Generation of electrical power. [radioisotope-powered thermoelectric generator; a few tenths of volts output]

Patent · Mon Mar 15 23:00:00 EST 1976

OSTI ID:7143663

Hursen, T F; Kolenik, S A; Purdy, D L

A heat-to-electricity converter is disclosed which includes a radioactive heat source and a thermoelectric element of relatively short overall length capable of delivering a low voltage of the order of a few tenths of a volt. Such a thermoelectric element operates at a higher efficiency than longer higher-voltage elements; for example, elements producing 6 volts. In the generation of required power, the thermoelectric element drives a solid-state converter which is controlled by input current rather than input voltage and operates efficiently for a high signal-plus-noise to signal ratio of current. The solid-state converter has the voltage gain necessary to deliver the required voltage at the low input of the thermoelectric element.

• Assignee: Arco Medical Products Co.
• Patent Number(s): US 3944438
• OSTI ID: 7143663
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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