THERMIONIC DIODE SYSTEM STUDY.
Abstract
Concepts important to the design of fossil-fuel-fired thermionic diodes are theoretically analyzed for their practical application in portable generator systems. This study indicates that the minimum size of a diode in a 5-watt/sq cm. emitter producing 22 watts. To satisfy the requirements for 28-volt power supplies, some form of voltage converter is necessary to step up the low voltage of one, or two or more series-connected thermionic diodes. For this application, the transistor converter approach appears to be the most practical and feasible. The power leads connecting a thermionic diode to a low input voltage converter-regulator package must be thermally conditioned to insure safe operating temperatures at the input side. One way to secure an isothermal heat sink on the power lead is to employ a fluid-vapor mechanism. Basic principles, underlying a cooling tower concept, are introduced and experimental verification presented to show its potential as an effective heat sink for both the thermionic diode and the low input voltage converter-regulator package. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0840376
Entities
People
- Joseph P. Angello
Organizations
- United States Army Communications-Electronics Command