Development of HighEfficiency Thermionic Power Generator

In space exploration missions where photovoltaic power generation is inadequate due to a lack of sunlight, and for missions with moderate power draw and increased mobility requirements, thermal-to-electric power generator systems using radioisotopes as heat sources provides NASA with a viable solution. Nanohmics Inc. proposes to develop a novel high efficiency thermionic thermal-to-electric converter (TTEC) using nanostructured emitters for integration with radioisotope thermoelectric generators application. The emitter material employed in the proposed TTEC device allows the device to be operated in harsh and high temperature environment.

The successful development of high efficiency thermionic power generators will improve energy conversion efficiency, specific power, and life time of RTGs power supply system, which will benefit to the W-MW power supply systems for NASA deep space exploration. They can be also integrated with nuclear power system to convert nuclear energy to electricity for space applications.

Several commercial opportunities are opened-up with high efficiency thermionic power generator, that including concentrating solar power generator system and waste heat harvesting system. The technique of nanostructured emitter with low effective work function can be applied in electron emission devices such as field emission displays and vacuum microelectronic devices.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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