Thermoelectric power conversion in space

Journal Article · Sat Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1990 · Mechanical Engineering; (USA)

OSTI ID:6344253

Awaya, H I; Ewell, R; Nesmith, B; Vandersande, J ^[1]

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1. Jet Propulsion Lab., California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA (US)

This paper discusses how thermoelectric power conversion systems have a broad potential for applicability to a large number of different classes of space missions. As research continues on thermoelectric materials, the potential for significantly improved performance is good. With research also occurring in the power conversion field to improve configurations and specific designs, thermoelectric power conversion continues to show great promise for near- and long-term space missions. The next generation of radioisotope thermoelectric generators will use a radiatively heated multicouple that incorporates 20 individual couples within a single cell.

• OSTI ID: 6344253
• Journal Information: Mechanical Engineering; (USA), Vol. 112:9; ISSN 0025-6501
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
07 ISOTOPES AND RADIATION SOURCES
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
PLANNING
THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS
ISOTOPE APPLICATIONS
RADIATIVE COOLING
CONVERSION
COOLING
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
ENERGY CONVERSION
EQUIPMENT
POWER SUPPLIES
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
300304* - Thermoelectric Generators- Applications
070300 - Isotopic Power Supplies
299000 - Energy Planning & Policy- Unconventional Sources & Power Generation
320201 - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Transportation- Air & Aerospace