A Review of Technology Development of Thermionic Energy Conversion for Space Application

Space nuclear reactor power can supply the large output and long life power required by future space missions. The technology of thermionic energy conversion is one of the major key points of space thermionic nuclear reactor power. The whole construction and operating principle of space thermionic nuclear reactor power are summarized. And the development state, exsiting issues, and trend are reviewed for the technology of thermionic energy conversion, including the principle of thermionic energy conversion, varieties and characteristic of thermionic cell, electrode material, and experimental apparatus.