Chinese Space Science and Technology ›› 2024, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (5): 40-56.doi: 10.16708/j.cnki.1000-758X.2024.0072

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Research status and prospect of space thermophotovoltaic power generation technology

QIU Jiawen,TIAN Dai,HAN Chengzhi,ZHANG Ran,SU Sheng,MA bin,TANG Liangliang,SHAO Jianxiong,ZHU Anwen   

  1. 1 China Academy of Space Technology,Beijing 100094,China
    2 Insistitute of Spacecraft System Engineering,Beijing 100094,China
    3 Lanzhou University,Lanzhou 730000,China
  • Published:2024-10-25 Online:2024-10-21

Abstract: Space radioisotope power is a space power device that converts nuclear decay thermal energy into electrical energy through thermoelectric conversion technology,and is widely used in deep space exploration missions.Space isotope power commonly uses plutonium 238 as nuclear sources.The preparation and production of plutonium 238 are difficult and expensive,resulting in worldwide limited production capacity.Meanwhile,long-term deep space exploration missions propose high requirements for the lifespan of isotopic power.Space thermal photovoltaic radioisotope power with high thermoelectric conversion efficiency and long lifespan has become the preferred technical route for deep space exploration missions.NASA has demonstrated a RTPV prototype with a conversion efficiency greater than 20%.In recent years,near-field thermal photovoltaic and spectral-regulation thermal photovoltaic technology have become the hotspot.Significant progress has also been made in the theoretical research and technical verification of critical devices such as emitters,optical filters,and photovoltaic cells.In this paper,the research progress of RTPV system designs and relevant key devices is reviewed.Based on the system level requirements,the development status of each device is stuaied and the future trend is suggested.This paper provides a reference for promoting the engineering development of thermophotovoltaic radioisotope power supply system in the future.

Key words: space radioisotope thermophotovoltaic power system, thermophotovoltaic, emitter, filter, spectrum control