THERMIONIC POWER GENERATING CELL Russian patent published in 1997 - IPC

FIELD: power and nuclear engineering; thermal-to-electric energy conversion by means of thermionic conversion reactor. SUBSTANCE: heat pipe affording longitudinal-radial heat transfer is placed between emitter and end block to equalize temperature field. Heat pipe is made in the form of double-wall shell of capillary structure placed at internal and external walls of cans and crosswise of walls in the form of radial plates with holes. Used as working medium for heat pipe is lithium, mainly lithium-7 isotope. Heat pipe is made of tungsten or its alloy. Capillary structure is made in the form of at least one layer of gauze or perforated screen. EFFECT: improved design. 7 cl, 2 dwg