THERMIONIC REACTOR

摘要

direct heat-to-electrical-energy conversion. SUBSTANCE: reactor has thermionic fuel elements assembled of a number of concentric cylinders. Central cylinder is, essentially, combination of heat pipe and thermionic converter collector. Intermediate cylinder is converter emitter. Nuclear fuel UO2 is placed between intermediate and external cylinders. External cylinder functions as physical barrier between fuel element and moderator. Clearance provided between external radius of fuel and external cylinder holds multilayer foil insulation that functions as thermal barrier between fuel and external cylinder and incorporates provision for fuel expansion. Fuel elements are placed in nuclear reactor vessel filled with hydrogen moderator. EFFECT: improved efficiency and reduced size of reactor. 2 dwg