Results from the microminiature thermionic converter demonstration testing program
Research is in progress to develop microminiature thermionic converters (MTCs) with high energy conversion efficiencies and variable operating temperatures using semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) fabrication methods. The use of IC techniques allows the fabrication of MTCs with cathode to anode spacing of several microns or less and with anode and cathode materials that will have work functions ranging from 1 eV to 3 eV. The small cathode to anode spacing and variable electrode work functions should allow the conversion of heat energy to relatively large current densities (up to tens of Amps/cm{sup 2}) at relatively high conversion efficiencies (15{endash}25{percent}). {copyright} {ital 1999 American Institute of Physics.}
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Laboratory
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-94AL85000
- OSTI ID:
- 700897
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-990103--
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 458; ISSN APCPCS; ISSN 0094-243X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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