THE USE OF THERMIONIC EMISSION PHENOMENON AS SUPPORT FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

Energy converters using the phenomenon of thermionic emission to generate electricity and their applications related to renewable energy sources (RES) have been presented. Taking into account new technical solutions, hybrid systems combining thermionic energy converters (TEC) with other energy generators, e.g. with PV cells, the Stirling engine, improving the efficiency of the entire electric energy generating system, have been described. Leading technologies related to thermionic energy conversion and TEC hybrid systems powered by solar radiation have been shown in the tables. The dynamic development of TEC technology in recent years, in our opinion, will contribute to the wider interest of research communities to use the thermionic emission phenomenon to generate electricity.

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