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

Gabriel Brugues Soares, Jorge Javier Gimenez Ledesma, Eder Andrade da Silva () and Oswaldo Hideo Ando Junior ()
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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
Eder Andrade da Silva: Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Program in Energy & Sustainability (PPGIES), Federal University of Latin American Integration—UNILA, Paraná City 85867-000, PR, 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

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 1, 1-43

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.

Keywords: ProKnow-C; thermoelectric generators; TEG; energy source; mapping; CubeSat (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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