Accession Number:

ADD014000

Title:

Thermionic Reactor Module with Thermal Storage Reservoir.

Descriptive Note:

Patent, Filed 11 Mar 87, patented 5 Jul 88,

Corporate Author:

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE WASHINGTON DC

Personal Author(s):

• Kennel, Elliot B.

Report Date:

1988-07-05

Pagination or Media Count:

6.0

Abstract:

A thermionic energy conversion system assembly is described which comprises a fissionable nuclear fuel which surrounds a cylindrical arrangement of thermionic emitter electrodes which surround corresponding collector electrodes, which in turn surround a cylindrical container of a heat sink material, such as lithium hydride, which can absorb large amounts of waste heat energy through a phase change. The heat sink material may also act as a nuclear moderator to reduce the amount of required nuclear fuel. A heat pipe is enclosed within the container of heat sink material to remove waste heat stored in the material. A thermionic energy conversion module is described which comprises 100 stacked-in-series thermionic converter assemblies. A complete spaced-based thermionic nuclear reactor is described which comprises an array of 91 thermionic converter modules wherein the heat pipes connect to a lithium hydride radiation shield which acts as a further heat sink. The radiation shield connects to radiators to remove the waste heat to space. Patents. mjm

Descriptors:

• *ENERGY STORAGE
• *HEAT SINKS
• *NUCLEAR ENERGY
• *PATENTS
• *REACTOR FUELS
• *RESERVOIRS
• *THERMAL PROPERTIES
• *THERMIONIC EMISSION
• CONICAL BODIES
• CONTAINERS
• ELECTRODES
• EMITTERS
• ENERGY
• ENERGY CONVERSION
• HEAT
• HEAT PIPES
• HEAT RESISTANT MATERIALS
• LITHIUM HYDRIDE
• MODULAR CONSTRUCTION
• PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
• RADIATION SHIELDING
• RADIATORS(GENERAL)
• THERMIONIC CONVERTERS
• WASTES

Subject Categories:

• Nuclear Fission Reactors (Power)

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE