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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MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Energies |
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| 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. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-fd6aad093d9643b0829405c6e76a65f1 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1996-1073 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| 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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