| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2020 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Alloys and Compounds for Thermoelectric and Solar Cell Applications VIII
|
| Presentation Title |
Current Progress on Fabrication and Life Testing of Advanced Skutterudite Thermoelectric Materials in a Proposed Enhanced Multi-mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (eMMRTG) for Space Power Applications |
| Author(s) |
Thierry Caillat, Chen-Kuo Huang, Jong-Ah Paik, Ike Chi, Stanley Pinkowski |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Ike Chi |
| Abstract Scope |
NASA has used Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators to power a variety of space missions over the past 50 years. In order to enhance the power and thermoelectric conversion efficiency of future RTGs, the Skutterudite Technology Maturation project at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is working to mature advanced TE technology for use in a proposed enhanced Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (eMMRTG). The eMMRTG would use advanced skutterudite (SKD) based thermoelectric unicouples to convert heat from the natural radioactive decay of plutonium-238 into electricity. In order to maintain the lifetime stability of eMMRTG unicouples, SKD thermoelectric materials need to be phase stable to sustain 17 years of operation at a maximum temperature of ~ 600 degree C in an inert gas atmosphere. Here, we will report on the latest progress for demonstrating manufacturability and validating lifetime performance of advanced SKD thermoelectric materials jointly developed and tested by JPL and Teledyne Energy Systems, Inc. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Supplemental Proceedings volume |