Thermionic conversion reactor technology assessment. Final report

Technical Report · Wed Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1984

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6794435· OSTI ID:6794435

The in-core thermionic space nuclear power supply may be the only identified reactor-power concept that can meet the SP-100 size functional requirements with demonstrated state-of-the-art reactor system and space-qualified power system component temperatures. The SP-100 configuration limits provide a net 40 m/sup 2/ of primary non-deployed radiator area. If a reasonable 7-year degradation allowance of 15% to 20% is provided then the beginning of life (BOL) net power output requirement is about 120 kWe. Consequently, the SP-100 power system must produce a P/A of 2.7 kWe/m/sup 2/. This non-deployed radiator area power density performance can only be reasonably achieved by the thermionic in-core convertr system, the potassium Rankine turbine system and the Stirling engine system. The purpose of this study is to examine past and current tests and data, and to assess the potential for successful development of suitable fueled-thermionic converters that will meet SP-100 and growth requirements. The basis for the assessment will be provided and the recommended key developments plan set forth.

• Research Organization: Space Power, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC03-83SF11725
• OSTI ID: 6794435
• Report Number(s): DOE/SF/11725-T1; ON: DE84007611
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
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THERMIONIC FUEL ELEMENTS
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PERFORMANCE
REACTOR MATERIALS
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