Synergistic integration of alkali metal thermal electric converters and thermoelectric generators: A path to high-efficiency, static conversion of heat to electricity

• Introducing a novel synergy between AMTEC and TEG for enhanced static power generation. • Advanced analytical model offers comprehensive evaluation and deeper understanding of system dynamics. • Unraveling complex interactions between AMTEC and TEG reveals improvement pathways. • Identification of optimal operational ranges advances AMTEC-TEG system design. Addressing the rising energy demand while minimizing environmental impacts is imperative in today’s energy landscape. This challenge necessitates the development of innovative, high-efficiency, and environmentally-friendly energy systems. This study investigates a hybrid static power generation system combining alkali metal thermal electric converters (AMTEC) and thermoelectric generators (TEG). A detailed parametric analysis is conducted through a comprehensive analytical model that integrates thermodynamics and electrochemistry. The results reveal that the synergistic integration of AMTEC and TEG enhances power generation by 67.1 % and improves efficiency by 27.1 % compared to standalone AMTEC systems. Consequently, the proposed system can achieve a maximum output power of 11.2 kW and an efficiency of 38.9 %. Additionally, the system demonstrates a 10 % load-following capability, highlighting its potential to meet fluctuating demand. Ultimately, the proposed system offers a scalable and effective solution for direct heat-to-electricity conversion.