100 Kw (134 HP) Assembly
Impact
A thermionic wave generator (TWG) produces electrical power directly from heat, which drives a thermionic emission process (Edison emissions) using no moving parts or working fluid, which minimizes entropy generation in the system. As a stand-alone system it can replace internal combustion engines (ICEs) and power turbines across a range of applications, from household power through transportation. It can transform power generation at a range of scales (e.g., from kW–MW). The TWG’s enhanced efficiency over prior thermionic systems derives from Space Charge’s work to-date on addressing thermal loss and electromagnetic coherence issues.
Feasibility
Space Charge LLC has successfully designed, engineered, and fabricated a working macro-scale prototype that meets TRL 4 criteria. Proven laws in electrostatics, electron emission, frequency and directional field coherence drive our approach. The working prototype has validated our performance engineering model, providing confidence that our targeted engineering parameters needed for micro-scale vacuum wafer fabrication. The TWG approach differs substantially from other art by using an electrode system similar to an electron gun for focusing emitted thermions into a coherent wave, and an inductor for extracting energy from the wave. This design strategy permits greatly increased output levels at low fabrication costs.