Selection of emitter material for application on a radioisotope thermophotovoltaic (RTPV) power system

Journal Article · Tue Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1996 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.51955· OSTI ID:627656

Kramer, D P; Frohlich, N D; Koehler, F A; Ruhkamp, J D; Miller, R G; McDougal, J R; Pugh, B K; Barklay, C D; Howell, E I ^[1]

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1. EGG Mound Applied Technologies Building 88, P.O. Box 3000 Miamisburg, Ohio45343 (United States)

Radioisotope Thermophotovoltaic (RTPV) power systems are being considered for long duration space missions due to their predicted high thermal to electrical conversion efficiencies. One critical aspect of these power systems is the selection of an appropriate emitter material which will efficiently radiate the thermal energy generated by the heat source to the photovoltaics. The photovoltaics are {open_quotes}tuned{close_quotes} to convert the infrared wavelengths radiated by the emitter into electrical energy. The emphasis of this paper is on the selection and optimization of an appropriate emitter material which would meet all of the mission requirements. A Kepner Tregoe analysis was performed in order to rank the various candidate refractory materials in relationship to their physical and chemical properties. The results of the analysis and material recommendations are discussed. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 627656
• Report Number(s): CONF-970115--
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 387; ISSN APCPCS; ISSN 0094-243X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
42 ENGINEERING
DESIGN
EFFICIENCY
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PHOTOVOLTAIC CONVERSION
PLUTONIUM 238
POWER RANGE 10-100 W
POWER SYSTEMS
RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES
SPACE FLIGHT
SPACE VEHICLES
THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS