Difference between revisions of "PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator"

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{{:PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator/Box}}
 
{{:PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator/Box}}
  
The RTG provides constant and reliable [[electricity]] for spacecraft. Its weight/power ratio is a lot worse than that of solar panels (unless you are very far away from the sun), but RTGs have the advantage that they do not require direct sunlight, so they still work when on the night side of a planet.  
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The RTG provides constant and reliable [[electricity]] for spacecraft. Its weight/power ratio is a lot worse than that of solar panels (unless you are very far away from the sun - Dres and beyond), but RTGs have the advantage that they do not require direct sunlight, so they still work when on the night side of a planet.  
  
 
The design of the PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator is based on those used on the [[w:Pioneer 10|Pioneer 10]] and [[w:Pioneer 11|11]] probes.
 
The design of the PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator is based on those used on the [[w:Pioneer 10|Pioneer 10]] and [[w:Pioneer 11|11]] probes.
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* Operating energy-consuming equipment on the night-side of a celestial body.
 
* Operating energy-consuming equipment on the night-side of a celestial body.
 
* Removing the need to take special action to replenish electrical power stores.
 
* Removing the need to take special action to replenish electrical power stores.
 +
* Emergency backup for a stronger primary power supply.
 +
* Providing power while stowed in a fairing or cargo bay.
 +
 +
The alternative when there is too little sunlight is to use [[Fuel cell|fuel cells]]. Which one is better depends on many factors. As a rule of thumb two RTGs use less mass than an equivalent in power single [[Fuel Cell]] after about 1.5 hours of operation while 24 RTGs win over a [[Fuel Cell Array]] after about 2 hours of operation.
  
 
== Product description ==
 
== Product description ==
 
{{Quote
 
{{Quote
|Through exploitation of the natural decay of Blutonium-238, this elegantly simple power generator can provide consistent, stable power for decades.
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|Through exploitation of the natural decay of Blutonium-238, this elegantly simple power generator can provide consistent, stable power for decades. Not to be used for providing heating during emergency rover excursions.
}}
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|Ionic Symphonic Protonic Electronics}}
  
 +
== Trivia ==
 +
The description contains a reference to ''The Martian'', where Mark Watney used a RTG to provide heating in order to save power.
  
 
== Changes ==
 
== Changes ==
;{{Version|0.19|}}
+
;[[1.2]]
 +
* Moved from Utility to Electrical
 +
;[[0.19]]
 
* Mass reduced from 0.175 to 0.08, power output reduced from 1 E/s to 0.75 E/s.
 
* Mass reduced from 0.175 to 0.08, power output reduced from 1 E/s to 0.75 E/s.
 
;[[0.18]]
 
;[[0.18]]

Revision as of 08:07, 14 May 2018

PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator
Part image
Generator by
Ionic Symphonic Protonic Electronics

Radial size Tiny
Cost (total) 23 300.00 Funds
Mass (total) 0.08 t
Drag 0.2
Max. Temp. 1200 K
Volume  ?
Impact Tolerance 7 m/s
Research Experimental electrics.png Experimental Electrics
Unlock cost 58 000 Funds
Since version 0.18
Part configuration RTG.cfg
Electricity generated 0.75 /s

The RTG provides constant and reliable electricity for spacecraft. Its weight/power ratio is a lot worse than that of solar panels (unless you are very far away from the sun - Dres and beyond), but RTGs have the advantage that they do not require direct sunlight, so they still work when on the night side of a planet.

The design of the PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator is based on those used on the Pioneer 10 and 11 probes.

Usage

The Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator is useful for purposes such as:

  • Traveling so far away from the sun that solar panels become insufficient.
  • Operating energy-consuming equipment on the night-side of a celestial body.
  • Removing the need to take special action to replenish electrical power stores.
  • Emergency backup for a stronger primary power supply.
  • Providing power while stowed in a fairing or cargo bay.

The alternative when there is too little sunlight is to use fuel cells. Which one is better depends on many factors. As a rule of thumb two RTGs use less mass than an equivalent in power single Fuel Cell after about 1.5 hours of operation while 24 RTGs win over a Fuel Cell Array after about 2 hours of operation.

Product description

Through exploitation of the natural decay of Blutonium-238, this elegantly simple power generator can provide consistent, stable power for decades. Not to be used for providing heating during emergency rover excursions.

Ionic Symphonic Protonic Electronics

Trivia

The description contains a reference to The Martian, where Mark Watney used a RTG to provide heating in order to save power.

Changes

1.2
  • Moved from Utility to Electrical
0.19
  • Mass reduced from 0.175 to 0.08, power output reduced from 1 E/s to 0.75 E/s.
0.18
  • Initial Release