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Jean-Pierre Fleurial

Senior Research Scientist

About

Bio

Jean-Pierre Fleurial joined the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in 1988. He currently manages JPL’s Thermal Energy Conversion Applications & Systems Group and he is also serves as Principal Technologist for NASA’s Next Generation Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator Project. He is leading and participating in several projects related to advanced materials research and engineering, novel high temperature power generation and cooling devices, sensing and waste heat recovery thermoelectric systems and next generation radioisotope and fission space power systems. He has achieved international recognition in his field as a leader in the research and development of novel materials and devices for thermoelectric energy conversion, in particular for high temperature power generation applications.

Education

  • Ph.D. in Materials Science, National Polytechnic Institute of Lorraine, France, 1988
  • Civil Engineer of Mines, School of Mines, Nancy, France, 1985
  • M. S. in Solid State Physics and Materials science, University of Nancy, France, 1984

Research Interests

Solid state energy conversion, especially thermoelectrics but also direct energy conversion based on photovoltaics, thermophotovoltaics, beta- and alpha-voltaics, for application to space power, terrestrial auxiliary power, energy recovery and energy harvesting.

Experience

Professional Experience

  • Nuclear Space Power Office, Technology Advancement Program Manager (Since 2013)
  • Thermal Energy Conversion Technologies Group Supervisor (Since 2008)
  • Photovoltaics Technology Group Supervisor and Thermoelectric Technology Lead (2006-2007)
  • Project Prometheus Lead for the Thermoelectric Converter Technology Development Task (2004-2006)
  • Materials and Device Technologies Group Supervisor (1999-2004)
  • Materials and Device Technologies Group, Team Lead (1994-1999)
  • Materials and Device Technologies Group, Staff (1990-1994)
  • National Research Council Resident Research Associate (1988-1990)

Achievements

Awards & Recognitions

  • Professional Society and External Organization Awards | International Thermoelectric Society's Outstanding Achievement Award (2019)
  • Senior Research Scientist | Solid State Energy Conversion (2013)
  • JPL Team Award | JPL MSL MMRTG Team Achievement Award (2013)
  • NASA Award | NASA Exceptional Service Medal (2011)
  • JPL Team Award | JPL Segmented Thermoelectric Technology Team Achievement Award (2004)
  • JPL Principal Designation | 3460 - Power & Sensor Systems (2002)
  • JPL Award | JPL Technology Exceptional Achievement Award (2000)
  • JPL Award | JPL SP-100 Program Group Achievement Award (1994)

Publications

Over 60 refereed publications and 110 articles in conference proceedings 37 Patents, 50 New Technology Reports, and multiple licensing agreements with Industry

  1. Fleurial, J.-P. et al., “1 kW Small Fission Heat Pipe-cooled Thermoelectric Power System Design Concept and Technology Maturation” 11th International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2013). doi:10.2514/6.2013-3930
  2. J.-P. Fleurial “Thermoelectric Power Generation Materials: Technology and Application Opportunities”, JOM, 61, (4), 79-85 (2009).
  3. S. Bux, R. Blair, P. Gogna, H. Lee, G. Chen, M. Dresselhaus, R. Kaner, J.-P. Fleurial, “Nano-Bulk Silicon as an Effective Thermoelectric Material”, Adv. Funct. Mater. 19, 1 (2009).
  4. A. F. May, J. P. Fleurial, and G. J. Snyder, “Thermoelectric performance of lanthanum telluride produced via mechanical alloying”, Phys. Rev. B 78, 125205 (2008).
  5. Dresselhaus, M. S.; Chen, G.; Tang, M. Y.; Yang, R. G.; Lee, H.; Wang, D. Z.; Ren, Z. F.; Fleurial, J. P.; Gogna, P., New directions for low-dimensional thermoelectric materials. Advanced Materials 2007, 19, (8), 1043-1053.
  6. Fleurial, J.-P.; Johnson, K.; Mondt, J.; Sakamoto, J.; Snyder, J.; et al. “Development of segmented thermoelectric multicouple converter technology” 2006 IEEE Aerospace Conference, 4-11 March 2006, Big Sky, MT, USA.
  7. Fleurial J.-P., “Thermoelectric Power Conversion”, CRC Handbook of Mechanical Engineering, Ed. F. Kreith, CRC Press, 8-175:8-182 (1998)