Design and simulation of a milliwatt-level radioisotope thermophotovoltaic system

Yubo Bian; Zhiyang Wang; Dai Tian; Bohui Huang; Shuming Liu; Sheng Su; Shouhao Zhang; Chengzhi Han; Ximeng Chen; Aixiang Yang; Jianxiong Shao

Case Studies in Thermal Engineering (Nov 2024)

Design and simulation of a milliwatt-level radioisotope thermophotovoltaic system

Yubo Bian,
Zhiyang Wang,
Dai Tian,
Bohui Huang,
Shuming Liu,
Sheng Su,
Shouhao Zhang,
Chengzhi Han,
Ximeng Chen,
Aixiang Yang,
Jianxiong Shao

Affiliations

Yubo Bian: MOE Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
Zhiyang Wang: MOE Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
Dai Tian: Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering, Beijing, 100190, China
Bohui Huang: MOE Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
Shuming Liu: MOE Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
Sheng Su: Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering, Beijing, 100190, China
Shouhao Zhang: MOE Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
Chengzhi Han: Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering, Beijing, 100190, China
Ximeng Chen: MOE Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
Aixiang Yang: MOE Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Corresponding author. MOE Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
Jianxiong Shao: MOE Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Corresponding author. MOE Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 63
p. 105378

Abstract

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Radioisotope thermophotovoltaic systems can provide reliable and long-lasting power for space exploration or other applications. In this research, the feasibility and potential application of radioisotope thermophotovoltaic systems with milliwatt-level output power were investigated. Using 5 W241AmO2 ceramic material as the heat source, a comprehensive simulation model was established through optimization of the heat source shape, insulation structure, and selected emitter, filter, and photovoltaic cells. The heat distribution characteristics of a milliwatt-level radioisotope thermophotovoltaic system in a high-temperature vacuum environment were simulated and analyzed in detail. By optimizing the optical cavity and multilayer insulation design, the emitter temperature was maintained above 800 °C, achieving a system efficiency close to 9 % and an output power of 0.4484 W. The impact of different emitters on the system was also analyzed, revealing that nanostructure emitters can increase the system conversion efficiency by more than 30 %. This work provides a reference for designing milliwatt-level radioisotope thermophotovoltaic systems and has important research value and application prospects.

Published in Case Studies in Thermal Engineering

ISSN: 2214-157X (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Netherlands
LCC subjects: Technology: Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Website: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/case-studies-in-thermal-engineering/

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