The thermionic energy converter as a topping cycle for more efficient heat engines—new triode designs with a longitudinal magnetic field

Abstract

A new concept for converting heat energy to electrical energy using thermionic energy converters (TECs) is proposed. It has potential for increasing the Carnot efficiency to an unprecedented 80% when the TEC is combined as a topping cycle with a conventional external combustion engine. The optimal electrical power density, 5–20 W cm−2, is satisfactory for many applications including stationary power generators and propulsion drives for vehicles. But unfortunately the substantial losses, ∼50% of the output power, that have been needed to compensate the space charge have prevented the TEC from realizing its thermodynamic potential. We present two ways of overcoming this limitation. Both utilize a triode configuration (rather than a simple diode) with a longitudinal magnetic field. In the first method the magnetic field together with the grid separate the relatively few hot electrons required for volume generation of Cs ions used for the space charge compensation from the majority of the thermal electrons which constitute the current to the collector. In the second method the Cs ions are generated on the surface of the grid wires and injected into the space between the electrodes. Grid wires with high work functions are required for this.