THE DIRECT GENERATION OF ELECTRICITY. PART 1

Sources of power used at present are discussed, and direct conversion of thermal energy into electricity is concluded to be feasible becauss of reduced costs. Direct conversion may be accomplished by a thermoelectric generator (assembly- of solid semiconductor thermocouples) and by a thermionic generator in which electron emission from cathode to anode occurs. Equations are derived for the thermal efficiencies of the two generators, and graphs are given for the efficiency vs temperature for various arrangements of thermoelectric generators with reactors. It is concluded that the only systems worthy of further study are the reactors with thermoelectric or thermionic fuel elements. (D.L.C.)