THERMIONIC ENERGY CONVERSION

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1962 · Advances in Electronics and Electron Physics (U.S.)

OSTI ID:4638841

Houston, J M; Webster, H F

A brief summary of thermionic conversion analysis is presented. Equations for the current-voltage characteristics, power output, and efficiency of an idealized model of a thermionic converter are derived. The work functions of the surface of various materials and combinations of materials are discussed. The space charge, surface physics, and fabrication problems of vacuum thermionic energy converters are outlined. Cesium thermionic energy converters and devices using auxiliary discharges and fission fragments for ion production are discussed along with their applications. (C. E.S.)

• Research Organization: General Electric Research Lab., Schenectady, N.Y.
• NSA Number: NSA-17-036462
• OSTI ID: 4638841
• Journal Information: Advances in Electronics and Electron Physics (U.S.), Journal Name: Advances in Electronics and Electron Physics (U.S.) Vol. Vol: 17; ISSN AEEPA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PHYSICS