Thermionic Generators

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 421.

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Thermionic generators produce electrical power by using electrons emitted from the surface of a material heated to a high temperature. These generators share with thermoelectric devices the characteristic that the working fluid is electrons; they differ in that the heated elec­trons are emitted into a vacuum rather than into a solid. Because of the high potential difference between the interior and exterior of a solid, i.e., the "work function", thermionic generators must operate at high temperatures. Their output voltage is correspondingly higher than thermoelectric converters, ranging from 0.5 to 3 volts.

Although still in early stages of development, thermionic genera­tors offer promise as a power source for both military and commer­cial applications. First, however, materials with a high heat of va­porization combined with a low work function must be found. These materials must be capable of operating for long periods of time at temperatures up to 4,500 degrees F.

At present, the thermionic generator is a concept that promises to open up new areas in power generation at high-operating tem­perature. For military applications where compactness, light weight, simplicity, and high efficiency are required, this device offers pro­mise for practical use.