Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermionic generating element which operates in a low-temperature range. SOLUTION: The thermionic generating element has its emitter 11 and collector made of materials whose work functions are less than a predetermined value, and is provided with a bias circuit C2 which applies a forward bias between the emitter 11 and collector 12, where the emitter is made low in work function and migration of thermal electrons from the emitter 11 to the collector is accelerated during power generation. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable manufacturing electrodes (11, 12) for a thermoelectronic power generation element at low cost. SOLUTION: The manufacturing method includes a step (P1) for forming an electrode body (21), made of a conductive material and having a surface of a predetermined roughness; a step (P2) of forming a coating layer (22) having a predetermined thickness on the surface of the electrode main body (21), by using a low-work-function material having a work function lower than the work function of the material configuring the electrode body (21); and a step (P3) for removing the coating layer (22) so that the electrode body (21) can be exposed on a part of the electrode surface, after forming the coating layer (22). COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical and thermal electron power generation method and apparatus, which can improve power generation efficiency by fully utilizing the wavelength of the powerful solar beam. SOLUTION: The solar beam 21 is collected using a Fresnel lens; an emitter electrode 6 is heated with the longer wavelength region of the solar beam 21; and the cesium atoms near the emitter electrode 6 are irradiated with the beam of the longer wavelength region, to generate discharge through excitation and ionization. Thereby, negative space charges near the emitter electrode 6 is neutralized, to cause the emitter current to increase.
Abstract:
A thermionic electric converter comprising: a casing member; a cathode within the casing member operable when heated to serve as a source of electrons; and an anode within the casing member operable to receive electrons emitted from the cathode; and a laser operable to hit electrons between the cathode and anode, thus providing quantum interference with the electrons such that electrons are more readily captured by the anode.
Abstract:
PURPOSE:To simplify series connection structure, and to reduce the Joule's loss of a connection circuit. CONSTITUTION:An emitter 1 being incorporated into a pressure-resistant shell for a deep sea, using the decay heat of a radioisotope as a heat source and emitting electrons and a collector 2 collecting emitted electrons are disposed in a coaxial cylindrical manner through an interelectrode space 4, in which there is metallic cesium vapor, while the inner circumference of an annular emitter lead 8 is jointed at one end and the other end of the emitter 1 and the inner circumference of an annular collector lead at one end and the other end of the collector 2. Outer circumferences on the concentric circles of adjacent each annular emitter lead 8 and each annular collector lead 9 are jointed mutually through an annular ceramic insulator 15. Accordingly, centering is facilitated and assembly is simplified, and Joule's loss is reduced because the areas of the electric wirings of the annular emitter lead and the annular collector lead are increased.