Radioisotope-photovoltaic energy conversion system

Abstract

A radiant energy conversion (REC) system based on the electrical response of photocells to thermal radiation emanating from a radioisotope-fueled source is described. Some properties and optimization requirements of germanium photovoltaic cells are given. Principal elements of the system and analysis methods of the radiative exchange problem are described along with performance calculations. This system can operate with an efficiency greater than 4 per cent. An upper limit of 12 per cent can be calculated if efficiency values for the photocell are based only on the active cell area and the contacted area is neglected.