Problems of designing radioisotope thermoelectric power generators with a service life of decades for use in outer space exploration vehicles

Abstract

The present work deals with the feasibility of developing a radioisotope thermoelectric power generator (RTPG) capable of operating unattended in outer space over a period of several decades, among other things, on the basis of chemical compounds that occur in meteoric matter. The possibilities for solving problems related to the production of three-dimensional materials and to thermoelement interconnections are discussed. The implementation of nanotechnology will allow one to achieve an increase in the efficiency of a RTPG by 15% and higher.