1,137,866. Utilizing energy of radiations. UNITED KINGDOM ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY. 1 April, 1966 [8 April, 1965], No. 15022/65. Heading G6P. In a radioisotope-powered electric generator the isotope supplies heat to semi-conductor thermoelectric elements. Both thermal and nuclear radiation shielding surround the isotope and thermoelectric element, and serves also as a heat sink for the cold junction of the element. The radioisotope is a pellet of strontium 90 titanate sealed in a helium atmosphere within a steel can and layers of alumina are disposed above and below the thermoelectric element to provide both thermal contact and electrical insulation. The atmosphere inside the shield, surrounding the isotope is formed of xenon at atmospheric pressure. The thermoelectric element, of n and p-type bismuth telluride, is supported on a removable plug, forming part of the shield and through which pass the electrical leads in a stepped channel. Two thermoelectric elements may be mounted within a single shielding system.
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