Thermionic technology for spacecraft power: Progress and problems
Abstract
Thermionic conversion for use with space reactors is discussed. Advantages are discussed, as well as development problems. The mechanical simplicity associated with no moving parts implies reliability. The high temperature of heat rejection minimizes the mass of the radiator - which is usually the heaviest component of large space power systems. The high heat rejection temperature also limits the size of the radiator, which is an important consideration, since all space reactor systems in the foreseeable future must fit inside the space shuttle bay. Modularity maximizes reliability by eliminating single point system failures. In addition, thermionics is a demonstrated conversion technology coupled to nuclear reactors. Although available thermionic converter performance yields systems with attractive specific masses of around 20 kG/kWe, higher efficiency and power density are certainly desirable. For space systems, this improvement must accrue from reduced potential losses in the interelectrode plasma since the radiator temperature will be too high to take advantage of collector work functions lower than those already available.
- Publication:
-
Prime-Power for High Energy Space Systems
- Pub Date:
- 1982
- Bibcode:
- 1982pphe....2Q....H
- Keywords:
-
- Spacecraft Power Supplies;
- Thermionic Converters;
- Thermionic Power Generation;
- Cermets;
- Electrical Insulation;
- Emitters;
- Energy Conservation;
- Fabrication;
- Fuel Consumption;
- Lithium;
- Modularity;
- Niobium;
- Pipes (Tubes);
- Reliability;
- Tungsten;
- Zirconium;
- Energy Production and Conversion