and the system is in degraded operation with a power attenuation of 25%.
[0069] In another embodiment, adjusting the output power of the AMTEC module includes:
[0070] Obtain the total number of BASE units in the AMTEC module, and the number of isolated BASE units;
[0071] The remaining number of available BASE cells is determined based on the total number of BASE cells and the number of isolation cells.
[0072] Based on the rated power of the AMTEC module and the remaining number, increase the input flow of the remaining BASE units so that the AMTEC module outputs at its rated power.
[0073] In practical applications, the AMTEC module output power can be kept from decreasing too much by increasing the input flow of the remaining BASE units. The input flow can be evenly distributed to each BASE unit to keep it the same, or a differentiated flow distribution can be used.
[0074] As can be seen, this invention provides a control method based on AMTEC thermoelectric conversion, which acquires the pressure, temperature, and / or flow rate of each base unit within the AMTEC module in real time and determines whether any abnormalities exist. If an abnormality is found, the corresponding one-way valve closes, isolating the corresponding base unit and putting the AMTEC module into a degraded operation mode. This solves the problem of existing thermoelectric conversion systems lacking effective isolation mechanisms, which easily leads to low system reliability and low fault tolerance. It can increase fault isolation and fault tolerance capabilities, and improve system-level fault tolerance and reliability.
[0075] The structure, features, and effects of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the embodiments shown in the figures. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of implementation shown in the figures. Any changes made in accordance with the concept of the present invention, or equivalent embodiments modified to have equivalent changes, shall be within the protection scope of the present invention as long as they do not exceed the spirit covered by the specification and figures.
Claims
1. A system based on fault-tolerant AMTEC thermoelectric conversion, characterized in that, include: AMTEC modules, heat source modules, thermal management modules, regulation and control modules, and monitoring modules; The output terminal of the heat source module is connected to the input terminal of the AMTEC module, and the monitoring module is set at the output terminal of the AMTEC module to monitor the output status of the AMTEC module. The AMTEC module contains multiple fluid parallel and electrical series BASE units, and each BASE unit is equipped with the regulating and control module in the steam inlet pipe connected to the heat source module. The thermal management module is connected to the heat source module and the monitoring module respectively. When the BASE unit in the AMTEC module malfunctions, the adjustment and control module isolates the corresponding BASE unit and adjusts the output power of the corresponding AMTEC module so that the AMTEC module can continue energy conversion as required.
2. The system based on fault-tolerant AMTEC thermoelectric conversion according to claim 1, characterized in that, After isolating the corresponding BASE unit, the thermal management module adjusts the input heat of the remaining BASE units in the corresponding AMTEC module through the adjustment control module to regulate the output power of the AMTEC module.
3. The system based on fault-tolerant AMTEC thermoelectric conversion according to claim 2, characterized in that, When adjusting the output power of the AMTEC module, the input heat of the remaining BASE units is increased so that the AMTEC module outputs at its rated power.
4. The system based on fault-tolerant AMTEC thermoelectric conversion according to claim 2, characterized in that, When adjusting the output power of the AMTEC module, the output power is gradually reduced according to the number of isolation units of the BASE unit, so that the AMTEC module adopts a power degradation operation mode.
5. The system based on fault-tolerant AMTEC thermoelectric conversion according to claim 1, characterized in that, The AMTEC module is provided with an evaporation chamber and a condensation chamber. The BASE unit is located in the evaporation chamber and is connected to the condensation chamber through a fluid passage. The BASE unit is provided with electrodes, which drive the solid electrolyte to conduct ions when energized.
6. The system based on fault-tolerant AMTEC thermoelectric conversion according to claim 5, characterized in that, The regulation and control module adopts a mechanical check valve, and the monitoring module includes at least one of the following: a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a flow sensor.
7. The system based on fault-tolerant AMTEC thermoelectric conversion according to claim 6, characterized in that, The thermal management module includes: a controller and a host computer; The controller is connected to the adjustment control module and the monitoring module via signals, and the controller is also connected to the host computer via communication. The host computer is equipped with a human-machine interface, which includes an AMTEC module operation monitoring interface to monitor the operating status of the BASE unit and the adjustment and control module in real time.
8. A control method based on fault-tolerant AMTEC thermoelectric conversion, characterized in that, include: The AMTEC module contains multiple fluid parallel and electrical series BASE units, and each BASE unit is equipped with a mechanical check valve at its steam inlet pipe. The pressure, temperature, and / or flow rate of each BASE unit in the AMTEC module are acquired in real time, and any abnormalities are determined. If an anomaly is detected, the corresponding mechanical check valve of the BASE unit is closed to isolate the corresponding BASE unit, and the output power of the corresponding AMTEC module is adjusted so that the AMTEC module can continue energy conversion as required. If no abnormality is found, report that the system is operating normally.
9. The control method based on fault-tolerant AMTEC thermoelectric conversion according to claim 8, characterized in that, Adjusting the output power of the AMTEC module includes: Obtain the total number of BASE units in the AMTEC module, and the number of isolated BASE units; Calculate the power attenuation factor based on the total number of BASE cells and the number of isolation cells; Calculate the total power of all BASE unit busbars and multiply the total power by the power attenuation coefficient as the degraded operating power.
10. The control method based on fault-tolerant AMTEC thermoelectric conversion according to claim 8, characterized in that, Adjusting the output power of the AMTEC module includes: Obtain the total number of BASE units in the AMTEC module, and the number of isolated BASE units; The remaining number of available BASE cells is determined based on the total number of BASE cells and the number of isolation cells. Based on the rated power of the AMTEC module and the remaining number, the input heat of the remaining BASE units is increased so that the AMTEC module outputs at its rated power.