Radioisotope Space Power Research Articles

Thermal Properties and Behaviour of Am-Bearing Fuel in European Space Radioisotope Power Systems

The European Space Agency is funding the research and development of 241Am-bearing oxide-fuelled radioisotope power systems (RPSs) including radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) and European Large Heat Sources (ELHSs). The RPSs’ requirements include that the fuel’s maximum temperature, Tmax, must remain below its melting temperature. The current prospected fuel is (Am0.80U0.12Np0.06Pu0.02)O1.8. The fuel’s experimental heat capacity, Cp, is determined between 20 K and 1786 K based on direct low temperature heat capacity measurements and high temperature drop calorimetry measurements. The recommended high temperature equation is Cp(T/K) = 55.1189 + 3.46216 × 102 T − 4.58312 × 105 T−2 (valid up to 1786 K). The RTG/ELHS Tmax is estimated as a function of the fuel thermal conductivity, k, and the clad’s inner surface temperature, Ti cl, using a new analytical thermal model. Estimated bounds, based on conduction-only and radiation-only conditions between the fuel and clad, are established. Estimates for k (80–100% T.D.) are made using Cp, and estimates of thermal diffusivity and thermal expansion estimates of americium/uranium oxides. The lowest melting temperature of americium/uranium oxides is assumed. The lowest k estimates are assumed (80% T.D.). The highest estimated Tmax for a ‘standard operating’ RTG is 1120 K. A hypothetical scenario is investigated: an ELHS Ti cl = 1973K-the RPSs’ requirements’ maximum permitted temperature. Fuel melting will not occur.

Superlattice thermoelectric materials: A source of power-generation

ABSTRACTSuperlattice thermoelectric materials are important for power-generation devices that are designed to convert waste heat into electrical energy. Thermoelectric technology has only occupied niche areas, such as the radioisotope thermoelectric generators for NASA'S spacecrafts, where the energy-conversion efficiency are outweighed by the application requirements. Superlattice thermoelectric materials advances and an increasing awareness of energy and environmental conservation issues have rekindled prospects for automotive and other applications of thermoelectric materials. This article reviews thermoelectric energy-conversion technology for radioisotope space power systems and several proposed applications of thermoelectric waste-heat recovery devices in the automotive industry.

Recent Joint Studies Related to the Development of Space Radioisotope Power Systems

Over the last several years there has been a mutually beneficial ongoing technical interchange between the U.K and the U.S. related to various aspects of space radioisotope power systems (RPS). While this interchange has been primarily focused on materials based activities, it has also included some aspects related to safety, environmental, and lessons learned during the application of RPSs by the U.S. during the last fifty years. Recent joint technical RPS endeavors have centered on the development of a possible “cold” ceramic surrogate for 238 PuO 2 and 241 AmO x and the irradiation of thermoelectrics and other materials at expected RPS related neutron fluences. As the U.S. continues to deploy and Europe develops RPS capability, on-going joint RPS technical interfaces will continue to enhance each entities’ endeavors in this nuclear based power technology critical for deep space exploration.

Reacting to nuclear power systems in space: American public protests over outer planetary probes since the 1980s

The United States has pioneered the use of nuclear power systems for outer planetary space probes since the 1970s. These systems have enabled the Viking landings to reach the surface of Mars and both Pioneers 10 and 11 and Voyagers 1 and 2 to travel to the limits of the solar system. Although the American public has long been concerned about safety of these systems, in the 1980s a reaction to nuclear accidents – especially the Soviet Cosmos 954 spacecraft destruction and the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant accidents – heightened awareness about the hazards of nuclear power and every spacecraft launch since that time has been contested by opponents of nuclear energy. This has led to a debate over the appropriateness of the use of nuclear power systems for spacecraft. It has also refocused attention on the need for strict systems of control and rigorous checks and balances to assure safety. This essay describes the history of space radioisotope power systems, the struggles to ensure safe operations, and the political confrontation over whether or not to allow the launch the Galileo and Cassini space probes to the outer planets. Effectively, these efforts have led to the successful flights of 12 deep space planetary probes, two-thirds of them operated since the accidents of Cosmos 954, Three Mile Island, and Chernobyl.

Metal matrix composite fuel for space radioisotope energy sources

Radioisotope fuels produce heat that can be used for spacecraft thermal control or converted to electricity. They must retain integrity in the event of destruction or atmospheric entry of the parent spacecraft. Addition of a metal matrix to the actinide oxide could yield a more robust fuel form. Neodymium (III) oxide (Nd2O3) – niobium metal matrix composites were produced using Spark Plasma Sintering; Nd2O3 is a non-radioactive surrogate for americium (III) oxide (Am2O3). Two compositions, 70 and 50wt% Nd2O3, were mechanically tested under equibiaxial (ring-on-ring) flexure according to ASTM C1499. The addition of the niobium matrix increased the mean flexural strength by a factor of about 2 compared to typical ceramic nuclear fuels, and significantly increased the Weibull modulus to over 20. These improved mechanical properties could result in reduced fuel dispersion in severe accidents and improved safety of space radioisotope power systems.

Thermoelectric Materials for Space and Automotive Power Generation

AbstractHistorically, thermoelectric technology has only occupied niche areas, such as the radioisotope thermoelectric generators for NASA's spacecrafts, where the low cooling coefficient of performance (COP) and energy-conversion efficiency are outweighed by the application requirements.Recent materials advances and an increasing awareness of energy and environmental conservation issues have rekindled prospects for automotive and other applications of thermoelectric materials.This article reviews thermoelectric energy-conversion technology for radioisotope space power systems and several proposed applications of thermoelectric waste-heat recovery devices in the automotive industry.

Space power systems state of the art

The state of the art of the space power systems and components and associated technologies in the United States are surveyed. Included are the following: solar power system, chemically fueled power systems, systems for nuclear auxiliary power, dynamic machinery for space power, radioisotope space power, thermoelectric systems, thermionic energy conversion, magnetohydro-dynamic power generation, and batteries and fuel cells.

Radioisotope Thermoelectric Space Power Supplies

The weight and efficiency of radioisotope thermoelectric space power supplies, using Plutonium-238, Curium-244 and Strontium-90 fuels, lead telluride and silicon germanium alloy thermoelectric systems, and ranging in power output from 30 to 300 electrical watts are presented. It is shown that there is a definite radiator temperature for which generator weight is minimum and that this temperature varies with fuel, thermoelectric conversion system and power level. In addition, the various factors governing the selection of a particular radioisotope power supply for a given mission are discussed.