Characterisation of TEGs Under Extreme Environments and Integration Efforts Onto Satellites

Large heat flows through spacecraft structures, which are caused by the space environment or operational loads and radiated to space, could be converted into electrical power by a thermoelectric generator (TEG). TEGs are advisable for space application, since no moving parts for power conversion are needed. In this paper, we introduce a so-called ‘Assistance System’, which could be integrated into satellites to ensure communication to a ground station or a servicer satellite, delivering data for deorbiting manoeuvres of inactive spacecrafts. As spacecraft manufacturers and operators have to avoid space debris, this might be a promising solution. First, the system design, the operational states and the required power are described. Since commercial available TEGs based on BiTe were developed for terrestrial applications, an investigation of the electrical characteristics under exposure to typical space conditions is required to rate the potential of TEG-use for energy harvesting on spacecrafts. Our analysis shows that such an assistance system to ensure a rudimentary communication and execution of telecommands is feasible; the required power can be delivered by TEGs using environmental and operational induced heat loads within a satellite. This work is funded by the German Aerospace Center (support code 50RM1114). (Potential application and technology demonstration of thermoelectric generators for low power demands in space, 2012).