초록 ▼

An improved thermionic generator constructed using microenginerring techniques is described. This device is easy to construct in large numbers, efficient, and inexpensive. A preferred embodiment uses micromachined silicon to produce a thermionic converter cell. These may be joined together in large

An improved thermionic generator constructed using microenginerring techniques is described. This device is easy to construct in large numbers, efficient, and inexpensive. A preferred embodiment uses micromachined silicon to produce a thermionic converter cell. These may be joined together in large arrays to form a thermionic generator.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A thermionic converter comprising:a) a micromachined first substrate having on one face a shallow depression of substantially uniform depth coated with a thermionic emissive material and surrounded by an edge region which is thermally resistive, said thermionic emissive material in

[ I claim:] [1.] A thermionic converter comprising:a) a micromachined first substrate having on one face a shallow depression of substantially uniform depth coated with a thermionic emissive material and surrounded by an edge region which is thermally resistive, said thermionic emissive material in electrical contact with electrical contact means, said thermionic emissive material in thermal contact with thermal contact means, joined by said edge region tob) an edge region surrounding a shallow depression of substantially uniform depth on one face of a micromachined second substrate, said depression coated with a thermionic emissive material and surrounded by an edge region which is thermally resistive, said thermionic emissive material in electrical contact with electrical contact means, said thermionic emissive material in thermal contact with thermal contact means, said thermionic missive material of said first substrate being separated by a gap from said thermionic emissive material of said second substrate.