DEVELOPMENT OF AN ISOTOPE FUELED THERMIONIC GENERATOR FOR ABOUT 30 W ELECTRICAL POWER (in German)
A plane parallel thermionic energy converter which can be heated with a radio-isotope has been developed. At an emitter temperature of 1800 deg K and a collector temperature of 1000 deg K the maximum electrical power output amounts to 36.5 W (9,1 W/cm2). Considering the overall heat losses of converter and heat source, an overall efficiency of 10 per cent at 25 W electrical power output is to be expected. A prototype converter has been working for more than 3000 hours without any degradation. Tests have been conducted to improve the electrode efficiency and the power output. This has been done by preparing the emitter in adding cesium-oxide and in selecting appropriate collector materials. Studies have been performed about radio-iosotope-generators for earthbound and space application. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Brown, Boveri und Cie A. G., Heidelberg (West Germany). Zentrales Forschungslabor
- NSA Number:
- NSA-24-019161
- OSTI ID:
- 4137543
- Report Number(s):
- BMBW-FBK-69-44
- Country of Publication:
- Germany
- Language:
- German
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