US 5,722,242 AGranted

Method and apparatus for improved vacuum diode heat pump

AssigneeBorealis Technical Limited

InventorJonathan S. Edelson

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Abstract

A Vacuum Diode Heat Pump is optimized for the most efficient pumping of heat by utilizing a cathode and anode of very low work function. The relationship of the work functions of cathode and anode are shown to be optimized when the cathode work function is the minimum value required to maintain current density saturation at the desired temperature, while the anode's work function is as low as possible, and in any case lower than the cathode's work function. When this relationship is obtained, the efficiency of the original device is improved. It is further shown that contact potential difference between cathode and anode may be set against the effects of space charge, resulting in an improved device whereby anode and cathode may be set at a greater distance from each other than has been previously envisaged.

Claims14

Dependent claims

An apparatus for pumping heat comprising

a) a vacuum diode, as cathode of said vacuum diode being in thermal contact with a mass from which said heat is to be removed, an anode of said vacuum diode being in thermal contact with a mass to which said heat is to be carried, said cathode of said vacuum diode having a work-function consistant with copious electron emission at the temperature of said mass from which heat is to be removed, said cathode being separated from said anode by vacuum,
b) a supply of electrical power capable of supplying current at suitable voltage to said vacuum diode,
c) said cathode of said vacuum diode being at a temperature of less than 400 degrees Centigrade, and said cathode of said vacuum diode being cooler than said anode of said vacuum diode,
the improvement wherein being
said anode of said vacuum diode having a work-function lower than said cathode of said vacuum diode, whereby contact potential between said cathode and said anode will act to reduce electrical losses owing to space charge effects.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.