Solar Thermoelectric Generators for Missions Toward the Sun

This paper considers the feasibility of extending the application of Bi2Te3 alloy solar thermoelectric flat plate generators to auxiliary power systems for exploratory missions directed toward the sun. The incident solar radiation fluxes would range from 130 to 1000 watts per ft2. The principal potential advantages of flat plate solar generator technology for these high solar fluxes are increased power per unit area, increased power per unit weight, increased power per unit cost, and increased radiation resistance. Design equations and computational techniques are discussed which allow approximate solution of the generator output power as a function of distance from launch. Commercially available Bi2Te3 alloy, PbTe, and Si-Ge alloy materials are considered separately.