Lunar Power: Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator
Faculty Mentor Name
Karl Heine
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
The Lunar Power: Radionuclide Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) research project, also known as Prometheus, aims to convert waste heat from radionuclide heating units into electricity on the moon. This extra electricity will be suitable to power surface equipment during crewed missions. To accomplish this, Prometheus has developed an RTG design that integrates with current radionuclide heat source concepts. This design process entailed collaboration with industry experts to learn about the current state of radionuclide technology. With some industry guidance, a design was developed that addresses the unique engineering challenges of lunar exploration, including extreme temperatures, power density, and radiation shielding. Prometheus addresses these challenges and can convert electricity from current radionuclide heater designs, that produce 30.5 thermal watts, into electricity at 3% efficiency for 160 days. Due to the systems' long lifetime, it becomes possible to achieve a greater energy density than the zinc-silver batteries that were used for the Apollo Lunar Module. Ultimately, this project aims to aid in the establishment of the Moon as a hub for human space exploration, while also decreasing the amount of resources required to get stored energy out of earth's orbit.
Lunar Power: Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator
The Lunar Power: Radionuclide Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) research project, also known as Prometheus, aims to convert waste heat from radionuclide heating units into electricity on the moon. This extra electricity will be suitable to power surface equipment during crewed missions. To accomplish this, Prometheus has developed an RTG design that integrates with current radionuclide heat source concepts. This design process entailed collaboration with industry experts to learn about the current state of radionuclide technology. With some industry guidance, a design was developed that addresses the unique engineering challenges of lunar exploration, including extreme temperatures, power density, and radiation shielding. Prometheus addresses these challenges and can convert electricity from current radionuclide heater designs, that produce 30.5 thermal watts, into electricity at 3% efficiency for 160 days. Due to the systems' long lifetime, it becomes possible to achieve a greater energy density than the zinc-silver batteries that were used for the Apollo Lunar Module. Ultimately, this project aims to aid in the establishment of the Moon as a hub for human space exploration, while also decreasing the amount of resources required to get stored energy out of earth's orbit.