|
|
| (4 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown) |
The content of the new revision is missing or corrupted. |
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| A '''Radioisotope thermoelectric generator''' (RTG) is a type of [[atomic battery]] which generates [[electricity]] from heat generated by the decay of radioactive material. [[thermocouple|Thermocouples]] are generally used for the energy conversion, though [[heat engine|heat engines]] could convert the heat directly into mechanical energy to be used as-is or converted into electricity.
| |
|
| |
|
| ==Benefit to Martian Settlement==
| |
| ===Reliable Power===
| |
| RTGs offer reliable power to a [[settlement]]. While the available energy decreases over time, it is steady. This is in contrast to [[solar panel|solar]] or [[wind turbine|wind]] power, which vary based on the weather.
| |
| ===Low Maintenance===
| |
| RTGs are a low maintenance power source, as evidenced by their use in space probes and unmanned locations on [[Earth]].
| |
|
| |
| ==Challenges==
| |
| ===Useful Life===
| |
| The useful life of an RTG is limited both by the [[half life]] of the radioactive material and the [[wear lifespan]] of the energy conversion hardware.
| |
| ===Hazard to Life===
| |
| The [[radiation]] emitted by the RTG pose a hazard to life. Shielding and an isolated location should be sufficient to protect settlements.
| |
|
| |
| ==Open Issues==
| |
| * Are there significant quantities of radioactive material available on Mars?
| |
|
| |
| [[category:technology]]
| |
