A Study for Design Factors of RTG to Increase Thermal Insulation Efficiency

Abstract

RTG (Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator) is a power generation system producing electricity by converting the thermal energy gained from shielding radioisotope. RTG generates power without being charged from outside and as it utilizes radioisotope, RTG mainly serves as an energy source operated for a specific purpose in environment hardly accessible by human. Its design structures vary according to its purpose of operation, thermal source of operation and environment of operation. Since RTG is a power generation system, it should have the highest power efficiency with limited heat source. In this study, heat transfer analysis was implemented to investigate diverse design factors influencing the insulation system of RTG for aerospace use. Design factors considered in this study were silver coating, number of radiation shields inside vacuum insulation and supporter material. As a result, it was found that, depending upon design factors, insulation efficiency increased by 9.3% and finally insulation efficiency of RTG v2.0 was estimated at 84.3%.