Low work function material development for the microminiature thermionic converter.
Thermionic energy conversion in a miniature format shows potential as a viable, high efficiency, micro to macro-scale power source. A microminiature thermionic converter (MTC) with inter-electrode spacings on the order of microns has been prototyped and evaluated at Sandia. The remaining enabling technology is the development of low work function materials and processes that can be integrated into these converters to increase power production at modest temperatures (800 - 1300 K). The electrode materials are not well understood and the electrode thermionic properties are highly sensitive to manufacturing processes. Advanced theoretical, modeling, and fabrication capabilities are required to achieve optimum performance for MTC diodes. This report describes the modeling and fabrication efforts performed to develop micro dispenser cathodes for use in the MTC.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Albuquerque, NM, and Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-94AL85000
- OSTI ID:
- 918773
- Report Number(s):
- SAND2004-0555; TRN: US200825%%154
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
CATHODES
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRODES
ENERGY CONVERSION
FABRICATION
MANUFACTURING
PERFORMANCE
POWER GENERATION
THERMIONIC CONVERTERS
THERMIONICS
WORK FUNCTIONS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
Electrochemistry.
Miniature electronic equipment.
Thermionic converters.