High-Efficiency, Nanowire Based Thermoelectric Devices for Radioisotope Power Conversion

This SBIR Phase I proposal responds to topic S3.03 of the 2010 NASA SBIR solicitation, for Power Generation and Conversion. Thermoelectric devices offer a simple and reliable means to convert radioisotope thermal energy into useable electrical power. Previously, thermoelectric devices based on bulk semiconductor materials have been limited by low conversion efficiencies, with Figure of Merit (ZT) values around 1.0 or less. Increasing ZT above 1.0 has thus far proved difficult, due to the fundamental limitation of identifying semiconductor materials with both a high electrical conductivity and low thermal conductivity. This SBIR project will develop high efficiency thermoelectric devices based on nanowires. The use of nanotechnology provides a means to circumvent previous limitations, and achieve combinations of properties not possible with bulk materials. Phase I will demonstrate technical feasibility by producing high efficiency thermoelectric devices based on nanowires. In Phase II, we will build and demonstrate prototype high efficiency thermoelectric devices. Phase II will also develop low cost manufacturing technology for the nanowire based thermoelectric devices, and demonstrate a technology readiness level of TRL 6.

The high efficiency thermoelectric devices developed in the SBIR will also fill many terrestrial needs for renewable energy and energy harvesting. Presently, about 90% of the world's energy comes from burning fossil fuels. This chemical energy is converted to mechanical energy in heat engines, operating at about 30% to 40% efficiency. The result is about 15 terawatts of energy lost as waste heat. Capturing even a small fraction of this energy with thermoelectric energy harvesting devices would have a huge impact, in terms of dollars saved, reduced consumption of fossil fuels, and reduced emission of greenhouse gases. In additional to the primary energy savings, waste heat recovery systems reduce the auxiliary cooling required to protect people and sensitive components from the waste heat.

Future NASA missions for deep space and planetary exploration will require radioisotope power conversion systems, for reliable electrical power both near and far from solar radiation sources. Thermoelectric devices offer a simple and reliable means to convert radioisotope thermal energy into useable electrical power, with no moving parts. The high efficiency thermoelectric devices proposed in this SBIR effort will increase the amount of available power for NASA mission requirements, and reduce overall size and weight of the power system.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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