Thermionic nuclear reactor

摘要

The reactor converts the heat of nuclear fission directly to electrical energy using a number of thermionic converter cells. Each consists of one nuclear fuel element as radiator, and a second as collector the space between being filled with caesium vapour to reduce space, the elements being series connected. The elements are grouped to bind a nuclear reactor core, the collectors being liquid metal cooled, and half of them are electrically opposed to the other half. Individual swinging reflector shoes surrounding the core for reactivity control are driven simultaneously by pinions from a common toothed rack. The reactor is smaller and lighter than other types.