MODULE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Abstract

Additional data primarily related to the continued testing of materials for use in power generator modules is presented. Effort is directed toward improvement of the life-performance of thermoelectric generator modules by means of engineering development and evaluation in the areas of insulation, material processing, and contacting. During the program, it became apparent that the life-performance of materials would be strongly influenced by the stresses imposed by operating conditions, and that life-performance would be directly dependent on the mechanical properties of the thermoelectric materials and contacts. The program was modified to include a stress analysis and the testing of mechanical properties of materials. At the conclusion of the program, average module life was 7500 hours for 25% power drop, with some module tests running in excess of 10,000 hours. Module efficiency has been improved to 7% for a smaller temperature gradient, which insures longer life.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 31, 1962
Accession Number
AD0404616

Entities

Organizations

  • Westinghouse Electric Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Compressive Strength
  • Electric Power
  • Electrical Resistance
  • Heat Transfer
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Mechanical Working
  • Mechanics
  • Modulus Of Elasticity
  • Performance Tests
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Equipment
  • Test Fixtures
  • Thermal Conductivity

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Semiconductor Device Technology
  • Software Engineering

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics