Photoemission Solar Energy Converter
Abstract
The use of photoemission as a method of converting solar photon flux into electrical power and the development of a high power-per-unit-weight unit suitable for space use are considered in this study. Experimental results using the WX-3964 photogenerator are presented, showing that one tube, having a relatively wide spacing of 70 mils, supplied output power of over 125 microwatts at an efficiency of 0.01 percent. A description of an experiment in the bell-jar processing station is presented herein, and the operation of the automatic readout experiment is described. Steps leading to the manufacture and processing of the anode and photocathode are described, as well as the construction of the WX-4209, a thin glass-sandwich photogenerator. Changes in processes and procedures are noted, and work leading to an equivalent circuit for the photogenerator is given.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 15, 1960
- Accession Number
- AD0264828
Entities
Organizations
- Westinghouse Electric Corporation