The development of a three converter heat pipe - Thermionic module

This paper describes the development of a cylindrical thermionic converter which employes three internally connected diodes to produce an output power of over 300 watts at a potential in excess of 1.0 volt. The design, fabrication and testing of the device are described. The method for insulating each diode section using cast aluminum oxide is discussed, including the results of ancillary tests for determining the high temperature voltage hold-off characteristics of the tri-layer. The design and integration of a heat pipe for supplying heat to the emitters is described. The general performance and results of a 3500-hr life test of the complete unit are discussed.