Pulsed operation analysis of the thermoelectric generators used in space applications

In comparison with the Stirling machine, the thermoelectric generator (TEG), based on the Seebeck effect, allows the direct transformation of thermal energy into electric energy. TEG has no moving parts and it does not pollute. Unfortunately, its performance is much under the Stirling machine´s efficiency, the main disadvantage being the low voltage of TEG. An important feature of TEG usage in space applications is that the heat exhausting is made only by radiation. This paper argues the use of TEG´s pulsed operation, the main effect being an increased working voltage.