Radioisotope thermoelectric generator

Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG, /ˈreɪdioʊˌaɪsoʊˈtoʊp θɜːrmoʊɪˈlɛktrɪk ˈdʒɛnəˌreɪtər/) is a type of Nuclear Power Source that uses an array of Thermocouples to convert the heat released by the decay of a suitable Radioisotope into electricity by the Seebeck Effect.

Etymology

The term "Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator" is derived from the three main components of the device. "Radioisotope" refers to the radioactive isotope that provides the heat, "Thermoelectric" refers to the process of converting heat into electricity, and "Generator" refers to the device's function of generating electrical power.

Related Terms

• Radioisotope: An isotope that exhibits radioactivity.
• Thermocouples: A device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy.
• Seebeck Effect: The conversion of heat directly into electricity at the junction of different types of wire.
• Nuclear Power Source: A source of power that uses nuclear energy to generate electricity.

See Also

• Nuclear Battery
• Thermophotovoltaic Cell
• Betavoltaics
• Alphavoltaics

References

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