Removal of excess heat in a failed stirling converter in a radioisotope power system

Abstract

A power supply system for converting heat to energy includes a heat source, a converter, a heat pipe, a heat transfer structure surrounding the heat pipe, and a mechanism for moving the heat pipe as a function of electrical power generated by the converter between a first position spaced from the converter and a second position adjacent to the converter. The converter is positioned adjacent the heat source and uses heat from the heat source. The heat pipe has a first end and a second end and is capable of withdrawing heat from the converter.

1 . A power supply system for converting heat to energy, the power supply system comprising:
 a heat source;   a converter positioned adjacent the heat source for using heat from the heat source;   a heat pipe having a first end and a second end and being capable of withdrawing heat from the converter;   a heat transfer structure surrounding the heat pipe; and   a mechanism for moving the heat pipe between a first position spaced from the converter and a second position adjacent to the converter as a function of electrical power generated by the converter.   
   
   
       2 . The power supply system of  claim 1 , wherein the heat pipe houses a wick and a working fluid. 
   
   
       3 . The power supply system of  claim 1 , wherein the heat transfer structure is formed of a metal. 
   
   
       4 . The power supply system of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanism comprises:
 an electromagnet connected to the heat pipe for maintaining the heat pipe in the first position; and   a spring positioned at the first end of the heat pipe for moving the heat pipe toward the second position.   
   
   
       5 . The power supply system of  claim 4 , and further comprising a base plate for mounting the electromagnet. 
   
   
       6 . The power supply system of  claim 1 , and further comprising a metallic plate attached to the second end of the heat pipe for facilitating heat transfer from the converter to the heat pipe when the heat pipe is in the second position. 
   
   
       7 . The power supply system of  claim 1 , and further comprising a heat transfer material positioned between the heat pipe and the heat transfer structure. 
   
   
       8 . A system for drawing heat from a heat source, the system comprising:
 a converter positioned adjacent the heat source;   a heat pipe capable of removing heat from the converter;   a metallic heat transfer structure surrounding the heat pipe; and   a mechanism for sliding the heat pipe between a first position and a second position as a function of electrical power generated by the converter.   
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the mechanism comprises:
 an electromagnet connected to the heat pipe for maintaining the heat pipe in the first position; and   a spring positioned within the electromagnet and in contact with the heat pipe.   
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein a power line supplies electricity from the converter to the electromagnet. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the heat pipe is spaced from the converter when the heat pipe is in the first position, and wherein the heat pipe is adjacent the converter when the heat pipe is in the second position. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 8 , and further comprising a plate attached to the heat pipe for facilitating heat transfer from the converter to the heat pipe when the heat pipe is in the second position. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 8 , and further comprising a heat transfer material positioned between the heat pipe and the metallic heat transfer structure. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the heat transfer material is metallic foam. 
   
   
       15 . A method of removing heat from a converter, the method comprising:
 establishing a power connection between the converter and an electromagnet, wherein the electromagnet is connected to a heat pipe;   maintaining the heat pipe in a first position spaced from the converter;   moving the heat pipe from the first position to a second position relative to the converter in response to the power connection between the converter and the electromagnet being disconnected;   withdrawing heat from the converter to the heat pipe; and   transferring the heat from the heat pipe.   
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein moving the heat pipe from the first position to the second position comprises engaging the heat pipe with the converter. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein maintaining the heat pipe in the first position comprises using the electromagnet. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein withdrawing heat from the converter to the heat pipe comprises using a metallic heat transfer plate positioned between the converter and the heat pipe. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein disconnecting the power connection between the converter and the electromagnet comprises releasing the heat pipe from the first position. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein transferring the heat from the heat pipe comprises using a heat transfer structure.