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Title: System and method to improve the power output and longetivity of a radioisotope thermoelectric generator

Abstract

By using the helium generated by the alpha emissions of a thermoelectric generator during space travel for cooling, the thermal degradation of the thermoelectric generator can be slowed. Slowing degradation allows missions to be longer with little additional expense or payload.

Inventors:
 [1]
  1. (Potomac, MD)
Publication Date:
OSTI Identifier:
868929
Patent Number(s):
US 5246505
Assignee:
United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
Resource Type:
Patent
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
method; improve; power; output; longetivity; radioisotope; thermoelectric; generator; helium; generated; alpha; emissions; space; travel; cooling; thermal; degradation; slowed; slowing; allows; missions; additional; expense; payload; electric generator; power output; thermoelectric generator; thermal degradation; /136/376/

Citation Formats

Mowery, Jr., Alfred L. System and method to improve the power output and longetivity of a radioisotope thermoelectric generator. United States: N. p., 1993. Web.
Mowery, Jr., Alfred L. System and method to improve the power output and longetivity of a radioisotope thermoelectric generator. United States.
Mowery, Jr., Alfred L. 1993. "System and method to improve the power output and longetivity of a radioisotope thermoelectric generator". United States. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/868929.
@article{osti_868929,
title = {System and method to improve the power output and longetivity of a radioisotope thermoelectric generator},
author = {Mowery, Jr., Alfred L.},
abstractNote = {By using the helium generated by the alpha emissions of a thermoelectric generator during space travel for cooling, the thermal degradation of the thermoelectric generator can be slowed. Slowing degradation allows missions to be longer with little additional expense or payload.},
doi = {},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/868929}, journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1993},
month = {Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1993}
}

Works referenced in this record:

Fuel Capsule Vent System Development for the Viking Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator
journal, September 1973