The Thermionic System Evaluation Test (TSET): Descriptions, limitations, and the involvement of the space nuclear power community

Conference · Tue Jan 19 23:00:00 EST 1993 · AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.43136· OSTI ID:6630756

Morris, D B ^[1]

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1. Phillips Laboratory, New Mexico Engineering Research Institute, 901 University SE, Rm. 135, lbuquerque, New Mexico 87106-4339 (United States)

Project and test planning for the Thermionic System Evaluation Test (TSET) Project began in August 1990. Since the formalization of the contract agreement two years ago, the TOPAZ-II testing hardware was delivered in May 1992. In the months since the delivery of the test hardware, Russians and Americans working side-by-side installed the equipment and are preparing to begin testing in early 1993. The procurement of the Russian TOPAZ-II unfueled thermionic space nuclear power system (SNP) provides a unique opportunity to understand a complete thermionic system and enhances the possibility for further study of this type of power conversion for space applications. This paper will describe the program and test article, facility and test article limitations, and how the government and industry are encouraged to be involved in the program.

• DOE Contract Number: AC03-86SF16006
• OSTI ID: 6630756
• Report Number(s): CONF-930103--
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics); (United States), Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics); (United States) Vol. 271:3; ISSN 0094-243X; ISSN APCPCS
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
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22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
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30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
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REACTOR COMPONENTS
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TEST FACILITIES
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THERMIONIC FUEL ELEMENTS
TOPAZ REACTOR