Collector for thermionic energy converter

Details Collector for thermionic energy converter Collector for thermionic energy converter

1979-02-16

1981-07-21

Sebastian, Leland A.

Electrical generator or motor structure

Non-dynamoelectric

Thermal or pyromagnetic

136206, H02N 300

Patent

active

042800749

ABSTRACT:
An improved collector is provided for a thermionic energy converter. The collector comprises a p-type layer of a semiconductor material formed on an n-type layer of a semiconductor material. The p-n junction is maintained in a forward biased condition. The electron affinity of the exposed surface of the p-type layer is effectively lowered to a low level near zero by the presence of a work function lowering activator. The dissipation of energy during collection is reduced by the passage of electrons through the p-type layer in the metastable conduction band state. A significant portion of the electron current remains at the potential of the Fermi level of the n-type layer rather than dropping to the Fermi level of the p-type layer. Less energy is therefore dissipated as heat and a higher net power output is delivered from a thermionic energy converter incorporating the collector.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3274403 (1966-09-01), Vore
patent: 3400015 (1968-09-01), Chapman
patent: 3402074 (1968-09-01), Chapman et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Collector for thermionic energy converter does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Collector for thermionic energy converter, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Collector for thermionic energy converter will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2433247