Low cost high performance generator (LCHPG)

Teledyne Energy Systems (TES) has been under contract to U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) since 1973 to develop a low cost, high efficiency radioisotopic thermoelectric generator (LCHPG). The LCHPG technology is based on Pu-238 oxide fuel and high performance selenide thermoelectrics under development by the 3M Company. Studies in the search for a safe, low weight, high performance generator have concluded in a 500 watt(e) LCHPG reference design which yields in excess of 10% system efficiency, more than 3 watts(e)/pound and greater safety and lower cost than existing RTGs. A typical LCHPG system has four heat pipe augmented fins, thermoelectric hot and cold junction temperatures of 9000C and 1250C, respectively, and a radiator temperature of 900C. Power level typically can range from 25 to 500 watts(e) in 25 watt(e) modular increments. Production costs are expected to be about $6000 per watt(e) by 1981. Most recent efforts have concentrated on hardware development and will culminate in 1978 in an electrically heated 100 watt(e) generator (ETG). This technology phase will emphasize development of ETG components, e.g., the selenide thermoelectrics, fibrous insulation, Cu/H2O heat pipes and an isolation hot frame for separating the heat source from the converter compartment. Growth potential can be realized by uprating hot junction temperature and improving the gadolinium selenide N-leg; these improvements should yield an ultimate system efficiency of over 13%, a specific power in excess of 4 watts(e)/pound and a production cost less than $5000 per watt