公开(公告)号：US5994638A

公开(公告)日：1999-11-30

申请号：US790753

申请日：1997-01-27

Applicant: Jonathan Sidney Edelson

Inventor： Jonathan Sidney Edelson

IPC: G21H1/10 ,  H01J45/00 ,  H01L35/30

CPC classification number: G21H1/106 ,  H01J45/00

Abstract: An improved thermionic generator constructed using microenginerring techniques is described. This device is easy to construct in large numbers, efficient, and inexpensive. A preferred embodiment uses micromachined silicon to produce a thermionic converter cell. These may be joined together in large arrays to form a thermionic generator.

Abstract translation: 描述了使用微加工技术构造的改进的热电子发生器。 该设备易于构建，数量大，高效，价格低廉。 优选的实施例使用微机加工的硅来产生热离子转换器单元。 这些可以以大的阵列连接在一起以形成热电子发生器。

公开(公告)号：US5929371A

公开(公告)日：1999-07-27

申请号：US901554

申请日：1997-07-28

Applicant: Robert Carl Svedberg ,  Robert K. Sievers ,  Chris A. Borkowski ,  Terry J. Hendricks

Inventor： Robert Carl Svedberg ,  Robert K. Sievers ,  Chris A. Borkowski ,  Terry J. Hendricks

IPC: H01G9/21 ,  H01J45/00 ,  H01L35/28

CPC classification number: H01G9/21 ,  H01M14/00 ,  H01M2300/0074 ,  H01M8/04074 ,  H01M8/12

Abstract: The present invention provides an alkali metal thermal to electric conversion (AMTEC) cell of the type employing an alkali metal flowing between a high-pressure zone and low-pressure zone in the cell through a solid electrolyte structure. The cell preferably includes a condenser communicating with the low-pressure zone for condensing alkali metal vapor migrating through the low-pressure zone from the solid electrolyte structure. An artery is coupled to the condenser for directing condensed alkali metal from the condenser toward a hot end of the cell. An evaporator for evaporating the condensed alkali metal is coupled to the artery and communicates with the high-pressure zone. A heat shield is disposed in the low pressure zone of the cell for reducing the radiative heat transfer between the hot end of the cell and the cold end of the cell. The heat shield preferably includes a first end having a known area transitioning to a second end encompassing a smaller area than the first end.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供了通过固体电解质结构在电池中在高压区和低压区之间流动的碱金属的碱金属热电转换（AMTEC）电池。 电池优选包括与低压区连通的冷凝器，用于冷凝通过低压区从固体电解质结构迁移的碱金属蒸气。 动脉联接到冷凝器，用于将冷凝的碱金属从冷凝器引导到细胞的热端。 用于蒸发冷凝的碱金属的蒸发器联接到动脉并与高压区连通。 隔热板设置在电池的低压区中，以减少电池的热端和电池的冷端之间的辐射热传递。 隔热罩优选地包括具有过渡到包围比第一端小的区域的第二端的已知区域的第一端。

公开(公告)号：US5459367A

公开(公告)日：1995-10-17

申请号：US351634

申请日：1994-12-07

Applicant: Edwin D. Davis

Inventor： Edwin D. Davis

IPC: H01J45/00 ,  H02N10/00

CPC classification number: H01J45/00

Abstract: A collector element for a thermionic electric converter that reduces electron scatter and improves conversion efficiency is provided. The collector element includes an outer casing and a highly charged member surrounded by insulating layers that minimize loss of static charge on the highly charged member. The collector element additionally includes a conductive layer of copper sulfate gel impregnated with copper wool fibers. Copper sulfate gel minimizes electron scatter, while providing advantageous electrical properties. The copper wool fibers are in electrical contact with a plurality of ancillary buses which transmit electrical energy to a main bus that provides the electrical energy collected to an external circuit. The main bus is also in electrical contact with the conductive layer.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种用于减少电子散射并提高转换效率的热离子电转换器的集电极元件。 收集器元件包括外壳和被绝缘层包围的高度充电的构件，其使高度充电的构件上的静电荷的损失最小化。 集电器元件还包括浸渍有铜羊毛纤维的硫酸铜凝胶导电层。 硫酸铜凝胶使电子散射最小化，同时提供有利的电性能。 铜羊毛纤维与多个辅助总线电接触，这些辅助总线将电能传送到主总线，该主总线将收集的电能提供给外部电路。 主母线也与导电层电接触。

