FIELD: space and nuclear power engineering; development and servicing of space power-generating and propulsion units.
SUBSTANCE: proposed method includes operation of thermionic converter reactor in rated- and reduced-level modes, introduction of cesium vapors to thermionic converter reactor electrode gaps, supply of rated power generated by thermionic converter reactor to transport-mode consumers, reduction of converter reactor heat power from rated value downward, shut-off of cesium vapor supply to converter reactor, filling of converter reactor electrode gaps with neutral gas, and supply of additional converter generated power to continuous power supply mode consumers; prior to shutting off cesium vapor supply, converter reactor is changed over to short-circuit mode. Power unit using this method for its operation is characterized in ability of running in two modes quite different with respect to power and service period.
EFFECT: enhanced service life due to eliminating insulation breakdown when changing mode of operation.
1 cl, 2 dwg
