国外同位素温差电源研发进展研究

The Progress of Foreign Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator Research and Development

  • 摘要: 作为深空探测理想的电源,放射性同位素电源(RTG)拥有技术成熟、可靠性高、寿命长等不可取代的优势。在近半个多世纪,RTG已经被多次应用在实际科研任务中,取得了良好的效果。目前,国际上正在开展RTG研发的国家和国际组织主要包括美国和欧盟,美国重点聚焦重新建立生产能力,同时通过使用先进热电材料、新型隔热材料等措施改善RTG效率、寿命和可靠性等指标,而欧盟注重解决RTG的有无问题并确保供应链稳定。目前,美国的增强型多用途同位素电源(eMMRTG)技术相对成熟,正处于全系统验证阶段,而美国的下一代同位素电源(NG-RTG)项目和欧盟的欧洲同位素能源(ERPS)项目仍处于子系统研发阶段,距离投入应用尚有较长距离。国外的RTG研发工作立足于实际任务需求和自身技术水平,对我国的RTG研发和应用工作可以起到参考作用。

     

    Abstract: As an ideal power source for deep space exploration, Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) possess irreplaceable advantages including technological maturity, high reliability, and extended operational lifespan. Over the past half-century, RTGs have been successfully deployed in multiple scientific missions with excellent operational performance. Currently, the primary countries and international organizations engaged in RTG development are the United States and the European Union. The U.S. prioritizes revitalizing domestic production capabilities while enhancing RTG efficiency, longevity, and reliability through advanced thermoelectric materials and novel insulation technologies. In contrast, the EU focuses on establishing foundational RTG capabilities and ensuring supply chain stability. The U.S. enhanced Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (eMMRTG) has reached technical maturity, whereas its Next-Generation RTG (NG-RTG) program and the EU’s European Radioisotope Power Systems (ERPS) project remain in subsystem development phases, with significant time required before operational deployment. International RTG advancements, driven by mission-specific requirements and localized technological expertise, offer valuable references for China’s own RTG research and application efforts.

     

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