Calculation method for the determination of geometric and electrical maximum efficiency total parameters in thermoelectric radioisotope generators

An analytical method for the determination of geometrical-electrical parameters in radioisotope thermoelectric generators is given. Input data are: type and power of radioisotope, physical characteristics of materials involved (thermal insulation, semiconductors, etc.), temperature of the heat sink and the output voltage requested. The calculation then provides all geometrical and electrical maximum-efficiency parameters such as: dimension of radioactive source, length and section of thermoelectric legs, thickness of thermal insulation, number of pairs, etc. An application to a low power prototype is also examined