Potential improvements in SiGe radioisotope thermoelectric generator performance
Abstract
In accordance with NASA{close_quote}s slogan: {open_quotes}Better, Cheaper, Faster,{close_quotes} this paper will address potential improvements to SiGe RTG technology to make them Better. RTGs are doubtless cheaper than {open_quotes}paper designs{close_quotes} which are better and cheaper until development, performance and safety test costs are considered. RTGs have the advantage of being fully developed and tested in the rigors of space for over twenty years. Further, unless a new system can be accelerated tested, as were the RTGs, they cannot be deployed reliably unless a number of systems have succeeded for test periods exceeding the mission lifetime. Two potential developments are discussed that can improve the basic RTG performance by 10 to 40{sup +}{percent} depending on the mission profile. These improvements could be demonstrated in years. Accelerated testing could also be performed in this period to preserve existing RTG reliability. Data from a qualification tested RTG will be displayed, while not definitive, to support the conclusions. Finally, it is anticipated that other investigators will be encouraged to suggest further modifications to the basic RTG design to improve its performance. {copyright} {ital 1999 American Institute of Physics.}
- Authors:
-
- 4 Myrtle Bank Lane, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29926-2650 (United States)
- Publication Date:
- OSTI Identifier:
- 341326
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-990103-
Journal ID: APCPCS; ISSN 0094-243X; TRN: 99:005856
- Resource Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal Name:
- AIP Conference Proceedings
- Additional Journal Information:
- Journal Volume: 458; Journal Issue: 1; Conference: 1999 space technology and applications international forum, Albuquerque, NM (United States), 31 Jan - 4 Feb 1999; Other Information: PBD: Jan 1999
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
- Subject:
- 30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION; 07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCE TECHNOLOGY; RADIOISOTOPE GENERATORS; THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS; PERFORMANCE; SILICON ALLOYS; GERMANIUM ALLOYS; HEAT FLUX; NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
Citation Formats
Mowery, A L. Potential improvements in SiGe radioisotope thermoelectric generator performance. United States: N. p., 1999.
Web. doi:10.1063/1.57556.
Mowery, A L. Potential improvements in SiGe radioisotope thermoelectric generator performance. United States. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.57556
Mowery, A L. 1999.
"Potential improvements in SiGe radioisotope thermoelectric generator performance". United States. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.57556.
@article{osti_341326,
title = {Potential improvements in SiGe radioisotope thermoelectric generator performance},
author = {Mowery, A L},
abstractNote = {In accordance with NASA{close_quote}s slogan: {open_quotes}Better, Cheaper, Faster,{close_quotes} this paper will address potential improvements to SiGe RTG technology to make them Better. RTGs are doubtless cheaper than {open_quotes}paper designs{close_quotes} which are better and cheaper until development, performance and safety test costs are considered. RTGs have the advantage of being fully developed and tested in the rigors of space for over twenty years. Further, unless a new system can be accelerated tested, as were the RTGs, they cannot be deployed reliably unless a number of systems have succeeded for test periods exceeding the mission lifetime. Two potential developments are discussed that can improve the basic RTG performance by 10 to 40{sup +}{percent} depending on the mission profile. These improvements could be demonstrated in years. Accelerated testing could also be performed in this period to preserve existing RTG reliability. Data from a qualification tested RTG will be displayed, while not definitive, to support the conclusions. Finally, it is anticipated that other investigators will be encouraged to suggest further modifications to the basic RTG design to improve its performance. {copyright} {ital 1999 American Institute of Physics.}},
doi = {10.1063/1.57556},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/341326},
journal = {AIP Conference Proceedings},
number = 1,
volume = 458,
place = {United States},
year = {Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1999},
month = {Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1999}
}