THEORY AND PERFORMANCE OF AUXILIARY DISCHARGE THERMIONIC ENERGY CONVERTERS

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1963 · Advanced Energy Conversion

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0365-1789(63)90104-8· OSTI ID:4714027

Knechtli, R C; Fox, M

A theory of auxiliary discharge thermionic energy converters is presented. This theory permits the prediction of a converter's I--V characteristics as functions of auxiliary discharge current, auxiliary discharge voltage and geometry. It also permits the prediction of the resistive voltage drop across the plasma as a function of load current. Measurements of auxiliary discharge converter I- V characteristics were performed with auxiliary discharge current and voltage as parameters. These measurements are presented and compared with theoretical predictions. The relatively low auxiliary discharge currents, low auxiliary discharge powers, and low plasma resistivities observed in these experiments are found to be consistent with the theory. (auth)

• Research Organization: Hughes Research Labs., Malibu, Calif.
• NSA Number: NSA-17-027983
• OSTI ID: 4714027
• Journal Information: Advanced Energy Conversion, Journal Name: Advanced Energy Conversion Vol. Vol: 3
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

CONFIGURATION
CONVERSION
CURRENTS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
ENERGY
MEASURED VALUES
PHYSICS
PLASMA
POWER
THERMIONICS