Preliminary Design for a 360 Watt Radioisotope Thermionic Generator

A preliminary design for a 360 watt radioisotope thermionic generator is presented. Curium 244 is used as the energy source; and the generator design concept allows for containment of the radioisotope under all possible conditions involving the earth. Provision is made for helium gas generated in the decay of Curium 244 (alpha emitter). For these conditions the proposed design has a maximum specific weight of 254 lb./KW. The results of this study indicate that radioisotope thermionics offers promise of a versatile, compact, light weight and reliable means of supplying electrical power in space.