SNAPOODLE DEMONSTRATION DESIGN STUDY.
Abstract
SNAPOODLE is a combined thruster-thermoelectric energy converter using a radioactive isotope as its primary source of energy. This report covers designs of thermoelectric generators analyzed for thermal characteristics when combined with a POODLE thruster. The data on the thruster were taken from the POODLE program with no internal and a minimum of external modifications. The thermal analyses performed define temperatures at critical locations both in the thruster and the thermoelectric converter. Graphs showing the resulting temperature profiles are included. One of the main problems encountered was the determination of the thermal conductance of the thermoelectric converter. Although an exact method for this computation was attempted, an approximate method supplied the actual data for the analyses. The work accomplished has served to point out that the system is feasible and that test data are required for more accurate analyses. The development of a power conditioning subsystem was also shown to be critical. Two hundred and thirty watts of electrical power can be obtained initially from a unit with a total weight of 55 lbs. If the thruster weight is charged to the propulsion system, the power output varies from 230 watts initially to about 65 watts at the end of a half life of PO 210, from a thermoelectric converter weighing 25 lbs. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0475003
Entities
People
- E. L. Leventhal
Organizations
- TRW Inc.