Experimental investigation of a thermionic converter with developed surface electrodes

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1997 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.51975· OSTI ID:627669

Luke, J R; El-Genk, M S; Adrian, J M ^[1]

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1. Institute for Space and Nuclear Power Studies/Chemical and Nuclear Engineering Department University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico87131 (United States)

A thermionic converter with developed planar electrode surfaces is designed and tested. One of the electrodes has concentric circular grooves cut into its surface, while the other electrode surface is smooth. The grooves are 0.5 mm deep and 0.5 mm wide, having lands that are 1.0 mm wide. The experimental setup is flexible so that either the smooth or developed surface electrode can be operated as the emitter, with the other operating as the collector. The I-V characteristics and power output are compared for the two electrode arrangements. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 627669
• Report Number(s): CONF-970115-; ISSN 0094-243X; TRN: 98:006040
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 387, Issue 1; Conference: Space technology and applications international forum (STAIF - 97), Albuquerque, NM (United States), 26-30 Jan 1997; Other Information: PBD: Jan 1997
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING NOT INCLUDED IN OTHER CATEGORIES
21 NUCLEAR POWER REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
THERMIONIC CONVERTERS
SPACE VEHICLES
POWER SYSTEMS
DESIGN
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
VOLTAGE DROP
WORK FUNCTIONS
TOPAZ REACTOR
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems