Space Thermoelectric Unit

Solar thermoelectric generator may provide auxiliary¹ electric power for space vehicles. The solar-energy thermionic con version device consists of the semiconductor elements placed between the light-weight metallic sheets². Heat from the Sun is collected by one metallic sheet and conducted through it to the semiconductor element. Heat energy not converted to electrical energy by the element is passed to the opposite³ sheet from which it is radiated into space. Such a system is believed to be suitable for operation in the range from Mars to Venus. Expected performance of the generators may be at power levels⁴, ranging from less than a watt to several kilowatts. Above these levels, performance of other generating systems seems to be more suitable. One such generator is also undergoing develop­ment.

Пояснения к тексту

1. auxiliary — вспомогательный, дополнительный

2. sheets — пластины

3. opposite — противоположный

4. levels — уровни

XV. Переведите, пользуясь словарем:

The First Supersonic Plane in the World

The TU-144, the first supersonic passenger plane in the world, can fly at twice the speed of sound, its cruising speed¹ being 2,500 kph.

The air conditioning system is known to be of great impor­tance for a supersonic plane. In the turbojet planes the air in the cabins had to be heated but in supersonic types it had to be cooled. This is much more complicated than heating, for, besides the heat emitted by the passengers and electronic equip­ment, it is also necessary to cool the heat which penetrates the walls of the fuselage. At a speed of 2,500 kph the outer shell of the TU-144 heats up to 150° C. At an altitude of 20,000 metres the pressure in the passenger cabine of the TU-144 is maintained at the level of 2,400 metres.

The supersonic airliner is certain to occupy a leading place in passenger transport. This type of transportation has great advantages since it provides a high degree of comfort for passen­gers. One shouldn't forget that it takes no more than three hours to fly great distances.

It is precisely from this moment that the age of supersonic airliners begins.

Пояснение к тексту

1. cruising speed -крейсерская скорость

УРОК 9