Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) applications to space power generation

Conference · Tue Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1996

OSTI ID:438832

Vicente, F A; Kelly, C E; Loughin, S ^[1]

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1. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space, Philadelphia, PA (United States)

Examined is a Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) converter using an advanced quaternary III--V cell with an integral filter coupled to isotope (GPHS) and nuclear reactor heat sources. Results presented indicate the merits of TPV conversion for meeting a wide range of space power requirements. The authors find that TPV offers both a reduction in the cost of building the converter for an electric generator driven by a radioisotope or nuclear reactor, as well as appreciable fuel savings. On the basis of cost, they find that isotope powered TPV systems enjoy considerable advantage over solar arrays or interplanetary exploration missions beyond the asteroid belt. For space reactor power systems the analysis indicates that TPV conversion has a mass advantage over thermoelectrics (T/E) for systems below 50 kWe.

• DOE Contract Number: AC03-89SF17787
• OSTI ID: 438832
• Report Number(s): CONF-960805--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES
21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
HEAT SOURCES
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PERFORMANCE
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES
REACTORS
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
THERMOPHOTOVOLTAIC CONVERTERS