FIELD: heat-to-electricity conversion; thermionic converter reactors. SUBSTANCE: thermionic assembly has series-connected power-generating elements each incorporating fuel-emitter unit in the form of short cylinder. Its side and one of end parts function as thermionic-converter emitter. Collector is built up of two parts; one of them is made in the form of cylindrical can and other part, in the form of flat base. Each part is provided with heat pipes carrying same working medium; capillary structures of heat pipes in both parts of collector are hydraulically interconnected. Equal temperature is ensured for both parts of collector. EFFECT: improved serviceability of device at high power density. 3 cl, 1 dwg