公开(公告)号：US5228922A

公开(公告)日：1993-07-20

申请号：US656530

申请日：1991-02-19

Applicant: Robert K. Sievers

Inventor： Robert K. Sievers

IPC: F28D15/04 ,  H01G9/21 ,  H01J45/00 ,  H01M10/39

CPC classification number: H01G9/21 ,  F28D15/04 ,  H01M10/39

Abstract: A high voltage multitube alkali metal thermal electric convertor having a plurality of closely packed tubular cells disposed in a tube sheet in a vessel and electrically connected in series, the tube sheet dividing the vessel into a high pressure high temperature portion having a wick and heater disposed therein and a low pressure low temperature portion having a wick disposed in a condenser from which heat is removed; a pump for transferring liquid metal therebetween and a tab on a wick disposed in the tubular cell to remove excess liquid metal and prevent shorting between the cells.

Abstract translation: 一种高压多管碱金属热电转换器，其具有多个紧密堆积的管状电池，其设置在容器中的管板中并串联连接，所述管板将容器分成具有芯和加热器的高压高温部分 以及低压低温部，其具有设置在冷凝器中的芯，从该热芯除去热量; 用于在其间转移液体金属的泵和设置在管状电池中的灯芯上的突片，以去除多余的液态金属并防止电池之间的短路。

公开(公告)号：US4435663A

公开(公告)日：1984-03-06

申请号：US252655

申请日：1981-04-09

Applicant: Richard J. Gambino ,  Ralph R. Ruf

Inventor： Richard J. Gambino ,  Ralph R. Ruf

IPC: H01L37/04 ,  H02N11/00 ,  H01J45/00

CPC classification number: H01L37/04

Abstract: A thermochemical magnetic generator system utilizes a gas, preferably hydrogen, and a material, such as LaCo.sub.5, which varies in magnetization upon addition of the gas to the material to generate electricity from a magnetic circuit which includes the magnetizable material in the circuit. When the gas partial pressure is reduced or heat is applied to the material which has combined with the gas, then the gas is driven off in a thermochemical reaction which reverses the magnetization of the system. In particular, the addition of hydrogen gas to LaCo.sub.5 reduces the magnetization and its removal from the material increases the magnetization. Rapid reversal of the pressure cycle or heating and cooling cycles with a plurality of chambers through which the gas is admitted and exhausted reversibly can be used as a source of electricity.

Abstract translation: 热化学发电机系统利用气体，优选氢气，以及诸如LaCo 5的材料，其在将材料添加到材料中以从包括电路中的可磁化材料的磁路产生电力时变化。 当气体分压降低或加热到与气体结合的材料时，气体在热化学反应中被驱除，反应了系统的磁化强度。 特别地，向LaCo 5中加入氢气可降低磁化强度，并且从材料中除去材料会增加磁化强度。 压力循环或加热和冷却循环的快速反转可以被用作电源，多个室通过其可逆地进入和排出气体。

公开(公告)号：US4373142A

公开(公告)日：1983-02-08

申请号：US235797

申请日：1981-02-19

Applicant: James F. Morris

Inventor： James F. Morris

IPC: H01J45/00

CPC classification number: H01J45/00

Abstract: This invention is concerned with improving the efficiency of thermionic energy converters. The invention is particularly directed to the reduction of plasma losses in these converters.This beneficial technical effect is achieved by internal distribution of tiny shorted cesium diodes driven by the thermal gradient between the primary emitter (10) and the collector (12). Specifically, the tiny, shorted diode distribution (14) comprises protrusions of the emitter material (16) from the main emitter face (18) which contact the main collector face (22) thermally but not electrically. The main collector ends (20) of the protrusions are separated from the main collector by a thin layer of insulation (24), such as aluminum oxide.The diode effect will increase with the use of metals that adsorb cesium less readily for the main emitter ends of the tiny protrusions and metals that adsorb cesium more readily for the main collector ends of the protrusions. By way of example, the main emitter can be made of rhenium or irridium; the main emitter ends of the protrusions can be made of tantalum or niobium; and the main collector ends of the protrusions can be made of platinum or irridium.The shorted tiny diode distribution augments cesium ionization through internal thermal effects only within the main diode. No electrical inputs are required. This ionization enhancement by the distribution of the tiny shorted diodes not only reduces the plasma voltage drop but also increases the power output and efficiency of the overall thermionic energy converter.

