Radioisotope Power Systems for the European Space Nuclear Power Program

Abstract

Radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTG) and heater units (RHU) systems are being developed in Europe as part of a European Space Agency (ESA) funded program. Aimed at enabling or significantly enhancing space science and exploration missions, these systems rely on the cost-effective production of americium-241 for the fuel. The use of an iterative approach and the application of lean methodologies for the development these systems have been the focus of this technology program. Isotope containment architectures and, in the case of RTG systems, bismuth telluride based thermoelectric generators are under development. At the small end of the scale, the RHU configuration is based on a 3 W thermal power output. The first version of this system has been designed and analysed. Electrically-heated and mechanical models have been produced and tested. The RTG heat source configuration is designed to deliver 200 W of thermal power output while minimizing the volume occupied by the fuel. A 5% total system conversion efficiency and a modular scalable design imply that electrical power output can range between 10 W and 50 W. Each RTG system could house up to 5 heat sources. An electrically-heated RTG system based on the 200 W heat source architecture has been designed, analysed and tested. The advancement in the design of the heat source for both RTGs and RHUs is currently the focus of the programme with the aim of advancing the technology readiness level of the containment structures. The most recent results of the programme will be presented.