Specification for strontium-90 500-watt(e) radioisotopic thermoelectric generator. Final report

Technical Report · Fri Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1983

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6267851· OSTI ID:6267851

Hammel, T; Himes, J; Lieberman, A; McGrew, J; Owings, D; Schumann, F

A conceptual design for a demonstration 500-watt(e) radioisotopic thermoelectric generator has been created for the Department of Energy. The design effort was divided into two tasks, viz., create a design specification for a capsule strength member that utilizes a standard Strontium-90 fluoride-filled WESF inner liner, and create a conceptual design for a 500-watt(e) RTG. Both tasks have been accomplished. The strength-member specification was designed to survive an external pressure of 24,500 psi and meet the requirements of special-form radioisotope heat sources. Therefore the capsule can, if desired, be licensed for domestic and international transport. The design for the RTG features a radioisotopic heat source, an array of nine capsules in a tungsten biological shield, four current-technology series-connected thermoelectric-conversion modules, low-conductivity thermal insulation, and a passive finned-housing radiator for waste-heat dissipation. The preliminary RTG specification formulated previous to contract award has been met or exceeded. The power source will generate the required power for the required service period at 28 volts dc with a conversion efficiency of 8%, provided the existing in-pool capsules at WESF meet the assumed thermal-inventory requirements.

• Research Organization: Teledyne Energy Systems, Timonium, MD (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-83AL22028
• OSTI ID: 6267851
• Report Number(s): DOE/AL/22028-T2; ON: DE83011200
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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