The thermodynamic cycle appropriate to an AMTEC (alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter) cell is discussed for both liquid- and vapor-fed modes of operation, under the assumption that all processes can be performed reversibly. In the liquid-fed mode, the reversible efficiency is greater than 89.6% of Carnot efficiency for heat input and rejection temperatures (900--1300 K and 400--800 K, respectively) typical of practical devices. Vapor-fed cells can approach the efficiency of liquid-fed cells. Quantitative estimates confirm that the efficiency is insensitive to either the work required to pressurize the sodium liquid or the details of the state changes associated with cooling the low pressure sodium gas to the heat rejection temperature. 10 refs.

Transport of alkali metal atoms through porous cathodes of alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter (AMTEC) cells is responsible for significant, reducible losses in the electrical performance of these cells. Experimental evidence for activated transport of metal atoms at grain surfaces and boundaries within some AMTEC electrodes has been derived from temperature dependent studies as well as from analysis of the detailed frequency dependence of ac impedance results for other electrodes, including thin, mature molybdenum electrodes which exhibit transport dominated by free molecular flow of sodium gas at low frequencies or dc conditions. Activated surface transport will almost always exist in parallel with free molecular flow transport, and the process of alkali atom adsorption/desorption from the electrode surface will invariably be part of the transport process, and possibly a dominant part in some cases. Little can be learned about the detailed mass transport process from the ac impedance or current voltage curves of an electrode at one set of operating parameters, because the transport process includes a number of important physical parameters that are not all uniquely determined by one experiment. The temperature dependence of diffusion coefficient of the alkali metal through the electrode in several cases provides an activation energy and …

Phytoplankton activity in an oligotrophic environment was studied on six cruises over a 14-month period. Phytoplankton biomass and productivity displayed considerable temporal variability despite the relative constancy of the physical and chemical environment. No evidence of seasonality or diurnal variability in phytoplankton biomass was observed. Annual average (+ s.d.) depth-integrated values (0-260 m) for chlorophyll a, phaeopigment, ATP, and primary productivity were 24.55 + 10.31 mg {center_dot} m{sup -2}, 11.81 + 7.20 mg {center_dot} m{sup -2}, 3.00 + 1.78 mg {center_dot} m{sup -2}, and 8.79 + 7.82 mg C {center_dot} m{sup -2}, h{sup -1}, respectively; over the year these parameters were seen to vary over ranges of 3X, 6X, 10X, and 26X, respectively. The mean depths of the chlorophyll and phaeopigment maxima were 85 + 9 m and 95 + 11 m, respectively; the pheopigment maximum was always located at or below that of chlorophyll. Size fractionation studies showed that at this oceanic station about 80% of the phytoplankton biomass occurred in the < 5 {micro}m fraction. Low ambient nutrient levels were typical at the depth of the chlorophyll maximum, indicating that nutrient assimilation was actively occurring in that layer. Elevated nutrient levels were typical at the deeper phaeopigment maximum …

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This document references the U. S. Acid Rain Program and looks at the Programs accomplishments and effects. Additionally, it offers the program as a template for implementing a Cap-and Trade Program.