Thermionic energy conversion. Volume II. Theory, technology, and application

Book · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1979

OSTI ID:5376519

Hatsopoulos, G. N.; Gyftopoulos, E. P.

A novel presentation of the basic principls and applications of quantum thermodynamics is given. A thorough review of the theoretical understanding of emission properties of different types of refractory metal surfaces is given. The emphasis of the review is placed both on the available tools for the analysis of thermionic emission and on the problems that remain to be solved. Transport of low-energy particles through a vapor, of the type encountered in thermionic conversion, is discussed. The transport of charged particles in the absence of collisions is analyzed, and a systematic development of the theory of transport phenomena in the presence of collisions in low-energy plasmas is given. These two chapters provide the principal tools for the analysis of the performance characteristics of cesium converters. This analysis is given together with a discussion of areas that require further analytical work for a better understanding. Experimental techniques employed in the chemical and metallurgical characterization of converter materials and in the measurement of various converter parameters are discussed. Experimental performance characteristics of a large number of thermionic converters under a great variety of conditions of operation are compiled and correlated. These characteristics provide valuable aid for both design and theoretical studies and illustrate the effects of the many interrelated factors that influence the performance of thermionic converters. A number of engineering problems whose resolution is essential to the successful development of thermionic power systems are discussed. Some of these problems have been resolved. Others have not, and for that reason thermionic conversion remains a promising method of energy conversion for the future. (WHK)

• OSTI ID: 5376519
• Report Number(s): DOE/TIC-11035
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300400* -- Thermionic Converters
ALKALI METALS
CESIUM
CHARGED-PARTICLE TRANSPORT
CHARGED-PARTICLE TRANSPORT THEORY
COLLISIONAL PLASMA
COLLISIONLESS PLASMA
COLLISIONS
CONVERSION
DESIGN
DIODE TUBES
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTRODES
ELECTRON EMISSION
ELECTRON TUBES
ELEMENTS
EMISSION
ENERGY CONVERSION
ENGINEERING
EQUILIBRIUM
FABRICATION
MATERIALS
MECHANICS
METALS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PERFORMANCE
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PLASMA
QUANTUM MECHANICS
RADIATION TRANSPORT
SPACE CHARGE
STEADY-STATE CONDITIONS
THERMIONIC COLLECTORS
THERMIONIC CONVERSION
THERMIONIC CONVERTERS
THERMIONIC DIODES
THERMIONIC EMITTERS
THERMIONIC TUBES
THERMODYNAMICS
TRANSPORT THEORY
WORK FUNCTIONS