Abstract translation: 本发明涉及提高热电能转换器的效率。 本发明特别涉及这些转换器中的等离子体损耗的降低。 这种有益的技术效果是通过由主发射极（10）和集电极（12）之间的热梯度驱动的微小短路铯二极管的内部分布来实现的。 具体地，微小的短路二极管分布（14）包括来自主发射极面（18）的发射极材料（16）的突起，其主要接触主集电极面（22）而不是电接触。 突起的主要收集端（20）通过绝缘层（24）例如氧化铝与主集电体分离。 二极管效应将随着对突出物的主要收集端更容易吸附铯的微小突起和金属的主要发射端的使用而容易地吸附铯而增加。 举例来说，主发射体可由铼或铱制成; 突起的主发射极端可以由钽或铌制成; 并且突起的主要收集端可由铂或铱制成。 短路的二极管分布仅通过主二极管内部的热效应来增加铯离子化。 不需要电气输入。 通过微小短路二极管分布的这种电离增强不仅降低了等离子体电压降，而且增加了整个热电子能量转换器的功率输出和效率。

公开(公告)号：US4346330A

公开(公告)日：1982-08-24

申请号：US140390

申请日：1980-04-14

Applicant: Chunghsin Lee ,  Peter E. Oettinger

Inventor： Chunghsin Lee ,  Peter E. Oettinger

IPC: H01J37/075 ,  H01J3/02 ,  H01J17/52 ,  H01J35/00 ,  H01J35/06 ,  H01J37/06 ,  H03K17/52 ,  H03K17/78 ,  H01J45/00

CPC classification number: H03K17/78 ,  H01J17/52 ,  H01J3/024 ,  H03K17/52

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for generating high density pulses of electrons thermionically. The apparatus includes a metallic target maintained within a low pressure cesium vapor atmosphere. A laser rapidly heats the cesiated target surface to a high temperature in a time short compared with the residence time of cesium atoms adsorbed on the target surface. This rapid surface heating in combination with the adsorbed cesium atoms emits copious quantities of electrons forming a high current density pulse.

Abstract translation: 公开了用于产生电子的高密度电子脉冲的装置。 该装置包括保持在低压铯蒸汽气氛中的金属靶。 与吸附在目标表面上的铯原子的停留时间相比，激光在短时间内快速地将澄清的目标表面加热到高温。 这种与吸附的铯原子组合的快速表面加热发射形成高电流密度脉冲的大量电子。

公开(公告)号：US4303845A

公开(公告)日：1981-12-01

申请号：US33025

申请日：1979-04-24

Applicant: Edwin D. Davis

Inventor： Edwin D. Davis

IPC: H01J45/00

CPC classification number: H01J45/00

Abstract: A thermionic electric converter is disclosed wherein an externally located heat source causes electrons to be boiled off an electron emissive surface interiorly positioned on one end wall of an evacuated cylindrical chamber. The electrons are electrically focused and accelerated through the interior of an air core induction coil located within a transverse magnetic field, and subsequently are collected on the other end wall of the chamber functioning as a collecting plate. The EMF generated in the induction coil by action of the transiting electron stream interacting with the transverse magnetic field is applied to an external circuit to perform work, thereby implementing a direct heat energy to electrical energy conversion.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种热电转换器，其中外部定位的热源引起电子从内部位于真空圆柱形腔室的一个端壁上的电子发射表面煮沸。 电子被电聚焦并加速通过位于横向磁场内的空气感应线圈的内部，随后被收集在用作集电板的室的另一端壁上。 通过与横向磁场相互作用的过渡电子流的作用，在感应线圈中产生的EMF被施加到外部电路以执行工作，从而实现直接的热能转化为电能转换。

公开(公告)号：US4266179A

公开(公告)日：1981-05-05

申请号：US15858

申请日：1979-02-27

Applicant: James E. Hamm, Jr.

