THERMIONIC CONVERTER REACTOR Russian patent published in 2001 - IPC

FIELD: small nuclear power units for spacecraft. SUBSTANCE: introduced in fast converter reactor core isolated from reflector by heat insulation are power-generating channels with parallel-connected power-generating parts. Body of each power-generating channel is covered with high-temperature electric insulation. Heat pipes are used to transfer non-converted heat from converter reactor; evaporation zone of each heat pipe is located inside header of power-generating part and condensation zone either forms radiating cooler surface or functions to heat up hot junctions of thermoelectric generator whose cold junctions form radiating cooler surface. Fuels for power-generating channel are highly enriched uranium compounds based on ²³⁵U or ²³³U isotopes. EFFECT: extended service life, improved reliability, reduced size and mass of converter reactor. 6 cl, 15 dwg