Title :
Engine-driven generators for deep space probes
fDate :
8/1/2002 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
Summarizes important developments relating to power for deep space missions. The important alternatives to thermocouples for converting radioisotope heat into electric power are Stirling engines, alkali-metal thermal-to-electric converters (AMTEC), thermionic converters, and thermo-photovoltaic converters. The operating principles and limitations of these converters are described.
Keywords :
Stirling engines; radioisotope thermoelectric generators; space vehicle power plants; thermionic conversion; thermophotovoltaic cells; Stirling engines; alkali-metal thermal-to-electric converters; deep space probes; engine-driven generators; radioisotope thermoelectric generators; thermionic converters; thermo-photovoltaic converters; Germanium silicon alloys; Power engineering and energy; Power generation; Probes; Radioactive materials; Silicon germanium; Space missions; Space technology; Stirling engines; Thermoelectricity;
Journal_Title :
Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, IEEE
DOI :
10.1109/MAES.2002.1028081
