60-watt isotopic heat source for terrestrial applications

Journal Article · Fri Jan 20 04:00:00 EST 1995 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.47083· OSTI ID:90420

Brittain, W M ^[1]

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1. Teledyne Brown Engineering, Energy Systems, 10707 Gilroy Road, Hunt Valley, Maryland 21031-1311 (United States)

A sealed isotopic heat source (IHS) with a nominal thermal inventory of 60 watts is being developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for use in remote terrestrial applications that require isotopic power for electrical power generation. Emphasis is on use in radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) and dynamic cycle power units. The selected IHS design incorporates technologies developed for prior space and terrestrial IHSs to minimize development cost and span time. A General Purpose Heat Source (GPHS) Fueled Clad (FC), comprised of a plutonium-238 enriched pressed-plutonia pellet contained within a vented iridium clad, is the source for thermal energy. The GPHS FC technology was developed by DOE for use in space RTGs. The GPHS FC is, in turn, enclosed within a three-layer cladding system similar to that developed by DOE for earlier terrestrial heat sources. The cladding system provides for retention of the helium gas generated by the decay of the isotopic fuel and containment of the isotopic fuel under normal operating and accident conditions. Test hardware is currently being fabricated and safety demonstration testing is scheduled to be completed in early 1995. {copyright} 1995 {ital American} {ital Institute} {ital of} {ital Physics}

• DOE Contract Number: AC01-92NE32156
• OSTI ID: 90420
• Report Number(s): CONF-950110--
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 324; ISSN APCPCS; ISSN 0094-243X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES
30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
COMPATIBILITY
DESIGN
FABRICATION
IMPACT TESTS
MATERIALS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PLANNING
PLUTONIUM 238
POWER RANGE 10-100 W
RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES
RUPTURES
SAFETY
STRESSES
TESTING
THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS