Thermionic Converters Based on Nanostructured Carbon Materials

The electrical power demand for satellites and space exploration missions is continuously increasing. The ubiquitously used solar cells have almost reached their power density and specific power limits and will never be able to support very large power demands such as needed for electric propulsion and high energy weapons. The proposed solid-state conversion technology is an ideal candidate for these applications due to its inherent reliability, high specific power, and heat rejection at a high temperature level. The goal of this program is the development of new thermionic energy conversion systems based on nanostructured carbon and diamond materials. The joint PTS and NC State research on the Phase I has demonstrated results that indicate that these materials have unusual characteristics for operation as efficient thermionic emitters at low temperatures not previously considered possible for thermionic systems. We are proposing a novel approach to thermionic energy conversion based on doped diamond with a negative electron affinity (NEA) or nanostructured carbon as emitters and collectors based on wide bandgap semiconductors. PTS has assembled an unmatched team of experts with substantial experience and all of the necessary facilities to successfully develop prototype thermionic energy conversion systems in this Phase II project.