Enhancement of the Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator with Efficient Skutterudite Thermoelectric Couples: Current Status of the Skutterudite Technology Maturation Program

摘要

The Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG) developed for NASA by Aerojet Rocketdyne and Teledyne Energy Systems, Inc. (TESI) has been providing reliable power to the Mars Curiosity Rover since its launch in 2011 (Mission on Mars began in August 2012). An improvement of the performance of the MMRTG is underway at TESI through a technology maturation program where higher efficiency skutterudite materials developed on the laboratory scale at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) are being further developed at the production level into "flight-ready" materials and components. The success of this project will result in an enhanced MMRTG (eMMRTG) with an anticipated improvement of 25-30% in the beginning-of-life power and even greater improvement by end-of-life due to improved thermoelectric life properties. The status of the program, including engineering challenges, successes and current production capabilities will be presented.