
doi: 10.2172/10156110 , 10.2172/5148872
An isotopic heat source is formed using stacks of thin individual layers of a refractory isotopic fuel, preferably thulium oxide, alternating with layers of a low atomic weight diluent, preferably graphite. The graphite serves several functions: to act as a moderator during neutron irradiation, to minimize bremsstrahlung radiation, and to facilitate heat transfer. The fuel stacks are inserted into a heat block, which is encased in a sealed, insulated and shielded structural container. Heat pipes are inserted in the heat block and contain a working fluid. The heat pipe working fluid transfers heat from the heat block to a heat exchanger for power conversion. Single phase gas pressure controls the flow of the working fluid for maximum heat exchange and to provide passive cooling.
Design, Radioisotope Heat Sources, Beta Decay Radioisotopes, Odd-Odd Nuclei, Days Living Radioisotopes, Isotopic Power Supplies, Beta-Minus Decay Radioisotopes, Isotopes, Nesdps Office Of Nuclear Energy Space And Defense Power Systems, Inventions, Thulium Isotopes Nesdps Office Of Nuclear Energy Space And Defense Power Systems 070300* -- Isotopic Power Supplies, Heat Transfer Nesdps Office Of Nuclear Energy Space And Defense Power Systems 070300, Electron Capture Radioisotopes, Intermediate Mass Nuclei, Radioisotopes, Minerals, Fluids, Rare Earth Isotopes, Thulium Oxides, Elemental Minerals, Heat Sources, Rare Earth Compounds, Heat Pipes, Moderators, Oxides, Heat Transfer, Elements, Nuclei, Carbon, Rare Earth Nuclei, Thulium Compounds, Nonmetals, Energy Transfer, Thulium 170, Working Fluids, Graphite, Oxygen Compounds, Layers, 07 Isotopes And Radiation Sources, Chalcogenides
Design, Radioisotope Heat Sources, Beta Decay Radioisotopes, Odd-Odd Nuclei, Days Living Radioisotopes, Isotopic Power Supplies, Beta-Minus Decay Radioisotopes, Isotopes, Nesdps Office Of Nuclear Energy Space And Defense Power Systems, Inventions, Thulium Isotopes Nesdps Office Of Nuclear Energy Space And Defense Power Systems 070300* -- Isotopic Power Supplies, Heat Transfer Nesdps Office Of Nuclear Energy Space And Defense Power Systems 070300, Electron Capture Radioisotopes, Intermediate Mass Nuclei, Radioisotopes, Minerals, Fluids, Rare Earth Isotopes, Thulium Oxides, Elemental Minerals, Heat Sources, Rare Earth Compounds, Heat Pipes, Moderators, Oxides, Heat Transfer, Elements, Nuclei, Carbon, Rare Earth Nuclei, Thulium Compounds, Nonmetals, Energy Transfer, Thulium 170, Working Fluids, Graphite, Oxygen Compounds, Layers, 07 Isotopes And Radiation Sources, Chalcogenides
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