Thermionic converter studies at Thermo ElectronThe Thermionic Energy Converter (TEC) development program includes theoretical and experimental surface studies, diode evaluation, enhanced mode converter investigations and system studies, as well as materials fabrication and testing. The primary effort has been concentrated on increasing converter performance via improved electrodes. Diodes with oxide collectors (i.e., tungsten oxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide and barium oxide) have provided the best performance. Emitters requiring reduced cesium pressure (such as oxygenated tungsten, lanthanum hexaboride, platinum and graphite) are being tested. Converter configurations using particle spacing are under investigation. Experiments with auxiliary electrode thermionic converters are in progress. Both silicon carbide and alloy hot shells (i.e., barriers to isolate the converter from the combustion environment) have been fabricated and tested.
Document ID
19770066035
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Huffman, F. N. (Thermo Electron Corp. Waltham, MA, United States)
Lieb, D. (Thermo Electron Corp. Waltham, MA, United States)
Rufeh, F. (Thermo Electron Corp. Waltham, Mass., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1977
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Meeting Information
Meeting: Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference