Dynamic Isotope Power System Another area of advanced radioisotope space power systems is the dynamic isotope power system, or DIPS. For higher power levels, for example 1000-10000 We, the more efficient dynamic power conversion technologies provide for better use of the isotope fuel, offer improved power-to-weight systems and provide advantages in integrating the power system with the spacecraft compared to RTGs. Dynamic heat- to-electricity conversion efficiencies of 20-25% are achievable which reduce the isotope inventory to about one-third of that for RTGs. This reduces weight, costs and potential safety risks for higher powered systems. There is an optimum size for RTGs (below 500 We) so that several RTGs would be required per spacecraft to meet power requirements in the kilowatt range. The specific power of the DIPS improves as the power level increases while the specific power of the RTGs are fixed. Being more efficient, the DIPS requires less radiator area to reject the waste heat (at comparable
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