1974-11-20
1977-04-19
Shoop, William M.
357 28, 357 87, H02M 700
Patent
active
040191133
ABSTRACT:
An energy conversion device is described which efficiently converts thermal energy to electrical energy or electrical energy to thermal energy through the mechanism of a structure which includes a first element (cathode), usually a metal, a second material such as an insulator or a semiconductor providing a voltage barrier and a conduction band, and a third material (anode), usually a metal, where the voltage barrier between the first element and the second element is greater than the voltage barrier between the second element and the third element. In some metals, work function is a relative indicator of voltage barrier heights and may be used as a criterion for selection of metals for the first and third elements, once the second element has been chosen. Thermal energy impinging upon the cathode causes electrons emitted from the cathode to exceed the voltage barrier between the cathode and the semiconductor or insulating material and jump into the conduction band of such semiconductor or insulating material. This causes electrons already injected into such conduction band to be displaced and to fall to the anode causing a current to flow through a load device connected between the cathode and the anode. Conversely, electrical energy input can be made to cool the anode by forcing electrons to move in a reverse direction through the diode. This current flow through the diode causes thermal energy to be liberated at the cathode.
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Clark George E.
Shoop William M.
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