Analytical model for calculating the current–voltage characteristics of a thermionic energy converter

An analytical model of the current–voltage characteristics of a thermionic energy converter is presented. The model was developed by comparing the results of numerical integration of the equations governing charge transport and energy transfer in the interelectrode gap with the experimental characteristics and diagnostics of the near-electrode plasma parameters and the emission properties of the electrodes. The computed and experimental characteristics are compared in a wide range of electrode temperatures, cesium vapor pressures, interelectrode gaps and electrode materials. The results confirm that the computed and experimental characteristics measured in converters with planar and cylindrical electrode geometries are not only in qualitative but also quantitative agreement with one another. The model can be used to calculate the parameters of nuclear thermionic power-generation facilities and to analyze the results of secondary-loop tests of electricity-generating channels.