Device for the direct conversion of by means of core processes warmth energy into electrical energy generated

摘要

909,989. Nuclear reactors; thermioniccathode tubes. GUNTHER, R. March 16, 1961 [March 19, 1960], No. 9695/61. Classes 39 (1) and 39 (4). A nuclear reactor comprising a thermionic electrode heated by fissile material and facing a collector electrode, is characterized in that a core which is in direct contact with the emitter surface and contains the fissile material consists of a material of good electrical conductivity at high temperatures and serves as a current conductor, the side of the core remote from the emitting surface being connected with current conductors which are layered preferably across the path of the current, layers at high operational temperature consisting of specially high heat-resistant material whereas layers at lower operational temperatures consist of materials having high electrical and low thermal conductivity. In Fig. 1, the emitting surface 1, which may be of metallic tungsten or zirconium carbide, rests on a core 2, which may be of graphite, molybdenum 92, or tungsten 184, provided with cavities 3 in which fissile material may be disposed. The current conductor connected to the core is composed of three layers 6, 7, 8 of which the layer 6 is of high heat-resistant material (such as the materials mentioned above for the core) and the other layers of materials chosen for high electrical and low thermal conductivities, such as iron for layer 7 and copper for layer 8. The materials may comprise isotopes which do not absorb neutrons strongly. The bottom layer is connected to a plate 9 which has a good reflecting surface, e.g. of aluminium or magnesia, facing the core to reduce thermal radiation loss from the core, and the output cable 10 is connected to plate 9. A collector plate 12 is disposed opposite the surface 1 and is connected to an annular ceramic body 13 connected to the core 2 to form an evacuable vessel. The conductor 14 leading to collector 12 may be composed of layers of different materials which form thermocouples generating additional current. Several of the units shown in Fig. 1 can be electrically connected in series and the units may be stacked one on top of the other, the gaps between neighbouring plates 9 and 16 as well as the spaces between plates 12 and 16 being filled with moderator or coolant material.