Understanding Heat Transfer Dynamics in Thermionic Energy Conversion Systems
Session Number
3
Advisor(s)
Mohammad Ghashami, UIC
Discipline
Engineering
Start Date
15-4-2026 2:15 PM
End Date
15-4-2026 12:00 AM
Abstract
Thermionic energy conversion (TEC) is a means of recycling waste heat into usable, clean energy without the need for moving parts or harmful byproducts. The incorporation of micro/nanoscale physics promises to significantly boost the efficiency and power throughput of TEC, making it competitive with modern clean energy systems, such as solar panels. While there is a vast depth of research in micro/nanoscale TEC, most of the current work remains theoretical, with a stark lack of experimental work. This is due to the extreme operational requirements of TEC, which often include electrode separation distances of a few micrometers, large temperature differences (up to 1200 K), and high-vacuum environments. One of the most critical challenges in TEC experiments is the thermal management of various components. To maintain the large temperature gradient between the electrodes and ensure that the surrounding system is not damaged, an in-depth understanding of the heat transfer throughout the system is required. To overcome this challenge, COMSOL Multiphysics simulations are employed to study how heat travels within the system, which is used for both the simulation-informed design of key components and the materials selection of supporting components to ensure adequate thermal management.
Understanding Heat Transfer Dynamics in Thermionic Energy Conversion Systems
Thermionic energy conversion (TEC) is a means of recycling waste heat into usable, clean energy without the need for moving parts or harmful byproducts. The incorporation of micro/nanoscale physics promises to significantly boost the efficiency and power throughput of TEC, making it competitive with modern clean energy systems, such as solar panels. While there is a vast depth of research in micro/nanoscale TEC, most of the current work remains theoretical, with a stark lack of experimental work. This is due to the extreme operational requirements of TEC, which often include electrode separation distances of a few micrometers, large temperature differences (up to 1200 K), and high-vacuum environments. One of the most critical challenges in TEC experiments is the thermal management of various components. To maintain the large temperature gradient between the electrodes and ensure that the surrounding system is not damaged, an in-depth understanding of the heat transfer throughout the system is required. To overcome this challenge, COMSOL Multiphysics simulations are employed to study how heat travels within the system, which is used for both the simulation-informed design of key components and the materials selection of supporting components to ensure adequate thermal management.