Thermoelectric and Thermionic Micro-Converters

This paper considers thermoelectric and thermionic converters - also in micro- and nanometer design - for power generation and cooling applications. The potential of thermionic converters is investigated precisely by a new advanced theory with inclusion of backward currents from the 2nd electrode an...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Gerstenmaier, Y.C., Wachutka, G.
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Cooling
Electrodes
Nanoscale devices
Nanostructured materials
Power generation
Superlattices
Temperature
Thermal resistance
Thermoelectric devices
Thermoelectricity
Online Access:Request full text
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Summary:This paper considers thermoelectric and thermionic converters - also in micro- and nanometer design - for power generation and cooling applications. The potential of thermionic converters is investigated precisely by a new advanced theory with inclusion of backward currents from the 2nd electrode and losses due to thermal radiation and ohmic resistance in the electrodes. The efficiency of thermionic converters is by far higher than for thermoelectric devices (including nanostructured superlattices) for high operating temperatures above 800degK, where efficiencies near Carnot can be obtained. Similar high efficiencies at low temperatures (ap 400degK) could only be achieved by electrode materials with reduced work-function of about 0.3 to 0.5 eV
ISSN:1930-8876
DOI:10.1109/ESSDER.2006.307730