Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Testing of the GPHS electrically heated thermoelectric converter

Conference · · Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5403478
The GPHS-RTG is a nominal 300W power supply being developed by General Electric for the Department of Energy. The RTG will provide electrical power for the Galileo Jupiter Orbiter (1985) and the Solar Polar Mission (1986). The power supply is a Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) using plutonium-238 as the heat source and silicon germanium thermoelectric materials. The unit weighs 122 lbs. and has an envelope of 17 inches by 45 inches. Beginning of mission efficiency is 6.6% and the unit will deliver 86% of its initial power after 5 years of operation. Tests are in progress using an electric heat source to confirm the adequacy of the design to meet mission requirements. Tests in progress show that mission requirements will be met.
Research Organization:
General Electric, King of Prussia, PA
OSTI ID:
5403478
Report Number(s):
CONF-820814-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States) Journal Volume: 3
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English