NUCLEAR BATTERY-THERMOCOUPLE TYPE SUMMARY REPORT
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Abstract
The potential usefulness of approximately 1300 radioactive isotopes as a heat source for the thermoelectric generator was investigated. Only 47 were found to have the proper characteristics of high specific activity and usable haif-life combined with an easily absorbable radiation. These isotopes are discussed showing possible sources of supply, the hazards involved, and the expected performance. Three large Po/sup 210/ heat sources were designed and constructed (for battery use), including one for the SNAP III generator. One small Tl/sup 204/ test heat source was made by irradiation. Eight thermoelectric generators were developed and two of these were used as thermoelectric batteries. Theoretical equations for non-semiconductor thermoelectric materials and experimental measurements to verify the Thompson and Peltier effects are given. (auth)
- Authors:
- Publication Date:
- Research Org.:
- Mound Lab., Miamisburg, Ohio
- Sponsoring Org.:
- USDOE
- OSTI Identifier:
- 4807049
- Report Number(s):
- MLM-1127
- NSA Number:
- NSA-16-011995
- DOE Contract Number:
- AT(33-1)-GEN-53; R-65-8-99811-SC-03-91
- Resource Type:
- Technical Report
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-62
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
- Subject:
- INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF ISOTOPES AND RADIATIONS; BATTERIES; GENERATORS; HALF-LIFE; HEATING; IRRADIATION; MATHEMATICS; MEASURED VALUES; PELTIER EFFECT; POLONIUM 210; RADIOISOTOPES; TESTING; THALLIUM 204; THERMOCOUPLES; THERMOELECTRICITY; THOMSON EFFECT; USES; NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
Citation Formats
Blanke, B.C., Birden, J.H., Jordan, K.C., and Murphy, E.L.. NUCLEAR BATTERY-THERMOCOUPLE TYPE SUMMARY REPORT. United States: N. p., 1960.
Web. doi:10.2172/4807049.
Blanke, B.C., Birden, J.H., Jordan, K.C., & Murphy, E.L.. NUCLEAR BATTERY-THERMOCOUPLE TYPE SUMMARY REPORT. United States. doi:10.2172/4807049.
Blanke, B.C., Birden, J.H., Jordan, K.C., and Murphy, E.L.. Sat .
"NUCLEAR BATTERY-THERMOCOUPLE TYPE SUMMARY REPORT". United States.
doi:10.2172/4807049. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/4807049.
@article{osti_4807049,
title = {NUCLEAR BATTERY-THERMOCOUPLE TYPE SUMMARY REPORT},
author = {Blanke, B.C. and Birden, J.H. and Jordan, K.C. and Murphy, E.L.},
abstractNote = {The potential usefulness of approximately 1300 radioactive isotopes as a heat source for the thermoelectric generator was investigated. Only 47 were found to have the proper characteristics of high specific activity and usable haif-life combined with an easily absorbable radiation. These isotopes are discussed showing possible sources of supply, the hazards involved, and the expected performance. Three large Po/sup 210/ heat sources were designed and constructed (for battery use), including one for the SNAP III generator. One small Tl/sup 204/ test heat source was made by irradiation. Eight thermoelectric generators were developed and two of these were used as thermoelectric batteries. Theoretical equations for non-semiconductor thermoelectric materials and experimental measurements to verify the Thompson and Peltier effects are given. (auth)},
doi = {10.2172/4807049},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {1960},
month = {10}
}