FIELD: direct conversion of thermal energy to electric one on basis of thermal electron emission phenomenon. SUBSTANCE: assembly comprises source of working medium joined through adapters of gas carrying conduits to working spaces of multielement electricity-generating channels commutated in series. Each electricity-generating channel has several electricity-generating element in which emitter units are provided with commutation adapters and are installed inside collector package with securing of axial position of emitter unit by means of locating arms relative to collector package. The latter has outer metal shell (jacket) and inner metal shell (guard) which is at the same current lead-out connected on free end of first electricity-generating channel to one of electrodes of extreme electricity-generating element of second channel and is tightly closed with the help of metal plug. Plug of each pair of channels has heterpolar current leads, is joined with continuous current conductive strap coated on outside with insulation and is placed into envelope connected to outer shell of electricity-generating channel. Plug separates strap from molten metal heat transfer agent. Shut-off valve with drive manufactured in the form of blocks of laminated graphite with orientation of layers perpendicular to direction of valve movement of shut-off valve is mounted in each adapter of gas carrying conduits. EFFECT: enhanced operational reliability. 4 cl, 3 dwg
