The application of solar thermoelectric generators in near-sun missions

Future planetary near-sun missions, such as those studied for low-altitude Mercury Orbiters, introduce challenges in the selection of appropriate power sources. Study results have shown that conventional silicon solar array technology is not adequate to produce power because of expected temperatures which range from -90 C to +285 C in about 40 to 50 minutes for 16 sun eclipses/day. The solar thermoelectric generator (STG), which requires relatively high temperatures, is being considered as a replacement power source. The complete STG consists of a solar concentrator and multiple thermopiles, each containing numerous thermocouples and thermal insulation material. Articulation of the STG design configurations is required at 0.45 AU to acquire maximum incident radiation and at 0.3 AU to reduce the higher incident radiation. STG thermal input to the spacecraft as it orbits Mercury (including sun eclipses) is insignificant.