A radioisotope thermoelectric generator, or radioisotope power system, is a type of nuclear battery that uses an array of thermocouples to convert the heat released by the decay of a radioactive material into electricity through the Seebeck effect. It has no moving parts, which makes it well suited to remote or harsh environments where it must run for extended periods with no risk of parts wearing out or failing.
Facts
Classification
MaturityTRL 9: Actual System Proven in Operational Environment 1 Technology Type Invented Year Connections
Uses Source
Source Radioisotope thermoelectric generator - Wikipedia
Sources
1. Radioisotope thermoelectric generator - Wikipedia
Introduction
is a type of nuclear battery
History
The RTG was invented in 1954 by Mound Laboratories scientists
Uses Source: Nuclear Power, Lead
convert the heat released by the decay of a suitable radioactive material into electricity
In Group: Direct Energy Conversion Devices, Lead
A radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG, RITEG), or radioisotope power system (RPS), is a type of nuclear battery that uses an array of thermocouples to convert the heat released by the decay of a suitable radioactive material into electricity by the Seebeck effect.
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