Solar-powered thermoelectric generator design considerations

Abstract

With the coming space age, considerable attention is being focused upon the problem of supplying secondary power to the vehicles of the future. It is anticipated that future space vehicles may perform missions which will require months and perhaps years to complete. Requirements for the secondary power source serving these vehicles will be very stringent. Weight will be at a premium, therefore, the unit must have a high power-to-weight ratio. Reliability must be high but must be accomplished with little or no maintenance and without excessive redundancy. The life expectancy must be high.