4 ms·
For more efficiency than an RTG, slap a Stirling engine on the heat source (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling_engine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling
by biomcgary 2y ago
For more efficiency than an RTG, slap a Stirling engine on the heat source (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling_engine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling_engine). Probably not practical, since the necessary radiators would be huge and it introduces mechanical complexity.
- dgoodell 2y agoThe radiators don’t have to increase in size really. If it’s more efficient you don’t have to reject as much heat. But definitely a large increase in complexity as Stirling engines are mechanical devices and thermoelectrics are solid-state. The Stirling engines can be over 25% efficient rather than like 6% for thermoelectrics. NASA has operated a Stirling engine in a lab for 17 years so it’s feasible, at least.
- deleted 2y ago[deleted]
- mr_toad 2y agoOnly one of 16 has lasted this long. Another lasted 12 years. I can’t find numbers for all of them.
- eternauta3k 2y agoGot any links? I wonder what fails.