HIGH TEMPERATURE THERMOELECTRIC RESEARCH.
Abstract
This report describes applied research to establish the technical feasibility of utilizing high temperature thermoelectric generators, as long-lived power supplies for aerospace vehicles. A nominal 50-watt laboratory generator, previously damaged by heating its intermediate junction between thermoelectric segments beyond 950 C, was repaired and subjected to renewed sustained testing at a hot-junction temperature of 1200 C in a vacuum of 10-5 - 10-6 Torr. It completed 360-hr continuous testing at 1200 C without apparent degradation of its power generating characteristics and the test is continuing. An improved experimental model generator was designed, fabricated and subjected to shakedown tests, prior to the start of sustained tests on the unit. Improved methods to permit monitoring of critical intermediate junction temperatures in multisegment thermoelements were developed and progress was made in the development of arc-plasma spray techniques for producing thermoelements and in investigations to explain the mechanisms responsible for the performances of the high temperature thermoelectric materials. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 03, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0437280
Entities
People
- C. M. Henderson
Organizations
- Monsanto