Advanced Thermal Conversion Systems

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA625371 | Open PDF

Abstract:

This project evaluated the scientific and technical feasibility of a solar energy converter based on photon enhanced thermionic emission PETE, which enhances thermionic emission with light. In order to achieve this goal, we focused the work on two objectives 1 demonstrating that a structurally stable solar-enhanced converters can be created using microfabrication techniques and 2 Identifying materials that could function primarily as PETE emitters rather than just thermionic materials. The first objective addressed the challenges of achieving sufficient thermal isolation, structural stability, and optimal cathode-anode separation. The second objective addressed the challenges of discovering the materials that can efficiently absorb sunlight and transform the absorbed photon energy and heat into high-energy electrons that lie at the heart of a PETE converter.

Author(s):
Melosh, Nicholas A.
Author Organization(s):
STANFORD UNIV PALO ALTO CA
Descriptive Note:
Final rept. 1 Jun 2012-31 May 2013
Supplementary Note:
The original document contains color images. DOI: 10.21236/ADA625371
Pagination:
0021

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
ARO-62174-CH-DRP.1
Contract/Grant Number(s):
W911NF-12-1-0134
Monitor Series:
62174-CH-DRP.1, ARO
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_1.4.1_Force Health Protection; JCA_1.4_Force Support; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_1.2.6_Concepts; JCA_4.6_Engineering; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_6_Net Centric
Modernization Areas:
Microelectronics
Communities of Interest:
Energy and Power Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*SOLAR ENERGY, *THERMIONIC EMISSION, ELECTRONS, ENERGY CONVERSION, FABRICATION, HIGH ENERGY, MICROMINIATURIZATION, OPTIMIZATION, PHOTONS, STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES, SUNLIGHT, THERMAL PROPERTIES
Field(s)/Group(s):
Astrophysics, Electricity and Magnetism
Report Date:
2015 Mar 18
Creation Date:
2016 Jan 13