Development of methods of monitoring and control of the conditions of electrode discharge in plasma power facilities

A comparison is made of the conditions of electrode operation in plasma power facilities (PF) of different types such as magnetohydrodynamic generators and thermionic converters. The results are given of an experimental check of a universal electrophysical method of fluctuation diagnostics for monitoring electric-discharge processes, as well as for revealing and preventing irregular (preemergency) conditions in the PF operation. It is demonstrated that the methods of fluctuation diagnostics may be used to advantage in developing devices for monitoring (in real time) and control of plasma PFs of different types for the purpose of increasing their reliability and service life.