Objective
For space missions both Photovoltaic (PV) cells and Radioisotope Thermoelectrical Generators (RTG), fueled by Plutonium 238 (Pu-238) are used to produce electricity to power missions. From a European point of view, this has several drawbacks, as neither Pu-238 or any RTGs are produced in Europe and RTGs are very power inefficient, with a yield often of 5% of the fuel potential. This means that large amounts of fuel, and large RTGs, are needed to power missions, which increases the payloads. PULSAR is the first step on a European path to resolve these issues and take a world leading role in powering space exploration. The PULSAR project has two overarching global ambitions. These are; • Develop, in Europe, the building blocks to establish the complete end-to-end capability to produce Pu-238 to help power existing Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTG) and Radioisotope Heater Units (RHUs) from the constituent elements to module production – addressing critical & non-dependencies technology needs; • Disruptively increase the thermo-electrical conversion efficiency of dynamic Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) with an advanced Stirling engine improving the performance of the ”state-of-practice” thermoelectric materials. This will be achieved by -Performing first designs and studies for selecting targets for Pu-238 generation, examine fabrication constraints and separation options -Designing a new welding methodology for iridium encapsulation by laser welding and produce a prototype capsule. -Designing and evaluating a robust Stirling convertor for use as an RPS -Addressing the regulatory and safety framework for Pu-238 use in space travel -Performing an analysis of the market potential and its segmentation for PULSAR results PULSAR brings together a uniquely placed consortium led by TRACTEBEL, with the support of JRC, ESA and Ariane group.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
- EURATOM.1.1 - Improve and support nuclear safety, security, safeguards, radiation protection, safe spent fuel and radioactive waste management and decommissioning, including the safe and secure use of nuclear power and of non-power applications of ionizing radiation Main Programme
- EURATOM.1.1.4 - Nuclear science and ionizing radiation applications, radiation protection, emergency preparedness
- EURATOM.1.1.1 - Nuclear safety
Funding Scheme
EURATOM-IA - EURATOM Innovation Actions
Coordinator
1000 Bruxelles
Belgium
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Participants (9)
75015 Paris 15
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1160 Bruxelles
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08034 Barcelona
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31402 Toulouse Cedex
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25000 Besancon
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Legal entity other than a subcontractor which is affiliated or legally linked to a participant. The entity carries out work under the conditions laid down in the Grant Agreement, supplies goods or provides services for the action, but did not sign the Grant Agreement. A third party abides by the rules applicable to its related participant under the Grant Agreement with regard to eligibility of costs and control of expenditure.
25000 Besancon
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75008 Paris
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
1049 Brussels
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78130 Les Mureaux
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