Parametric analysis of a number of space nuclear power systems with a heat-pipe energy-conversion system

A concept for space nuclear power systems with modular construction of the thermal electric generator based on ampul-type electricity-generating elements is examined. High-temperature heat pipes (molybdenum-lithium) are used to remove heat from the reactor core; heat transmission from the core to the heat-receiving surface of the pipes is accomplished by radiation. Heat is removed by means of medium-temperature (vanadium-potassium) heat pipes. Fast reactors with uranium dicarbide as fuel and carbon-graphite materials as the structural materials are examined for a large series. The thermoelectric generator consists of maximally unified electricity-generating elements using a metallic shunt as the interelectrode insulation. The mass/size characteristics of a large series 20-200 kW are estimated on the basis of an analysis of the thermophysical and mass/size characteristics of the basic elements of space nuclear power systems. 3 figures, 3 references.