OPTIMIZATION OF EMISSION LIMITED THERMIONIC GENERATORS
Abstract
Equations are derived describing the performance of space charge neutralized thermionic converters with negligible transport effects. For a given anode work function and cathode temperature, optimization of the other system parameters leads to an expression for the maximum attainable conversion efficiency, in terms of the fundamental physical constants e, m, c, and k, (e and m, the charge and mass of an electron; k, Boltzmann's constant an c, the velocity of light). The calculated results, presented graphically, suggest several distinct modes of high efficiency operation, and lead to a number of interesting conclusions about converters with cesium coated cathodes. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0255550
Entities
People
- Alfred Schock