Pulsed Thermionic Power Conversion with Positive Work Function Difference

Experimental studies were conducted into the use of nanosecond scale voltage pulses in an inert gas for thermionic power conversion. These studies show that practical materials for the electrodes can provide a positive work function difference when operating in an inert gas environment. Using these materials it has been shown that significant power densities can be achieved. This method of thermionic power conversion has the potential to be applied to large scale, two dimensional surfaces in a way that has not been successfully implemented with conventional methodologies.