Title :
Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) applications to space power generation
Author :
Vicente, F.A. ; Kelly, C.E. ; Loughin, S.
Author_Institution :
Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Abstract :
Examined is a thermophotovoltaic (TPV) converter using an advanced quaternary III-V cell with an integral filter coupled to isotope (GPHS) and nuclear reactor heat sources. Results presented indicate the merits of TPV conversion for meeting a wide range of space power requirements. The authors find that TPV offers both a reduction in the cost of building the converter for an electric generator driven by a radioisotope or nuclear reactor, as well as appreciable fuel savings. On the basis of cost, they find that isotope powered TPV systems enjoy considerable advantage over solar arrays for interplanetary exploration missions beyond the asteroid belt. For space reactor power systems, their analysis indicates that TPV conversion has a mass advantage over thermoelectrics for systems below 50 kWe
Keywords :
III-V semiconductors; nuclear power; photovoltaic power systems; solar cells; space vehicle power plants; fuel savings; integral filter; interplanetary exploration missions; isotope heat sources; nuclear reactor heat sources; quaternary III-V cell; space power generation; space reactor power systems; thermophotovoltaic converter; Costs; Filters; Fission reactors; Fuels; Generators; III-V semiconductor materials; Isotopes; Nuclear power generation; Power generation; Radioactive materials;
Conference_Titel :
Energy Conversion Engineering Conference, 1996. IECEC 96., Proceedings of the 31st Intersociety
Conference_Location :
Washington, DC
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-3547-3
DOI :
10.1109/IECEC.1996.552967
