同位素电池在探月及深空探测工程中应用的战略研究

Strategic Study on Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators in Lunar Exploration Program and Deep Space Exploration Program

放射性同位素温差电池(RTG)不受太阳光和其他环境条件的影响,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。在介绍了RTG的工作原理,回顾了国外RTG的应用历史,评述了RTG的发展趋势之后,讨论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,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。最后,提出了关于RTG发展战略的建议。

Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator （RTG） is an ideal device for power and heat supply for lunar and deep space exploration because it is no influence by sunlight and environment. The paper introduces the principle, reviews the space application history and the R ＆ D tendency of RTG. Then, the paper discusses some consideration for optimization of disposition and the key technologies of RTG for lunar and deep space explorations including RTG design, thermoelectric converter, radioisotope heat sources and nuclear safety, the interfaces of RTG with electric power supply and thermal control subsystems, and so on. Finally, the paper put forward a proposal of R ＆ D strategy of RTG in China.