User:Barr0069/Plutonium-238

In a study reported by SAE International in 1966 described the potential for the use of plutonium-238 in radioisotope power subsystems for applications in space. This study focused on employing power conversions through the Rankine cycle, Brayton cycle, Thermoelectric conversion, and Thermionic conversion with plutonium-238 as the primary heating element. The heat supplied to the Brayton cycle was consistent between the 400° C and 1000° C regime resulting in an efficiency greater than 20% but future technology could reach an upper limit of 2000° C. Thermionic conversion could provide similar efficiencies if proper conditions reached.