Thermionic Converter With Etched Emitter And Cesium Gap

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermionic converters have low efficiency and are limited to high-temperature applications due to their direct electrode contact design, resulting in significant heat wastage and limited technical knowledge in energy conversion, especially at temperatures above 500°C.

Innovation Solution

A thermionic converter design featuring a cold worked metal substrate with a target crystallographic orientation, etched to increase surface area, and cesium in the gap between the collector and emitter, allowing for efficient electron emission at lower temperatures and improved energy conversion efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional thermionic converters use direct electrode contact design, then device simplicity is maintained, but energy conversion efficiency significantly decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidelectrode contact design

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a plasma medium as an intermediary between the electrodes, replacing direct contact design. The plasma allows energy transfer without physical electrode contact, thereby maintaining device simplicity while significantly improving energy conversion efficiency by eliminating direct contact losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If thermionic converters operate at high temperatures (greater than 500°C), then energy conversion capability is improved, but heat wastage increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conversion capabilityVSAvoidheat wastage

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes phase transitions of working materials (solid-liquid-gas transitions) to efficiently transfer thermal energy at high temperatures. This allows the system to operate at temperatures greater than 500°C with improved energy conversion capability while reducing heat wastage through controlled phase change processes that capture and utilize thermal energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key operating parameters including temperature, pressure, and composition of the working medium to optimize energy conversion. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high energy conversion capability at elevated temperatures while minimizing heat wastage through optimized thermodynamic cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If conventional thermionic converters are designed for high temperature operation, then sufficient current generation is achieved, but technical knowledge and applicability are limited to niche applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent generationVSAvoidtechnical knowledge applicability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal thermionic converter system that can operate across a wide range of temperatures and applications. By using a plasma medium and flexible working materials, the device achieves sufficient current generation while being adaptable to various applications beyond niche uses, including industrial waste heat recovery, power generation, and thermal management systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the thermionic converter into modular components with independent functions, allowing the system to be configured for different applications. This modular design enables sufficient current generation in each module while providing versatility across multiple applications through different configurations and working medium selections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The design enhances energy conversion efficiency by increasing the surface area of the emitter, enabling operation at lower temperatures and capturing previously wasted heat, resulting in higher emission currents and efficiency compared to conventional thermionic converters.

Implementation Method 1

The emitter can include a cold worked metal substrate capable of emitting electrons when heated to temperatures of 800° C. or greater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermionic emission: Thermionic Emission

Implementation Method 2

cesium disposed in the gap adjacent the emitter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermionic energy conversion: Thermionic Energy Conversion

Data Source

PatentUS11600478B2Thermionic converter and methods of making and using same

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 UCHICAGO ARGONNE LLC

AI summary

Provided herein are thermionic converters that are capable of operating at lower temperatures and with increased efficiency as compared to conventional thermionic converters. Also provided are methods of using and making the thermionic converters of the disclosure.