Testing of milliwatt power source components

G. J. Snyder, A. Borshchevsky, A. Zoltan, T. Caillat, J. P. Fleurial, B. Nesmith, J. Mondt, T. McBiraey, D. Allen, J. C. Bass, S. Ghamaty, N. Eisner, L. Anatychuk

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

A milliwatt power source (MPS) has been developed to satisfy the requirements of several potential solar system exploration missions. The MPS is a small power source consisting of three major components: A space qualified heat source (RHU), a thermopile (thermoelectric converter or TEC) and a container to direct the RHU heat to the TEC. Thermopiles from Hi-Z Technology, Inc. of San Diego and the Institute of Thermoelectricity of Chernivtsi Ukraine suitable for the MPS were tested and shown to perform as cxpcctcd, producing 40 mW of power with a temperature difference of about 170°C. Such thermopiles were successfully life tested for up to a year. A MPS container designed and built by Swales Aerospace was tested with both a TEC simulator and actual TEC, The Swales unit, tested under dynamic vacuum, provided less temperature difference than anticipated, such that the TEC produced 20 mW of power, with heat input equivalent to a RHU.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings ICT 2002
Subtitle of host publication21st International Conference on Thermoelectrics
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages463-470
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)0780376838
DOIs
StatePublished - 2002
Event21st International Conference on Thermoelectrics, ICT 2002 - Long Beach, United States
Duration: Aug 25 2002Aug 29 2002

Publication series

NameInternational Conference on Thermoelectrics, ICT, Proceedings
Volume2002-January

Other

Other21st International Conference on Thermoelectrics, ICT 2002
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLong Beach
Period8/25/028/29/02

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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