Structured Plasma Cell Electrodes to Mitigate TEC Space Charge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Thermionic Energy Conversion (TEC) systems face limitations in increasing electric energy output due to the amount of heat required, which restricts their broader application in electrical energy production, primarily because of the space charge effect that prevents additional electrons from emitting from the emitter to the collector.

Innovation Solution

A structured plasma cell energy converter for nuclear reactors is introduced, featuring electrodes with micro-cavities and a bulk plasma in the inter-electrode gap to increase the surface area ratio, along with an insulator and conductive paths to mitigate the space charge effect, and the use of electromagnetic fields to ionize and increase electron temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the amount of heat applied to the electron-emitting material is increased to generate more electric energy, then the electric energy output increases, but the system requires proportionally more heat input which limits broader application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric energy outputVSAvoidheat input required

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the TEC system by introducing a plasma environment and electromagnetic field heating. Instead of direct thermal conduction heating the electron-emitting material, the system uses electromagnetic fields to heat plasma, which then transfers energy to electrons through collisional processes. This parameter change allows decoupling of heat input from direct contact with the emitter, enabling more efficient energy conversion and reduced heat requirements for the same electric energy output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/thermal conduction heating system with an electromagnetic field-based heating system. Rather than physically contacting the electron-emitting material with heat sources, the system uses electromagnetic fields to induce plasma heating and electron acceleration. This substitution eliminates the direct proportionality between heat input and electric energy output, as the electromagnetic field can directly accelerate electrons without requiring proportional thermal energy input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Power

If the surface area of electrodes is increased to emit more electrons, then the electric energy output increases, but the space charge effect prevents additional electrons from reaching the collector

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric energy outputVSAvoidspace charge effect

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces plasma as an intermediary medium between the electron-emitting material and the collector. The plasma environment provides free electrons and ions that facilitate charge neutralization, reducing the space charge effect. Additionally, electromagnetic fields act as intermediaries to accelerate electrons through the inter-electrode gap, overcoming the repulsive space charge potential without requiring proportional increases in electrode surface area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic electromagnetic field oscillations to accelerate electrons through the inter-electrode gap. By applying oscillating electromagnetic fields at appropriate frequencies, the system creates periodic acceleration zones that help electrons overcome the space charge barrier. This periodic action allows electrons to be progressively accelerated in stages, enabling higher current output without proportionally increasing electrode surface area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration enhances electricity production by increasing the surface area ratio between electrodes and plasma, allowing TEC systems to operate at lower temperatures while maintaining current output, thus extending their application and improving efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

increasing, by the EM field, a temperature of electrons disposed within the second plasma

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

ionizing the first plasma using charged particles from a nuclear reaction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 3

emitting electrons from the first surface of the first electrode into the first plasma disposed within the first plurality of micro-cavities

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermionic emission: Thermionic Emission

Data Source

PatentUS11842820B2Structured plasma cell energy converter for a nuclear reactor

Publication Date: 2023.12.12 LO AUSTIN

AI summary

A structured plasma cell includes a first electrode including a first plurality of micro-cavities and a first plasma disposed within one or more micro-cavities of the first plurality of micro-cavities. The structured plasma cell also includes a second electrode including a second plurality of micro-cavities and a second plasma disposed within one or more micro-cavities of the second plurality of micro-cavities. The structured plasma cell also includes an inter-electrode gap disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.