THERMIONIC CONVERTERS, NUCLEAR HEAT, AND POWER GENERATION

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1960 · IRE Intern. Conv. Record

OSTI ID:4096343

Grattidge, W

A thermionic converter is a static high-temperature engine convertirg heat to electricity. It is a vacuum- or gas-filled device containing a hot cathode and a cold anode. Properties and operating characteristics of typical types of converters are described. Nuclear energy such as produced in a power reactor is an ideal heat source for a thermionic converter. The converter cathode and nuclear fuel element can be designed as an integral unit with the anode cooled by a conventional reactor coolant. Thus the converter becomes an integral part of the fuel assembly. The anode temperature can be sufficiently high to permit waste heat to be used in a steam turbine cycle. The thermionic converter becomes a "topper" to the steam turbine and augments its performance. Some important problem areas are delineated. (auth)

• Research Organization: General Electric Research Lab., Schenectady, N.Y.
• NSA Number: NSA-15-010406
• OSTI ID: 4096343
• Journal Information: IRE Intern. Conv. Record, Journal Name: IRE Intern. Conv. Record Vol. Vol: 8: Pt. 9
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ANODES
CATHODES
COOLANTS
COOLING
FUEL ELEMENTS
HEATING
HIGH TEMPERATURE
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
REACTOR TECHNOLOGY
REACTORS
STEAM
TEMPERATURE
THERMIONIC CELLS
THERMIONICS
TURBINES
VACUUM