| Title |
Self-Consistent Simulation and Optimization of Space-Charge Limited Thermionic Energy Converters |
| Authors |
- N.M. Cook, J.P. Edelen, C.C. Hall
RadiaSoft LLC, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- J.-L. Vay
LBNL, Berkeley, California, USA
|
| Abstract |
Thermionic energy converters (TEC) are an attractive technology for modular, efficient transfer of heat to electrical energy. The steady-state dynamics of a TEC are a function of the emission characteristics of the cathode and anode, an array of intra-gap electrodes and dielectric structures, and the self-consistent dynamics of the electrons in the gap. Proper modeling of these devices requires self-consistent simulation of the electron interactions in the gap. We present results from simulations of these devices using the particle-in-cell code Warp, developed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. We consider the role of individual energy loss mechanisms in reducing device efficiency, including kinetic losses, radiative losses, and dielectric charging. We discuss the implementation of an external circuit model to provide realistic feedback. Lastly, we illustrate the potential to use nonlinear optimization to maximize the efficiency of these devices by examining grid transparency.
|
| Funding |
This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of High Energy Physics under Award Number DE-SC0017162. |
| Paper |
download MOPML060.PDF [0.230 MB / 3 pages] |
| Export |
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| Conference |
IPAC2018, Vancouver, BC, Canada |
| Series |
International Particle Accelerator Conference (9th) |
| Proceedings |
Link to full IPAC2018 Proccedings |
| Session |
MC1/8 Poster Session |
| Date |
30-Apr-18 16:00–17:30 |
| Main Classification |
08 Applications of Accelerators, Tech Transfer and Industrial Relations |
| Sub Classification |
U03 Transmutation and Energy Production |
| Keywords |
simulation, electron, space-charge, cathode, feedback |
| Publisher |
JACoW Publishing, Geneva, Switzerland |
| Editors |
Shane Koscielniak (TRIUMF, Vancouver, BC, Canada); Todd Satogata (JLab, Newport News, VA, USA); Volker RW Schaa (GSI, Darmstadt, Germany); Jana Thomson (TRIUMF, Vancouver, BC, Canada) |
| ISBN |
978-3-95450-184-7 |
| Published |
June 2018 |
| Copyright |
|
