RADIOISOTOPE THERMIONIC GENERATOR RESEARCH.
Abstract
The development is investigated of a thermionic module/heat pipe power/conditioner system to achieve useful power of 500 watts at 28 volts dc from a radioisotope primary power source. Considerable progress has been obtained in each of several tasks. The power conditioner was designed and incorporated with the thermionic module. The special lead transferring the electrical power without introducing undue temperature effects on the power conditioner was designed and evaluated. The envelope design incorporated the necessary elements to assure intact reentry following an abort in orbit. To supplement this design a special redundant feedthrough was designed to assure reliable operation in spite of limited failures. A method was developed to maintain the cesium pressure in the thermionic module at optimum and thus obtain maximum efficiency from the assembly. Special effort was applied to high temperature thermal insulation to control the flow of heat and thus improve performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0823842
Entities
People
- R. C. Turner
- R. W. Longsderff
- W. E. Harbaugh