A Review of Technology Development of Thermionic Energy Conversion for Space Application

ZHONG Wuye, ZHAO Shouzhi, ZHENG Jianping, LV Zheng, XIE Jiachun

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PDF(1953 KB)
Journal of Deep Space Exploration ›› 2020, Vol. 7 ›› Issue (1) : 47-60. DOI: 10.15982/j.issn.2095-7777.2020.20200114001
Guest Editor:Professor LUO Zhifu,China Institute of Atomic Energy

A Review of Technology Development of Thermionic Energy Conversion for Space Application

  • ZHONG Wuye, ZHAO Shouzhi, ZHENG Jianping, LV Zheng, XIE Jiachun
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Abstract

Space nuclear reactor power can supply the large output and long life power required by future space missions. The technology of thermionic energy conversion is one of the major key points of space thermionic nuclear reactor power. The whole construction and operating principle of space thermionic nuclear reactor power are summarized. And the development state, exsiting issues, and trend are reviewed for the technology of thermionic energy conversion, including the principle of thermionic energy conversion, varieties and characteristic of thermionic cell, electrode material, and experimental apparatus.

Keywords

space nuclear reactor power / thermionic energy conversion / electrode material / experimental apparatus

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ZHONG Wuye, ZHAO Shouzhi, ZHENG Jianping, LV Zheng, XIE Jiachun. A Review of Technology Development of Thermionic Energy Conversion for Space Application. Journal of Deep Space Exploration, 2020, 7(1): 47‒60 https://doi.org/10.15982/j.issn.2095-7777.2020.20200114001

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