Couldn’t we have a lead box lined with these radiation to electricity converters with a small amount of radioactive material in the center, and have an energy generating device that would last for thousands or even millions of years? Imagine putting the sun in a box lined with solar cells, but on a much smaller scale.

Is there a reason this wouldn’t work?

  • Melatonin@lemmy.dbzer0.comOP
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    5
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    From the article it looks like RTGs are just converting the heat energy into electricity. Seems like there’s a lot unused potential being missed.

    • qjkxbmwvz@lemmy.sdf.org
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      6
      ·
      1 year ago

      Yes, I don’t think RTGs are really what you’re asking about. It’s just a solid state way of turning heat into energy instead of using steam.