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Emitter tests in an open thermionic converter with vapor injection through the collector

Journal Article · · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.337494· OSTI ID:7242300
Mo and Pt emitters and a Ni collector with 400 laser-bored holes were used in an ''open'' thermionic converter. The alkali vapor was introduced into the converter through the array of holes in the collector from an adjacent alkali metal reservoir with separately controlled temperature. The overall results from the open thermionic converter are comparable to results from enclosed converters. The results found with a Cs plasma are encouraging, with barrier indices down to below 1.8 eV, at emitter temperatures around 1500 K in the case of a Mo emitter. The output power density was around 3.5 W cm/sup -2/. In the case of a Pt emitter, both Cs and K plasmas were used, with power densities up to 5.7 and 1.8 W cm/sup -2/, respectively close to 1800 K. The structure of the laser-bored collector may have contributed to these results, as well as the efficient removal of impurities in the ''open'' converter.
Research Organization:
Department of Physical Chemistry GU, University of Goeteborg and Chalmers University of Technology,S-412 96
OSTI ID:
7242300
Journal Information:
J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 60:12; ISSN JAPIA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English