I know a lot about thermo-electric technology is an option but it has an
efficiency limit of about 18%. The cause is greatly debated but attempts
to push over that efficiency limit result in problems that have yet to
be completely understood. I know the Brits have pushed over the limit by
cycling the things from engine to pump and back rapidly but I have not
seen proper data on the pump mode power consumption and thus full
efficiency. It is however not subject to Carnot effiency limits the
same way as other heat engines.
John Harris wrote:
I'd add direct thermal/electric to your range of output options, even the
"old" dissimilar junction devices would be an option for low power work as
the weight and reliability may be more important than output. and there are
of course solid state devices - whether these fall into the category of
"heat engine" is debatable.
Regards
JohnH
----- Original Message -----
From: "Wesley Bruce" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <vortex-l@eskimo.com>
Sent: Friday, July 29, 2005 4:48 PM
Subject: mars rovers
