Electro-Optic Control System for Stimulation of Oil and Geothermal Wells

65312 Future space missions require reliable, small power Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) with power levels from 40 to 500 milli-Watts. Therefore, this project will develop small, low power thermoelectric modules with redundant circuitry (parallel circuit). By reducing the size of the elements used in the thermoelectric module, a parallel circuit will be incorporated into the module design without increasing the module size. The module size reduction will be accomplished by reducing element tolerances and using new techniques to bond the micro gold contacts to the module legs. Phase I will develop techniques for assembling near perfect alignment of N and P thermopile legs, incorporate parallel circuitry in the thermopile, and develop low resistance electrical contacts for the N and P legs. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by awardee: Small thermoelectric modules could be used to power sensors for the wireless transmission of data. This market is expected to grow quite large in the maintenance of expensive, safety related equipment.