放射性同位素温差发电器在深空探测中的应用

Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators in Deep Space Exploration

放射性同位素温差发电器不受太阳光和其它环境条件的影响,可以同时为航天器提供电能和热能,是较理想的月球和深空探测电源。文章回顾了国外RTG的应用历史,评述了RTG的发展趋势。目前,RTG的研究方向是高效率、高比功率,以满足未来深空探测任务的需要。文章介绍了应用于深空探测的RTG在优化配置过程中应当考虑的一些问题。最后,评述了深空探测RTG的技术关键,包括RTG设计、温差电换能器技术、同位素热源及其安全技术、热管理技术和电源管理技术。

Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator(RTG) is the perfect power source used in the lunar and the deep space exploration,which it has no effect by the sun's rays and the other severe environments,and can supply simultaneously power and heat for space probes.The paper reviews international application history of RTG and its state of R&D.For the moment,the RTG's study focuses on high efficiency and high specific power to meet with the future of deep space explorations.And the paper recommends something about t...