Solar thermolectric generator based on skutterudites

A numerical simulation based on the optimal control theory was developed to assess the performances, dimensions and weight characteristics of skutterudite-based solar thermoelectric generators (STG) for satellite missions at distances close to the Sun. It is shown that the STG designs based on these advanced thermoelectric materials are potentially attractive for this type of application and could advantageously replace the standard power sources such as the solar (cells) panel or the radioisotope thermoelectric generators. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.