Radioisotope based thermoelectric generator

BARC has indigenously built a Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) using minor actinide based sealed sources and bismuth telluride based thermoelectric legs. The device converts decay heat produced by the radioisotope into electricity through Seebeck effect. By virtue of having no moving parts, RTG offers high reliability with long service life, and hence it is an ideal power source for remote applications. Proof of concept for applications of RTG in remote sensing and remote surveillance was demonstrated successfully. This demonstration suggests its utility as a power source in the future deep space mission of the Department of Space. (author)