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Thermoelectric Generators Applied as a Power Source in CubeSats: State of the Art

Author

Listed:
  • Gabriel Brugues Soares

    (Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Program in Energy & Sustainability (PPGIES), Federal University of Latin American Integration—UNILA, Paraná City 85867-000, PR, Brazil)

  • Jorge Javier Gimenez Ledesma

    (Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Program in Energy & Sustainability (PPGIES), Federal University of Latin American Integration—UNILA, Paraná City 85867-000, PR, Brazil
    Research Group on Energy & Energy Sustainability (GPEnSE), Academic Unit of Cabo de Santo Agostinho (UACSA), Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Cabo de Santo Agostinho 54518-430, PE, Brazil)

  • Eder Andrade da Silva

    (Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Program in Energy & Sustainability (PPGIES), Federal University of Latin American Integration—UNILA, Paraná City 85867-000, PR, Brazil
    Research Group on Energy & Energy Sustainability (GPEnSE), Academic Unit of Cabo de Santo Agostinho (UACSA), Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Cabo de Santo Agostinho 54518-430, PE, Brazil)

  • Oswaldo Hideo Ando Junior

    (Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Program in Energy & Sustainability (PPGIES), Federal University of Latin American Integration—UNILA, Paraná City 85867-000, PR, Brazil
    Research Group on Energy & Energy Sustainability (GPEnSE), Academic Unit of Cabo de Santo Agostinho (UACSA), Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Cabo de Santo Agostinho 54518-430, PE, Brazil
    Smart Grid Laboratory (LabREI), Center for Alternative and Renewable Research (CEAR), Federal University of Paraiba (UFPB), João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
    Department of Engeneering, UFRPE, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, R. Cento e Sessenta e Três, 300, Cabo de Santo Agostinho 55292-901, PE, Brazil)

Abstract

This systematic review outlines the application of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) as energy sources in CubeSats. While CubeSats currently rely on solar cells with efficiencies between 16.8% and 32.2%, their performance diminishes with increased distance from the Sun. TEGs, although used in radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) for satellites, remain underutilized in CubeSats. A literature review revealed 33 relevant articles, with 21.2% employing simulation software to evaluate thermal behavior. Among 34 patents, only one mentioned micro-TEGs, with most focusing on structural improvements. Patent activity peaked between 2016 and 2020, emphasizing structural and thermal optimization, but no patents addressed TEGs as energy sources for CubeSats, highlighting a significant research gap. TEGs present a viable solution for harnessing residual heat in CubeSats.

Suggested Citation

  • Gabriel Brugues Soares & Jorge Javier Gimenez Ledesma & Eder Andrade da Silva & Oswaldo Hideo Ando Junior, 2025. "Thermoelectric Generators Applied as a Power Source in CubeSats: State of the Art," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-43, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:1:p:173-:d:1559860
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