Recent advances in pyroelectrics have provided materials that may be useful in the direct conversion of heat into electrical energy in space systems. These materials will be manufactured at a low cost and will provide an ultra-lightweight means of generating electrical power from a system with no moving solid parts. A relatively new technology, pyroelectric conversion has the potential for high reliability and efficiency. Phase I will measure the useful lifetime of pyroelectric conversion material with a newly fabricated, experimental apparatus. The properties of this advanced material will be followed for extended time periods since it is subject to the thermal and electrical cycling conditions that will exist in pyroelectric energy converters.In addition to space power systems, pyroelectric converters are expected to convert low temperature heat economically into electrical energy in terrestrial systems with payback times of less than 2 years. pyroelectric, direct conversion, lightweight power sources, batteriesSTATUS: Phase I Only
