Nuclear-Thermoelectric Space Power System

This paper describes a thermoelectric conversion system which uses a nuclear reactor as a heat source. The converter and the waste-heat radiator form an integral part, and the system makes use of two liquid-metal loops and a heat exchanger to match the characteristics of a nuclear reactor to those of the thermoelectric generator. A thermoelectric-electromagnetic pump provides a means of circulating the liquid metals in both loops. The operating temperatures of the thermoelectric materials used in the design are conservative, permitting a lifetime expectancy of several years.