THERMIONIC CONVERTER RESEARCH.

Abstract

Arc-mode converter operation and the performance of solid ion-emitters were investigated for application to low-temperature thermionic converters which can produce reasonable power densities at temperatures compatible with combustion heat sources. Iridium was found to be the best emitter material investigated. Aconverter with an iridium emitter produced 4.5 W/sq cm at 1377 C emitter temperature, and a converter with a rhenium emitter produced 4.5 W/sq cm at 1405 C. Converters with molybdenum emitters were found to have an initial power output which depends on the contamination in the system, and during the first few days of operation, the power output degrades to a stable value. The operation of a converter with a Philips ''B'' emitter was found to be strongly influenced by an auxiliary electrode. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1963
Accession Number
AD0420962

Entities

People

  • J. B. Merzenich
  • R. A. Laubenstein
  • W. E. Beyermann

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Combustion
  • Contamination
  • Converters
  • Electrodes
  • Heat Of Combustion
  • Low Temperature
  • Materials
  • Molybdenum
  • Thermionic Converters

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Plasma Physics.
  • Thermal Physics or Thermal Science.