An overview of thermionic power conversion technology
- Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL (United States)
Thermionic energy conversion is one of the many concepts which make up the direct power conversion technologies. Specifically, thermionics is the process of changing heat directly into electricity via a material`s ability to emit electrons when heated. This thesis presents a broad overview of the engineering and physics necessary to make thermionic energy conversion (TEC) a practical reality. It begins with an introduction to the technology and the history of its development. This is followed by a discussion of the physics and engineering necessary to develop practical power systems. Special emphasis is placed on the critical issues which are still being researched. Finally, there is a discussion of the missions which this technology may fulfill.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge Inst. for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76OR00033
- OSTI ID:
- 527508
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/OR/00033-T701; ON: DE97053351; TRN: AHC29720%%100
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: TH: Thesis (M.S.); PBD: Dec 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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