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Fisher, C. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Fisher, C. R..

3 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1987

User interface and operational issues with thermionic space power systems

Thermionic space power systems have unique features which facilitate predeployment operations, provide operational flexibility and simplify the interface with the user. These were studied in some detail during the SP-100 program from 1983 to 1985. Three examples are reviewed in this paper: (1) system readiness verification in the prelaunch phase; (2) startup, shutdown, and dormancy in the operations phase; (3) part-load operation in the operations phase.

Dahlberg, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Thermionic reactors for space nuclear power

Thermionic reactor designs for a variety of space power applications spanning the range from 5 kWe to 3 MWe are described. In all of these reactors, nuclear heat is converted directly to electrical energy in thermionic fuel elements (TFEs). A circulating reactor coolant carries heat from the core of TFEs directly to a heat rejection radiator system. The recent design of a thermionic reactor to meet the SP-100 requirements is emphasized. Design studies of reactors at other power levels show that the same TFE can be used over a broad range in power, and that design modifications can extend the range to many megawatts. The design of the SP-100 TFE is similar to that of TFEs operated successfully in test reactors, but with design improvements to extend the operating lifetime to seven years.

Homeyer, W. G.↗