Stanford Seminar - Wafer-Scale Thermionic Energy Converters

Explore the world of thermionic energy converters in this Stanford seminar. Delve into the history of thermionics, from its early days to Cold War space power applications. Examine the design principles of thermionic converters, focusing on cathode work functions and barrier index. Investigate microfabricated converters, including MEMS thermal isolation designs and pixelated suspended cathodes. Learn about nano-gap heat transfer and testing methods for thermionic components. Discover how mixed alkali earth oxide coatings can lower the work function of tungsten. Understand the use of Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations in calculating work functions, formation energy, and thermionic emission current. Consider modern applications of thermionic energy converters, such as topping cycles for fossil-fuel power plants and concentrated solar thermal power. Explore the concept of Photon-Enhanced Thermionic Emission (PETE) and tandem solar thermal cycles. Conclude with an introduction to Spark Thermionics at Cyclotron Road.

Introduction.
Thermionic Energy Converter.
Thermionics Timeline: The Early Days.
A Cold War Application: Space Power.
Thermionic Converter Design Cathode work function sets hot-side temperature.
Barrier Index: a critical parameter.
Microfabricated Thermionic Converters?.
Standard MEMS Thermal Isolation Design.
A Pixelated Suspended Cathode.
Nano-Gap Heat Transfer.
Testing Thermionic Components.
Mixed Alkali Earth Oxide Coatings Lower the Work Function of Tungsten.
Density Functional Theory (DFT) Simulations of Work Function and Formation Energy.
Computation of Thermionic Emission Current from First Principles using DFT.
Work Functions for Cathodes and Anodes.
Topping Cycles for Fossil-Fuel Power Plants: Themoelectronic Triodes.
A 21st Century Application for TEC: Concentrated Solar Thermal Power.
Photon-Enhanced Thermionic Emission (PETE) Energy Diagram.
Tandem Solar Thermal Cycle.
Spark Thermionics @ Cyclotron Road.