GB930340A - A self-excited thermoelectronic energy converter - Google Patents

Abstract

930,340. Thermionic engines. SIEMENSSCHUCKERTWERKE A.G. May 15, 1961 [May 14, 1960], No. 17694/61. Class 39 (1). A device for converting heat directly into alternating electrical energy comprises a transformer 5, Fig. 1, connected between a heated electron emitter 1 and a cooler collector 4, and means for applying to a grid 3 an alternating driving voltage obtained from transformer 5, and possibly also a direct voltage. As shown in Fig. 2, the emitter 11, which is annular with projections 16 and may contain fissionable material, is situated between two grid rings 13 and two anode plates 14 which form part of the envelope 12 which may be evacuated or may contain caesium vapour. A permanent magnet 15 produces a field parallel to the desired electron paths and prevents electrons from reaching the grid. Alternatively the grid may comprise two plates 33, Fig. 4, arranged outside perforated collector plates 34 on either side of annular emitter 31, a magnet 35 providing a transverse field in the neighbourhood of the grid plates to deflect electrons to the collectors 34. In a further arrangement, a two-part grid 23, Fig. 3, is provided between emitter 22 and cylindrical collector 24 and an axial magnetic field is provided. If electromagnets are used they may be fed with rectified current obtained from the output of the device.