High temperature energy conversion for the Integrated Solar Upper Stage (ISUS)
- UES, Inc., Dayton, OH (United States)
- Wright Lab., Wright Patterson AFB, OH (United States)
- Phillips Lab., Kirtland AFB, NM (United States)
Preliminary studies were conducted to assess the benefits of the Integrated Solar Upper Stage (ISUS) concept and key components including high temperature thermionic converters, have been tested and evaluated. Advanced radiatively coupled heat pipe cooled thermionic converters with rhenium and tungsten emitters were characterized individually for integration in a modular power unit. The converter with the tungsten emitter was performance mapped in the temperature range of 1,750 K to 2,400 K in order to conform to the ISUS requirements. Higher off-design temperatures yielded power densities as high as 12 watts/sq. cm. in the cesium pressure range of 4 to 9 torr. The converter with the rhenium emitter was tested in the temperature range of 1,575 K to 1,950 K and produced 10.5 watts/sq. cm. at the highest temperature. Dynamic switching characteristics were also measured to evaluate the possibility of interfacing a pulse width modulated (PWM) power regulator directly to a thermionic source.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Department of the Air Force, Washington, DC (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 438819
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960805--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
GAISUS-1 thermionic converter for the integrated solar upper stage
Integrated solar upper stage alternate receiver