Electrical generator or motor structure – Non-dynamoelectric – Thermal or pyromagnetic
Patent
1981-02-19
1983-02-08
Duggan, Donovan F.
Electrical generator or motor structure
Non-dynamoelectric
Thermal or pyromagnetic
H01J 4500
Patent
active
043731422
ABSTRACT:
This invention is concerned with improving the efficiency of thermionic energy converters. The invention is particularly directed to the reduction of plasma losses in these converters.
This beneficial technical effect is achieved by internal distribution of tiny shorted cesium diodes driven by the thermal gradient between the primary emitter (10) and the collector (12). Specifically, the tiny, shorted diode distribution (14) comprises protrusions of the emitter material (16) from the main emitter face (18) which contact the main collector face (22) thermally but not electrically. The main collector ends (20) of the protrusions are separated from the main collector by a thin layer of insulation (24), such as aluminum oxide.
The diode effect will increase with the use of metals that adsorb cesium less readily for the main emitter ends of the tiny protrusions and metals that adsorb cesium more readily for the main collector ends of the protrusions. By way of example, the main emitter can be made of rhenium or irridium; the main emitter ends of the protrusions can be made of tantalum or niobium; and the main collector ends of the protrusions can be made of platinum or irridium.
The shorted tiny diode distribution augments cesium ionization through internal thermal effects only within the main diode. No electrical inputs are required. This ionization enhancement by the distribution of the tiny shorted diodes not only reduces the plasma voltage drop but also increases the power output and efficiency of the overall thermionic energy converter.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 3138725 (1964-06-01), Houston
patent: 3194989 (1965-07-01), Garbury et al.
patent: 3202843 (1965-08-01), Hurst
patent: 3218196 (1965-11-01), Jensen et al.
patent: 3470393 (1969-09-01), Moncorge
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patent: 3558935 (1971-01-01), Gritten et al.
patent: 3793542 (1974-02-01), Defranould et al.
patent: 3843896 (1974-10-01), Rason et al.
Duggan Donovan F.
Manning J.
Musial N.
Shook G.
The United States of America as represented by the Administrator
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