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Thermionic Energy Conversion for Space-Power and Terrestrial-Topping Applications

Thermionic energy conversion (TEC) can contribute effectively through high-temperature high-power production of electricity in space and on earth. Among its other advantages TEC offers great Carnot efficiencies while operating with no moving parts. In space-power and terrestrial-topping applications TEC environmental conditions differ drastically. But for high levels and densities of space nuclear power (SNP) as well as economy and efficiency of power-plant augmentation on earth the desirable internal TEC characteristics and capabilities exhibit significant similarities. Therefore related TEC power projections and problem solutions discussed in this paper impinge on important industrial and political implications of the future. Such discussions should derive from professional qualifications. In that vein both authors participated for many years in national R&D activities emphasizing TEC: the pre-1973 SNP, post-1973 NASA NEP, DOE Fossil Energy, Air Force and DOE SP-100 programs. The first author served as national Technical Manager for the NASA-NEP and DOE-Fossil-Fuel TEC R&D programs. These backgrounds form the basis for the present paper.