Auxiliary discharge in a thermionic converter

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1978 · Sov. Phys. - Tech. Phys. (Engl. Transl.); (United States)

OSTI ID:6668934

Kaibyshev, V Z; Karetnikov, D V; Trutnev, A L

The voltage drop in the low-voltage arc of a cesium thermionic converter is about 0.5 V under optimum conditions. Experiments show that it is possible to reduce this drop by means of an auxiliary inert-gas discharge. The optimum parameters of the auxiliary emitter and of the auxiliary discharge is very sensitive to the electrode work function. The required emitter work function can be achieved by adding barium vapor at a low pressure so that the barium does not affect the discharge parameters. A simple physical model leads to a good qualitative agreement with experiment. There is a fundamental limit on the parameters of a converter with an auxiliary discharge.

• OSTI ID: 6668934
• Journal Information: Sov. Phys. - Tech. Phys. (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Journal Name: Sov. Phys. - Tech. Phys. (Engl. Transl.); (United States) Vol. 23:1; ISSN SPTPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300403* -- Thermionic Converters-- Materials
Components
& Auxiliaries
ALKALI METALS
CESIUM
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRODES
ELEMENTS
METALS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
THERMIONIC CONVERTERS
THERMIONIC EMITTERS
VOLTAGE DROP
WORK FUNCTIONS