Protection of Radionuclide Thermoelectric GeneratorsU.S./Russian-Installed Alarm Systems

摘要

Radionuclide Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) were developed as a good wayrnto use nuclear by-products and provide electricity for remote facilities. They arernheavy, hot (both thermally and radioactively), and operate for long periods of timernwith little or no maintenance. However, they are also an attractive target for theft,rnand efforts are under way to remove them from the field. It is appropriate tornprovide some measure of protection for units while they await removal, therebyrnreducing the risk that they represent. This paper describes an alarm andrncommunications device that can be used to provide a basic level of protection tornRTGs while they are located in remote locations or are being transported to safernstorage areas.