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Advances in Energy and Power(CEASE PUBLICATION) Vol. 2(3), pp. 21 - 26
DOI: 10.13189/aep.2014.020301
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Improving the Overall Efficiency of Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators

H.M. Salh ^*
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Health, Koya University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

ABSTRACT

Radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTG) convert the decay energy of a radioisotope (²³⁸Pu) into heat then into electricity. RTGs have been used to power space exploration missions. This review paper studies several crucial features of past and present Static RTGs, for instance the advantages of Static RTGs. In addition it reviews Static RTGs limitations such as the shortage in the amount of ²³⁸Pu in (U.S.A). Furthermore it compares the future Dynamic RTGs with Static RTGs. It indicates the future Dynamic RTGs, which include a thermodynamic cycle, use 2-4 times less amount of ²³⁸Pu. In spite of that, their efficiency is almost 4 times greater than past and present RTGs.

KEYWORDS
Static and Dynamic Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators, Shortage of ²³⁸Pu, Efficiency

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] H.M. Salh , "Improving the Overall Efficiency of Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators," Advances in Energy and Power(CEASE PUBLICATION), Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 21 - 26, 2014. DOI: 10.13189/aep.2014.020301.

(b). APA Format:
H.M. Salh (2014). Improving the Overall Efficiency of Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators. Advances in Energy and Power(CEASE PUBLICATION), 2(3), 21 - 26. DOI: 10.13189/aep.2014.020301.