auxiliary discharge converter
Quick Summary
The term "auxiliary discharge converter" refers to a type of thermionic power converter. These devices convert heat directly into electricity using thermionic emission, without an intermediate energy conversion step.1
An auxiliary discharge converter uses an inert gas, such as neon, argon, or xenon, between its electrodes. A third electrode is used to generate positive ions by applying a voltage. This setup allows the converter to operate at a relatively lower temperature, making it compatible with conventional fossil fuels as a heat source. This design is sometimes called a spark-plug-type configuration.1
Thermionic converters are solid-state devices with no moving parts, offering potential for high reliability and long service life, making them suitable for applications like spacecraft.1
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