Thermionic Power Generator Temperature Control via Switch Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermionic power generators lack the ability to control the temperature of the heat source due to the uncontrollable emission of thermoelectrons, which affects the efficiency of heat transfer and energy conversion.
Innovation Solution
A heat transfer device incorporating a thermionic power generator with an emitter and collector electrode, a load circuit, and a switch circuit that allows for the regulation of thermoelectron movement between the electrodes, enabling temperature control by switching between ON and OFF states to achieve vacuum insulation or power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the thermionic power generator operates continuously to convert thermal energy to electrical energy, then energy conversion is achieved, but the temperature of the heat source becomes uncontrollable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the electrical circuit configuration changeable between series and parallel connections. This dynamic reconfiguration allows control over the current flow through the thermionic power generator, thereby controlling the amount of heat transferred and enabling heat source temperature control while maintaining energy conversion functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (connection configuration, current flow) of the thermionic power generator system. By switching between series and parallel connections, the electrical resistance and current distribution are altered, which directly controls the heat transfer rate and enables temperature regulation of the heat source.
2Loss of energy
If the switch circuit is switched to an OFF state to achieve vacuum insulation, then heat transfer is restricted, but energy conversion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by periodically switching the switch circuit between ON and OFF states. This periodic switching allows the system to alternate between energy conversion mode and heat insulation mode, achieving both objectives over time through cyclic operation rather than continuous single-state operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic switching capability allows the system to adapt between two operational states: energy conversion (ON state) and heat insulation (OFF state). This dynamic state change enables the system to optimize performance based on operational requirements, achieving both energy conversion and heat loss restriction at different times.
3Power
If the switch circuit is switched to an ON state to enable thermoelectron movement, then energy conversion is enhanced, but heat transfer control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical connection parameters by switching between series and parallel configurations. This parameter change allows control over the current flow and power distribution, enabling the system to enhance power generation when needed while maintaining the ability to control heat transfer through the same parameter adjustments.
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 device effectively regulates heat transfer and maintains or adjusts the temperature of the heat source by controlling the movement of thermoelectrons, allowing for efficient energy conversion and insulation.
Implementation Method 1
The thermionic power generator includes an emitter electrode and a collector electrode facing each other with an inter-electrode gap distance, and converts heat energy into electric energy by capturing, with the collector electrode, a thermoelectron that is emitted from the emitter electrode
Implementation Method 2
When the switching circuit is switched to an OFF state, the heat transfer device of the present disclosure having the above configuration can reduce/restrict the movement of the thermoelectron from the emitter electrode to the collector electrode, and can realize vacuum insulation according to a degree of vacuum of space which separates the emitter electrode and the collector electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A heat transfer device that includes a thermionic power generator, a wiring, a load circuit, and a switch circuit. The thermionic power generator includes an emitter electrode and a collector electrode facing each other with an inter-electrode gap distance, and converts heat energy into electric energy by capturing, with the collector electrode, a thermoelectron that is emitted from the emitter electrode. The wiring electrically connects the emitter electrode and the collector electrode. The load circuit is connected to an electric current path of by wiring between the emitter electrode and the collector electrode. The switch circuit switches between an ON state and an OFF state.