Protection of Radionuclide Thermoelectric Generators U.S./Russian-Installed Alarm Systems

Radionuclide Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) were developed as a good way to use nuclear by-products and provide electricity for remote facilities. They are heavy, hot (both thermally and radioactively), and operate for long periods of time with little or no maintenance. However, they are also an attractive target for theft, and efforts are under way to remove them from the field. It is appropriate to provide some measure of protection for units while they await removal, thereby reducing the risk that they represent. This paper describes an alarm and communications device that can be used to provide a basic level of protection to RTGs while they are located in remote locations or are being transported to safe storage areas.