Thermionic Power Element Gap Structure for Lower Thermal Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power generation elements, such as thermionic devices, face inefficiencies due to thermal conduction between the emitter and collector electrodes, which reduces the temperature difference and subsequently the electrical current generated.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a plurality of structure bodies with specific dimensions and configurations between the conductive members to maintain a stable gap length and suppress thermal conduction, where the second portion is finer than the first portion, and using materials like aluminum oxide or silicon oxide for insulation and high heat resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a small gap length is used between emitter and collector electrodes, then electrical current output is improved, but thermal conduction increases reducing temperature difference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces structure bodies as intermediary elements positioned between the emitter and collector electrodes. These structure bodies serve as mediators that maintain a stable gap length while suppressing thermal conduction through their insulating material composition, thereby enabling high electrical current output without excessive thermal energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the gap structure by controlling the dimensions (length, width, thickness) and material properties of the structure bodies. By adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes the balance between maintaining sufficient electrical field strength for high current output and providing adequate thermal insulation to preserve temperature difference.
2Loss of energy
If structure bodies are added between electrodes, then thermal conduction is suppressed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gap space between electrodes into multiple regions by introducing multiple structure bodies with different dimensions and positions. This segmentation allows each structure body to be optimized for specific thermal insulation requirements while collectively maintaining the overall gap stability, achieving effective thermal suppression without requiring a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by varying the dimensions, shapes, and material properties of structure bodies at different locations between the electrodes. Each structure body is designed with specific local characteristics (different lengths, widths, thicknesses) to address local thermal conduction pathways, thereby achieving effective thermal insulation without uniformly increasing the complexity of the entire device.
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 the electrical current output and efficiency of the power generation element by minimizing thermal conduction and maintaining a stable temperature difference between the emitter and collector electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
thermal conduction between the emitter and collector electrodes, which reduces the temperature difference
Implementation Method 2
an emitter electrode to which heat is applied from a heat source, and a collector electrode capturing thermions from the emitter electrode
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a power generation element includes an element part. The element part includes a first conductive member, a second conductive member, and a plurality of first structure bodies provided between the first conductive member and the second conductive member. One of the first structure bodies includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is fixed to the first conductive member. The second portion is between the first portion and the second conductive member. A second length along a second direction of the second portion is less than a first length along the second direction of the first portion. The second direction crosses a first direction from the first conductive member toward the second conductive member.