High performance, close-spaced thermionic converters
Near ideal performance in a Thermionic Energy Converter (TEC) can be obtained using extremely small (< 10 microns) interelectrode spacings. Previous efforts to build such converters have encountered engineering problems. A new type of converter, called SAVTEC (for Self-Adjusting, Versatile Thermionic Energy Converter) has been developed at Rasor Associates, Inc., as a practical way to achieve small spacings. It has been demonstrated to deliver improved performance over conventional, ignited-mode converters. A series of individual SAVTEC's have been built and tested. Two general configurations were built: in the first a single emitter support lead (0.25 mm wire) passes through a hole in the center of the collector, with the emitter being welded to it. In the second three smaller wires replace the center wire and are welded to the emitter perimeter. These converters have shown reliable, temperature controlled spacings of the emitter and collector. Reproducible spacing of 10 microns (0.4 mils) were achieved on several converters. This paper presents details of SAVTEC converter construction and performance, including volt-ampere curves.
- Research Organization:
- Rasor Associates, Inc., Sunnyvale, California
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-76ET11292
- OSTI ID:
- 5403430
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-830812-
- Journal Information:
- Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States), Journal Name: Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States) Vol. 1; ISSN PIECD
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
DOE/JPL Advanced Thermionic Technology Program. Progress report No. 41
Close-spaced high-temperature Knudsen flow. Technical report (Final), 1 February 1983-15 May 1986
Related Subjects
300402* -- Thermionic Converters-- Performance & Testing
CONFIGURATION
CONSTRUCTION
CONTROL
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTRODES
ENGINEERING
FABRICATION
JOINING
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PERFORMANCE
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SPACE DEPENDENCE
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
TESTING
THERMIONIC CONVERTERS
THERMIONIC EMITTERS
WELDING
WIRES