Removal of excess heat in a failed stirling converter in a radioisotope power system: US 2008/0121389 A1

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.