Thermionic Energy Conversion - Vol. 2: Theory, Technology, and Application

Prepared under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy Division of Power Systems.

Volume I of Thermionic Energy Conversion dealt with processes and devices (MIT Press, 1974). Its four chapters summarized information basic to the field and not subject to substantial alteration by future developments. Volume II begins with chapter 5 and describes the scientific and engineering aspects of thermionic conversion and the experience with actual operational hardware. It summarizes the experience and analytic methods that should be useful in the development of new applications of thermionic conversion.

Thermionic Energy Conversion is intended for scientists and engineers working in the field of energy conversion. With increased interest in maximizing the efficiency of present energy conversion systems, it is an important reference for scientific and engineering libraries as well. The book benefits especially from the authors' actual experience—Hatsopoulos and his firm, Thermo Electron Corporation, are leaders in this field. Gyftopoulos and his students have made basic contributions to the theory of thermionic conversion. Both authors have developed a unified quantum theory of mechanics and thermodynamics.

The book covers Elements of Quantum Mechanics; Principles of Thermodynamics; Thermodynamics of Stable Equilibrium States; Thermodynamics of Steady States; Emission Phenomena; Collisionless Transport Phenomena; Analysis of Performance Characteristics of High-Pressure Diodes; Experimental Techniques; Experimental Studies and Correlations of Characteristics; Metallurgy of Electrode Materials; Design and Fabrication of Practical Convertors; and Thermionic Power System Engineering.