FEASIBILITY OF THE USE OF HOLLOW CATHODES FOR THERMIONIC ENERGY CONVERSION
Abstract
Theoretical and experimental studies are reported to determine the feasibility of applying electron blackbodies to thermionic energy conversion. The conclusion is that the size of the effusing hole is governed largely, not by the size of the cavity to which it is the exit, but by the physical limitations imposed by the nature of the electron atmosphere within the cavity. It is shown that the density of the electron atmosphere within the cavity is only large in a region close to the surface of the emitting walls and may be characterized by a parameter d, which does not depend on the size of the cavity. A quantitative expression is given for the conditions under which the effusing hole behaves as an electron blackbody. It is shown that for the electron emission density to be large enough for useful thermionic energy conversion, the size of the effusing hole has to be too small for practical consideration. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0278824
Entities
People
- A. Niewold
- I. Brodie
Organizations
- Westinghouse Electric Corporation