Advanced Thermal Conversion Systems
Abstract
This project evaluated the scientific and technical feasibility of a solar energy converter based on photon enhanced thermionic emission (PETE), which enhances thermionic emission with light. In order to achieve this goal, we focused the work on two objectives: (1) demonstrating that a structurally stable solar-enhanced converters can be created using microfabrication techniques and (2) Identifying materials that could function primarily as PETE emitters rather than just thermionic materials. The first objective addressed the challenges of achieving sufficient thermal isolation, structural stability, and optimal cathode-anode separation. The second objective addressed the challenges of discovering the materials that can efficiently absorb sunlight and transform the absorbed photon energy and heat into high-energy electrons that lie at the heart of a PETE converter.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 18, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA625371
Entities
People
- Nicholas A Melosh
Organizations
- Stanford University