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Comprehensive modeling and characterization of Chang'E-4 radioisotope thermoelectric generator for lunar mission

Author

Listed:
  • Tailin, Li
  • Youhong, Liu
  • Yingzeng, Zhang
  • Haodong, Chen
  • Qingpei, Xiang
  • Jun, Zeng
  • Rende, Ze
  • Yi, Liu
  • Yongchun, Xiang

Abstract

Radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) is one of widely used power sources for deep space and celestial bodies explorations which has been developed for >60 years. The first RTG applied mission of China is the Chang'E-4 mission which was launched in December 2018 and operated on the far side of the moon till now, revealing its longevity, high reliability and adaptability. In this work, comprehensive thermoelectric model of the Chang'E-4 RTG was developed for the first time, and thermoelectric performance in laboratorial environment and lunar surface environment were investigated. The design parameters and working performance of the Chang'E-4 RTG were clarified, and the model which was built can help analyze the actual independent operating state and thermoelectric performance of Chang'E-4 RTG in any state and position on the lunar surface. The relative deviation of the calculated results of the RTG model from reported values is <4%. The simulation result in the lunar surface environment demonstrated that many factors may affect the performance of RTG on the lunar surface while the placement orientation of Chang'E-4 RTG would determine whether this RTG could work independently. A scheme that allows Chang'E-4 RTG to operate independently on the lunar surface is specified in the end.

Suggested Citation

  • Tailin, Li & Youhong, Liu & Yingzeng, Zhang & Haodong, Chen & Qingpei, Xiang & Jun, Zeng & Rende, Ze & Yi, Liu & Yongchun, Xiang, 2023. "Comprehensive modeling and characterization of Chang'E-4 radioisotope thermoelectric generator for lunar mission," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 336(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:336:y:2023:i:c:s0306261923002295
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.120865
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lu, Xiaochen & Ma, Rong & Wang, Chao & Yao, Wei, 2016. "Performance analysis of a lunar based solar thermal power system with regolith thermal storage," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 227-233.
    2. Hu, Dinghua & Li, Mengmeng & Li, Qiang, 2021. "A solar thermal storage power generation system based on lunar in-situ resources utilization: modeling and analysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 223(C).
    3. Gordon, Jeffrey M., 2022. "Uninterrupted photovoltaic power for lunar colonization without the need for storage," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 187(C), pages 987-994.
    4. Xu, Zhiheng & Li, Junqin & Tang, Xiaobin & Liu, Yunpeng & Jiang, Tongxin & Yuan, Zicheng & Liu, Kai, 2020. "Electrodeposition preparation and optimization of fan-shaped miniaturized radioisotope thermoelectric generator," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 194(C).
    5. Wielgosz, Sarah E. & Clifford, Corey E. & Yu, Kevin & Barry, Matthew M., 2023. "Fully–coupled thermal–electric modeling of thermoelectric generators," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 266(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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