Title :
Developments in thermionic energy converters
Author :
Tanner, P.G. ; Fraser, D.A. ; Irving, A.D.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Electron. Eng., King´´s Coll. London
Abstract :
Developments in electron emitter materials coupled with computer simulation methods for plasma analysis and the application of microminiaturisation production techniques have resulted in a paradigm shift in the prospects for thermionic energy converters compared with caesium-filled devices which have dominated the field hitherto. The developments are described in this article and should lead to more promising terrestrial applications for these direct energy conversion devices
Keywords :
digital simulation; thermionic conversion; thermionic electron emission; thermoelectric devices; Cs; caesium filled devices; computer simulation; direct energy conversion devices; electron emitter materials; microminiaturisation production method; paradigm shift; plasma analysis; thermionic energy converters;
Journal_Title :
Science, Measurement and Technology, IEE Proceedings -
DOI :
10.1049/ip-smt:20051050
