Thermal state of SNPS ‘‘Topaz’’ units: Calculation basing and experimental confirmation

The ensuring thermal state parameters of thermionic space nuclear power system (SNPS) units in required limits on all operating regimes is a factor which determines SNPSs lifetime. The requirements to unit thermal state are distinguished to a marked degree, and both the corresponding units arragement in SNPS power generating module and the use of definite control algorithms, special thermal regulation and protection are neccessary for its provision. The computer codes which permit to define the thermal transient performances of liquid metal loop and main units had been elaborated for calculation basis of required SNPS ‘‘Topaz’’ unit thermal state. The conformity of these parameters to a given requirements are confirmed by results of autonomous unit tests, tests of mock‐ups, power tests of ground SNPS prototypes and flight tests of two SNPS ‘‘Topaz’’.