Harnessing Deep-Space Thermal Gradients to Power Orbital Spacecrafts With the Use of Thermoelectric Effects
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Valentin Soloiu
Location
Russell Union Ballroom
Type of Research
On-going
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering & Computing
Department
Mechanical Engineering
Abstract
Orbital power generation faces a great challenge in maintaining electrical networks remotely, with photovoltaic panels having a short lifespan and high maintenance. Thermoelectric generators(TEGs) offer a strong alternative, using extreme temperature gradients between sunlit and shadowed surfaces in deep-space. Utilizing thermoelectric effects will provide constant, reliable energy for the spacecraft, without the expensive ten-year cycles required for solar panels. This apparatus is a TEG utilizing the Seebeck effect, where a temperature gradient between two junctions generates an electric voltage. I hypothesized that as the temperature gradient increases, within the region of 20°C-110°C, the amount of energy produced will increase, up to 5mV. I measured the electric voltage, the platinum resistance, and the thermistor. The results that I obtained confirmed a positive linear relationship between temperature difference and voltage, affirming my hypothesis. I also obtained a direct relationship between the platinum resistance and temperature and an inverse relationship between thermistor and temperature.
Program Description
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Start Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 12:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Watson, Hanora, "Harnessing Deep-Space Thermal Gradients to Power Orbital Spacecrafts With the Use of Thermoelectric Effects" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 263.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/263
Harnessing Deep-Space Thermal Gradients to Power Orbital Spacecrafts With the Use of Thermoelectric Effects
Russell Union Ballroom
Orbital power generation faces a great challenge in maintaining electrical networks remotely, with photovoltaic panels having a short lifespan and high maintenance. Thermoelectric generators(TEGs) offer a strong alternative, using extreme temperature gradients between sunlit and shadowed surfaces in deep-space. Utilizing thermoelectric effects will provide constant, reliable energy for the spacecraft, without the expensive ten-year cycles required for solar panels. This apparatus is a TEG utilizing the Seebeck effect, where a temperature gradient between two junctions generates an electric voltage. I hypothesized that as the temperature gradient increases, within the region of 20°C-110°C, the amount of energy produced will increase, up to 5mV. I measured the electric voltage, the platinum resistance, and the thermistor. The results that I obtained confirmed a positive linear relationship between temperature difference and voltage, affirming my hypothesis. I also obtained a direct relationship between the platinum resistance and temperature and an inverse relationship between thermistor and temperature.
