Commercial application of direct energy conversion (DEC systems vs. batteries)

The general design requirements, or criteria, which must be met by Direct Energy Conversion (i.e., Thermoelectric, Thermionic, and Fuel Cells) Systems if they are to replace battery powered systems in commercial applications are considered. Both long term and short term unattended site applications are investigated. Since the use of DEC systems in place of batteries will, in general, be determined principally, on a total system annual cost basis, the design requirements which influence cost are considered. The design requirements are placed in perspective by comparison with DEC state-of-the-art estimates and projections.