Generalized theory of the thermionic plasma energy converter

Abstract

Basic principles of thermionic emission, ion generation and plasma properties are used to examine a model of the vapor-filled thermionic plasma energy converter. The model divides the converter's interelectrode space into plasma, emitter, and collector sheath regions. At least seven main equations evolve from consideration of these three regions, namely, current, charge, plasma ion, plasma energy, and voltage balance equations. Repeated solutions of these equations at various load currents yield the current-voltage characteristic curve. A generalized efficiency expression is also presented.