Testing of the GPHS electrically heated thermoelectric converter

Conference · Sun Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1982 · Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5403478

Kelly, C E; Ambrose, G R

The GPHS-RTG is a nominal 300W power supply being developed by General Electric for the Department of Energy. The RTG will provide electrical power for the Galileo Jupiter Orbiter (1985) and the Solar Polar Mission (1986). The power supply is a Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) using plutonium-238 as the heat source and silicon germanium thermoelectric materials. The unit weighs 122 lbs. and has an envelope of 17 inches by 45 inches. Beginning of mission efficiency is 6.6% and the unit will deliver 86% of its initial power after 5 years of operation. Tests are in progress using an electric heat source to confirm the adequacy of the design to meet mission requirements. Tests in progress show that mission requirements will be met.

• Research Organization: General Electric, King of Prussia, PA
• OSTI ID: 5403478
• Report Number(s): CONF-820814-; TRN: 84-001387
• Journal Information: Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States), Vol. 3; Conference: 17. Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering conference, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 8 Aug 1982
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
07 ISOTOPES AND RADIATION SOURCES
THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS
DESIGN
MECHANICAL TESTS
RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES
DIMENSIONS
ELECTRIC POWER
GERMANIUM
PLUTONIUM 238
QUANTUM EFFICIENCY
RADIOISOTOPE GENERATORS
SILICON
THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION
US DOE
WEIGHT
ACTINIDE ISOTOPES
ACTINIDE NUCLEI
ALPHA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
CONVERSION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EFFICIENCY
ELEMENTS
ENERGY CONVERSION
EVEN-EVEN NUCLEI
HEAT SOURCES
HEAVY NUCLEI
ISOTOPES
MATERIALS TESTING
METALS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NUCLEI
PLUTONIUM ISOTOPES
POWER
RADIOISOTOPES
SEMIMETALS
TESTING
US ORGANIZATIONS
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
300300* - Thermoelectric Generators
070300 - Isotopic Power Supplies