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Title: Thermoelectric power conversion in space

Abstract

This paper discusses how thermoelectric power conversion systems have a broad potential for applicability to a large number of different classes of space missions. As research continues on thermoelectric materials, the potential for significantly improved performance is good. With research also occurring in the power conversion field to improve configurations and specific designs, thermoelectric power conversion continues to show great promise for near- and long-term space missions. The next generation of radioisotope thermoelectric generators will use a radiatively heated multicouple that incorporates 20 individual couples within a single cell.

Authors:
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Jet Propulsion Lab., California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA (US)
Publication Date:
OSTI Identifier:
6344253
Resource Type:
Journal Article
Journal Name:
Mechanical Engineering; (USA)
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 112:9; Journal ID: ISSN 0025-6501
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION; 07 ISOTOPES AND RADIATION SOURCES; 29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY AND ECONOMY; 32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION; SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES; PLANNING; THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION; RESEARCH PROGRAMS; THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS; ISOTOPE APPLICATIONS; RADIATIVE COOLING; CONVERSION; COOLING; DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION; DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS; ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT; ENERGY CONVERSION; EQUIPMENT; POWER SUPPLIES; NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems; 300304* - Thermoelectric Generators- Applications; 070300 - Isotopic Power Supplies; 299000 - Energy Planning & Policy- Unconventional Sources & Power Generation; 320201 - Energy Conservation, Consumption, & Utilization- Transportation- Air & Aerospace

Citation Formats

Awaya, H I, Ewell, R, Nesmith, B, and Vandersande, J. Thermoelectric power conversion in space. United States: N. p., 1990. Web.
Awaya, H I, Ewell, R, Nesmith, B, & Vandersande, J. Thermoelectric power conversion in space. United States.
Awaya, H I, Ewell, R, Nesmith, B, and Vandersande, J. 1990. "Thermoelectric power conversion in space". United States.
@article{osti_6344253,
title = {Thermoelectric power conversion in space},
author = {Awaya, H I and Ewell, R and Nesmith, B and Vandersande, J},
abstractNote = {This paper discusses how thermoelectric power conversion systems have a broad potential for applicability to a large number of different classes of space missions. As research continues on thermoelectric materials, the potential for significantly improved performance is good. With research also occurring in the power conversion field to improve configurations and specific designs, thermoelectric power conversion continues to show great promise for near- and long-term space missions. The next generation of radioisotope thermoelectric generators will use a radiatively heated multicouple that incorporates 20 individual couples within a single cell.},
doi = {},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/6344253}, journal = {Mechanical Engineering; (USA)},
issn = {0025-6501},
number = ,
volume = 112:9,
place = {United States},
year = {Sat Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1990},
month = {Sat Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1990}
}