초록 ▼

A multiple cell thermionic converter having a generally tubular member of electrically conductive refractory metal with an internal cavity and a tubular envelope of electrically conductive refractory metal disposed in surrounding relationship to such generally tubular member. Electrically insulating

A multiple cell thermionic converter having a generally tubular member of electrically conductive refractory metal with an internal cavity and a tubular envelope of electrically conductive refractory metal disposed in surrounding relationship to such generally tubular member. Electrically insulating ceramic material is disposed upon sections of facing surfaces of the envelope and tubular member, which is in the form of a body that has a central zone of plasma-sprayed refractory metal oxide selected from the group consisting of scandia, hafnia, zirconia and alumina, and a pair of flanking outer zones made of mixtures of the refractory oxide and particulate refractory metal. Refractory metal electron emitters and collectors are supported upon the ceramic bodies and juxtaposed in pairs with an annular gap therebetween to form a plurality of thermionic cells. A thin tube of refractory metal is bonded to the ceramic body by hot isostatic pressing, which also densifies the ceramic, and then machined to create spaced-apart emitters/collectors. Connectors connect the collector of one thermionic cell to the emitter of the adjacent cell to form a series interconnection with the emitter of the cell at one end and the collector of the cell at the opposite end being provided by a second section of the tubular member and the tubular envelope.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A multiple cell thermionic converter comprising:an inner generally tubular support member of refractory metal having a body of thermally conductive, electrically insulating ceramic material attached to an exterior surface thereof,an outer tubular support member of refract

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A multiple cell thermionic converter comprising:an inner generally tubular support member of refractory metal having a body of thermally conductive, electrically insulating ceramic material attached to an exterior surface thereof,an outer tubular support member of refractory metal disposed in surrounding relationship to said inner support member and having a body of thermally conductive, electrically insulating ceramic material attached to an interior surface thereof,a plurality of electron emitters of refractory metal supported upon said ceramic material on either said interior surface or said exterior surface, in axially spaced-apart relationship to one another,a plurality of electron collectors of refractory metal supported upon said ceramic material on the other of said interior surface and said exterior surface, in axially spaced-apart relationship to one another,said emitters and said collectors being juxtaposed in pairs with an annular gap therebetween to form a plurality of thermionic cells, anda plurality of connectors which connect the collector of one said thermionic cell to the emitter of an adjacent said cell,said ceramic material bodies each including a central region of substantially pure refractory metal oxide and flanking regions each in the form of a mixture of said refractory metal oxide and particulate refractory metal.