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Thermionic Energy Conversion Overview

This document summarizes research on thermionic energy conversion. It begins with an introduction that describes a thermionic converter as a device that converts heat into electrical energy by emitting electrons from a hot cathode to a cooler anode. The document then covers: I) surface work functions and the Richardson equation governing thermionic emission; II) a brief history of thermionic conversion; III) modeling an ideal thermionic converter; and IV) experimental results achieving approximately 5 watts/cm2 at 15% efficiency.

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Mohammadreza Ghezelasheghi
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8 views1 page

Thermionic Energy Conversion Overview

This document summarizes research on thermionic energy conversion. It begins with an introduction that describes a thermionic converter as a device that converts heat into electrical energy by emitting electrons from a hot cathode to a cooler anode. The document then covers: I) surface work functions and the Richardson equation governing thermionic emission; II) a brief history of thermionic conversion; III) modeling an ideal thermionic converter; and IV) experimental results achieving approximately 5 watts/cm2 at 15% efficiency.

Uploaded by

Mohammadreza Ghezelasheghi
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Thermionic Energy Conversion

J . M . HOUSTON AND I4 . F . WEBSTER


General Electric Research Laboratory. Schenectady. New York
pogc
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129
Idealized Model of a Thermionic Converter ............................
130
A Current-Voltage Characteristics and Power Output ................... 130
B. Efficiency ......................................................
136
The Work Function of Various Surfaces ..............................
142
143
A Pure Metals .....................................................
143
B Thin Films on Pure Metals .......................................
C Oxide and Carbide Cathodes ......................
8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
D Evaporation of Cathode Materials .................................
153
Vacuum Thermionic Energy Converters ...............................
154
A History .......................................................
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B Space Charge Problems ...........................................
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C Surface Physics Problems .........................................
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D Fabrication Problems .............................................
E Experimental Results .............................................
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F Three Electrode Vacuum Converters ...............................
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Cesium Thermionic Energy Converters ...............................
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A Introduction ....................................................
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B Low Pressure Converterg .........................................
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C High Pressure Converters .........................................
Devices Using Auxiliary Discharges ..................................
193
Devices Using Fission Fragments for Ion Production ....................
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Applications of Thermionic Converters ................................
195
Summary and Future Trends .......................................
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References .........................................................
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I. Introduction

I1

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A . Surface Work Function and the Richardson Equation ................
B. Brief History of Thermionic Conversion ............................

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I . INTRODUCTION

A thermionic converter is a device which converts heat energy into


electrical energy by utilizing the thermionic emission of electrons. As
Fig. 1 shows. it is basically a simple device. consisting of a hot cathode
emitting electrons to a cooler anode. These electrons flow back to the
cathode through an external load resistance where they do useful work .
That almost any thermionic diode can convert heat to electricity with a
very low efficiency has been known for many years . However. in the last
five years the power output and efficiency of such devices have been
greatly improved. now being approximately 5 watt/cm2 at 15yoefficiency.
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