Power flattening techniques for radioisotopic thermoelectric generators. Interim report 1 December 1983-16 March 1984

Technical Report · Sun Mar 11 00:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:6409734

Eastman, G Y

The objective of this program is the investigation of a novel means of reducing the potential ecologic hazards that may be associated with radioisotopic thermoelectric generators (RTG's). A number of short lived isotopes have lower toxicities and are more ecologically acceptable than the Plutonium 238 used at present. In addition, the shorter half lives significantly reduce the time period during which isotope encapsulation must be assured (approx. 10 half lives). The technical approach involves the use of a gas controlled heat pipe to maintain a nearly constant heat input to the thermoelectric converter in spite of the decay profile of a short live heat pipe-RTG system is expected to operate over at least two isotope half lives (4:1 turndown ratio), supplying a thermoelectric module with the heat required to generate one watt of electricity. The end product of the program is a proof of principle heat pipe demonstrating the desired heat transport and turndown capability. The program has three items of work: Survey of Technology Base; Design of Proof of Principle Heat Pipe; Heat Pipe Fabrication and Test.

• Research Organization: Thermacore, Inc., Lansaster, PA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6409734
• Report Number(s): AD-A-142937/2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

07 ISOTOPES AND RADIATION SOURCES
THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS
HAZARDS
BISMUTH
CONTROL
DECAY
ECOLOGY
ELECTRIC GENERATORS
GASES
HEAT PIPES
HEAT TRANSFER
PROMETHIUM
RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES
SAFETY
TELLURIDES
TOXICITY
VAPORS
CHALCOGENIDES
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELEMENTS
ENERGY TRANSFER
FLUIDS
HEAT SOURCES
METALS
RARE EARTHS
TELLURIUM COMPOUNDS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
070301* - Isotopic Power Supplies- Design & Fabrication- (-1987)