Thermoelectric Generators Applied as a Power Source in CubeSats: State of the Art

This systematic review outlines the application of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) as energy sources in CubeSats. While CubeSats currently rely on solar cells with efficiencies between 16.8% and 32.2%, their performance diminishes with increased distance from the Sun. TEGs, although used in radiois...

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Main Authors: Gabriel Brugues Soares, Jorge Javier Gimenez Ledesma, Eder Andrade da Silva, Oswaldo Hideo Ando Junior
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Energies
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/1/173
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author Gabriel Brugues Soares
Jorge Javier Gimenez Ledesma
Eder Andrade da Silva
Oswaldo Hideo Ando Junior
author_facet Gabriel Brugues Soares
Jorge Javier Gimenez Ledesma
Eder Andrade da Silva
Oswaldo Hideo Ando Junior
author_sort Gabriel Brugues Soares
collection DOAJ
description This systematic review outlines the application of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) as energy sources in CubeSats. While CubeSats currently rely on solar cells with efficiencies between 16.8% and 32.2%, their performance diminishes with increased distance from the Sun. TEGs, although used in radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) for satellites, remain underutilized in CubeSats. A literature review revealed 33 relevant articles, with 21.2% employing simulation software to evaluate thermal behavior. Among 34 patents, only one mentioned micro-TEGs, with most focusing on structural improvements. Patent activity peaked between 2016 and 2020, emphasizing structural and thermal optimization, but no patents addressed TEGs as energy sources for CubeSats, highlighting a significant research gap. TEGs present a viable solution for harnessing residual heat in CubeSats.
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series Energies
spelling doaj-art-fd6aad093d9643b0829405c6e76a65f12025-01-10T13:17:18ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732025-01-0118117310.3390/en18010173Thermoelectric Generators Applied as a Power Source in CubeSats: State of the ArtGabriel Brugues Soares0Jorge Javier Gimenez Ledesma1Eder Andrade da Silva2Oswaldo Hideo Ando Junior3Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Program in Energy & Sustainability (PPGIES), Federal University of Latin American Integration—UNILA, Paraná City 85867-000, PR, BrazilInterdisciplinary Postgraduate Program in Energy & Sustainability (PPGIES), Federal University of Latin American Integration—UNILA, Paraná City 85867-000, PR, BrazilInterdisciplinary Postgraduate Program in Energy & Sustainability (PPGIES), Federal University of Latin American Integration—UNILA, Paraná City 85867-000, PR, BrazilInterdisciplinary Postgraduate Program in Energy & Sustainability (PPGIES), Federal University of Latin American Integration—UNILA, Paraná City 85867-000, PR, BrazilThis systematic review outlines the application of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) as energy sources in CubeSats. While CubeSats currently rely on solar cells with efficiencies between 16.8% and 32.2%, their performance diminishes with increased distance from the Sun. TEGs, although used in radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) for satellites, remain underutilized in CubeSats. A literature review revealed 33 relevant articles, with 21.2% employing simulation software to evaluate thermal behavior. Among 34 patents, only one mentioned micro-TEGs, with most focusing on structural improvements. Patent activity peaked between 2016 and 2020, emphasizing structural and thermal optimization, but no patents addressed TEGs as energy sources for CubeSats, highlighting a significant research gap. TEGs present a viable solution for harnessing residual heat in CubeSats.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/1/173ProKnow-Cthermoelectric generatorsTEGenergy sourcemappingCubeSat
spellingShingle Gabriel Brugues Soares
Jorge Javier Gimenez Ledesma
Eder Andrade da Silva
Oswaldo Hideo Ando Junior
Thermoelectric Generators Applied as a Power Source in CubeSats: State of the Art
Energies
ProKnow-C
thermoelectric generators
TEG
energy source
mapping
CubeSat
title Thermoelectric Generators Applied as a Power Source in CubeSats: State of the Art
title_full Thermoelectric Generators Applied as a Power Source in CubeSats: State of the Art
title_fullStr Thermoelectric Generators Applied as a Power Source in CubeSats: State of the Art
title_full_unstemmed Thermoelectric Generators Applied as a Power Source in CubeSats: State of the Art
title_short Thermoelectric Generators Applied as a Power Source in CubeSats: State of the Art
title_sort thermoelectric generators applied as a power source in cubesats state of the art
topic ProKnow-C
thermoelectric generators
TEG
energy source
mapping
CubeSat
url https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/1/173
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