摘要:
Internally moderated neutron activation targets are formed of a mass of a stable metal hydride such as thulium hydride preferably in a surrounding casing of a material having a low thermal neutron cross section and a short half life. Heat sources are formed from the targets by irradiation with neutrons with the hydrogen atoms acting as a moderator to reduce the effect of flux depression during neutron activation.
摘要:
An improved thermoelectric generator assembly including a radioisotopic heat source capsule, thermal insulation in the form of an open-ended cup surrounding the capsule and directing the heat axially toward the open end, shielding means including an open-ended corrosive resistant cylindrical casing for receiving the cup-shaped insulation and the heat source capsule in nested fashion. Thermoelectric converter means are positioned within the open end of the cup-shaped insulation, thermally coupled to the heat source capsule, and a first highly heat conductive cover overlies the thermoelectric converted means with its periphery contacting a portion of the open-ended casing. A second corrosive resistant cover overlying the first cover, sealed to the cylindrical casing and forming therewith a highly corrosive resistant assembly.
摘要:
An electricity generation apparatus is disclosed. An exemplary apparatus includes a plasma container for containing a plasma sustained by radioactive decay. The plasma container has an inlet through which, in use of the apparatus, water can be introduced to the plasma container, and an outlet through which, in use of the apparatus, material can be expelled from the container. The exhausted material can include hydrogen and oxygen resulting from the dissociation of water molecules caused by interactions within the plasma. A separator can separate hydrogen from the material exhausted from the plasma container, which separator is coupled to the outlet, and a generator can generate electricity using the hydrogen as a fuel.
摘要:
Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments described herein enable an energy conversion system comprising a radioactive element for generating conduction-band electrons in an avalanche cell and generating heat, wherein the conduction-band electrons are provided to an anode to generate avalanche cell power, and the heat is provided to a thermoelectric generator to generate thermoelectric power. In an embodiment, the avalanche cell is irradiated with gamma rays, which excite electrons within the avalanche cell, generating a current. In an additional embodiment, the thermoelectric power and avalanche cell power can comprise a dual power system.
摘要:
An anisotropic heat valve is provided for use between a heat source and a heat user to regulate flow of heat from the source to the user. A housing overlies an anisotropic member and means are provided for pivoting the anisotropic member to change the thermal conductivity through the member in one direction and thus provide regulation of heat flow through the valve. The valve is particularly useful in conjunction with radioactive isotopic thermal power sources.
摘要:
A heat transfer system for supplying a constant temperature to a heat utilization device including a heat transfer pipe having the utilization device mounted intermediate an alpha emitting radioisotope fuel for vaporizing the working fluid of the heat pipe and a heat exchanger for dissipating excess heat from the condenser portion of the heat pipe, means for retaining helium generated by the radioisotope fuel and a passageway for transporting the helium to the interior of the heat pipe to maintain constant the internal pressure and vaporization temperature of the working fluid within the heat pipe as the rate of heat dissipation from the radioisotope decreases.
摘要:
A device to dissipate heat from a radioisotope generator mounted in a separate housing which is designed to protect the generator from excessive water pressure. The device includes a pair of split elongate heat transfer cylinders positioned around the generator within the housing. One of the cylinders is in a contiguous relationship with the generator while the other cylinder is contiguous only to the housing. Both cylinders are in an end abutting relationship so as to provide a path for the flow of heat to the housing.
摘要:
High temperature thermionic energy converter is supported inside a larger evacuated housing by electrically conductive, thin, flat spring means. Both radial and axial support of the converter are provided by a thin, flat spiral spring at each end thereof. Each spring includes a radially inner periphery which engages a corresponding converter end, and radially outer peripheral (finger) sections that engage respective parts of an annular circumferential area of the internal wall of the housing. Narrow curved fingers of each spring provide radial spring action and long thermal leakage paths to minimize the thermal conductance of the support system. Radical location of the converter is provided by spring action in the plane of the spiral, and axial support of the converter results from a diaphragm effect perpendicular to the spiral plane. Spring portions (snubbers) positioned normally near the housing internal wall limit the extent of radial spring motion by engaging such wall.