Inventor： James E. Hamm, Jr.

IPC: F24J2/10 ,  F24J2/18 ,  F24J2/38 ,  F24J2/54 ,  F24J3/02 ,  H01J45/00

CPC classification number: F24J2/541 ,  F24J2/1047 ,  F24J2/18 ,  F24J2/38 ,  Y02E10/47

Abstract: A solar radiant energy concentrating system for concentrating solar radiation on a radiant to electric power thermionic conversion transducer. The radiated energy concentration system utilizes multiple reflector units that collectively together or selectively less than all reflectors as an intensity control are settable to reflect solar radiation onto a multi-surfaced concentrator down onto a focal area encompassing the target area for reflection from the concentrator to the transducer input. The energy concentration is varied in the ratio range of from 20,000 to 1 up to 250,000 to 1. Reflector units are set to compensate for the constantly varying declination angle of the earth toward the sun, step tracks the sun compensating for daily rotation of the earth West to East on its axis up to a full 360.degree. depending on latitude North or South of the equator. The concentrator is generally circular in shape, made up of a series of circular bands with the concentrator stationary and situted such that one or more of the reflector devices can be appropriately aligned at all times to reflect the desired greatest amount of solar energy onto the concentrator. The circular bands are concaved inward and each set at an angle in reference to a flat-face surface to reflect and concentrate the solar rays' input between the inner and outer edges of a circular band to a prescribed facal area. The transducer is also mounted in stationary relation to the concentrator such as to avoid flexing of electrical power leads.

Abstract translation: 太阳辐射能量集中系统，用于将太阳辐射集中在辐射到电力热电转换换能器上。 辐射能量集中系统利用多个反射器单元，它们集中在一起或选择性地小于所有反射器，因为强度控制可设置为将太阳辐射反射到多表面聚光器上，到达包围目标区域的聚焦区域，用于从聚光器到 传感器输入 能量浓度在20,000到1到25万之间的比例范围内变化。反射器单元被设置为补偿地球朝向太阳不断变化的倾斜角，一步追踪补偿地球每日旋转的太阳 西至东方向的纬度为360度，取决于纬度北纬或赤道以南。 集中器通常是圆形的，由一系列圆形带组成，集中器固定和被采取，使得一个或多个反射器装置可以随时适当地对准以将期望的最大量的太阳能反射到聚光器上 。 圆形带向内凹入，并且相对于平面表面设置成一定角度，以将圆形带的内边缘和外边缘之间的太阳光线的输入反射并集中到规定的面积区域。 换能器也以固定的方式安装在集中器上，以避免电力线的弯曲。

公开(公告)号：US4188571A

公开(公告)日：1980-02-12

申请号：US721800

申请日：1976-09-08

Applicant: Raymond D. Brunson

Inventor： Raymond D. Brunson

IPC: H01J45/00 ,  H02N3/00 ,  H02N7/00

CPC classification number: H02N3/00 ,  H01J45/00

Abstract: A radiant energy to electrical power thermionic conversion system using a transducer structure with very closely spaced cathode and anode elements in a vacuum to minimize space charge buildup and to optimize cross transfer of electrons from cathode to anode. The materials chosen are for a high work function high melt temperature cathode, tungsten for example with a work function of 4.52 volts, and an anode with a relatively low work function, typically a silver-oxide substrate with a coating of cesium as an anode face deposited on a copper heat sink conductor yielding, with the anode face, a work function approximating 0.75 volts.

Abstract translation: 使用在真空中具有非常接近间隔的阴极和阳极元件的换能器结构的电力热离子转换系统的辐射能，以最小化空间电荷积聚并优化电子从阴极到阳极的交叉传递。 所选择的材料是用于高功函数高熔体温度阴极，例如功函数为4.52伏特的钨，以及具有较低功函数的阳极，通常为具有铯作为阳极面的涂层的氧化银衬底 沉积在铜散热器导体上，阳极表面的功函数接近0.75伏。