A radio-isotope Thermal Generator is used as an electric power source aboard a s

Question

A radio-isotope Thermal Generator is used as an electric power source aboard a spacecraft. It delivers 500 W at 30 V to a load optimally matched to the thermoelectric generator. Under such circumstances, this generator operates at a 12.6% efficiency. The hot side of the generator (T_H) is at 1300 K and the cold side (T_C) is at 400 K. Assume that all the characteristics of the thermocouple (alpha, R, and lambda) are temperature independent. What would be the efficiency of the generator if the load resistance were altered so that the power delivered fell to 250 W?

Explanation / Answer

Initually efficiency was 12.5 percent

Means actual power will be

=(100/12.6)*500=3968.25W

If power now is 250 W

Efficiency=(250/3968.25)*100=6.3 percent

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