FIELD: thermionic methods and power converters and inverters, gas-discharge engineering for space nuclear and solar-electric power plants. SUBSTANCE: thermionic valve of space power plant rectifying system has encapsulated case accommodating heated cathode and anode provided with gas-filled heat pipe; evaporation section of the latter is placed inside case and contacts external surface of anode; condensing section is disposed beyond case and is characterized in that it emits heat, part of its outer surface being covered with blackening coat and other part, with sublimating material. Length of condensing section covered with blackening material may amount to 0.7-0.9 of its total length. Blackening material may be produced from mixture of metal carbides. Substance whose sublimation temperature in vacuum is higher than operating temperature and lower than maximum permissible temperature of valve anode may be used as sublimating material. EFFECT: enhanced reliability of thermionic valve. 4 cl, 1 dwg
