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nite owl
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- TL;DR Summary
- RTG for electric cars.
Could electric cars be given longer range by radioisotope thermoelectric generators like they use to power spacecraft in deep space?
nite owl said:Could electric cars be given longer range by radioisotope thermoelectric generators like they use to power spacecraft in deep space?
Complementing concerns raised by Drakkith and PeterDonis, indeed the power densities are too low to be practical for mass transportation/propulsion.nite owl said:Summary: RTG for electric cars.
Could electric cars be given longer range by radioisotope thermoelectric generators like they use to power spacecraft in deep space?
Yes, RTGs can potentially be used to power electric cars. However, there are several challenges and limitations that need to be addressed before this can become a viable option.
RTGs use the heat generated from the decay of radioactive materials to produce electricity through the Seebeck effect. This effect converts the temperature difference between two materials into an electric voltage.
One of the main advantages of RTGs is their long lifespan, as they can continue to generate electricity for decades without needing to be refueled. They also do not rely on external factors such as weather or sunlight, making them a reliable source of power.
One major limitation is the high cost of producing RTGs and the radioactive materials used in them. There are also concerns about the safety and environmental impact of using radioactive materials in such a widespread manner.
There have been some research and development efforts to explore the use of RTGs for electric cars, but currently, there are no commercially available options. The technology is still in its early stages and requires further advancements and testing before it can be implemented on a larger scale.