Method and apparatus for vacuum diode heat pump
US6089311A · kind A · utility
24Cited by
7References
30Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 5, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 5, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B30/00
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A new use for thermionic vacuum diode technology is disclosed wherein a vacuum diode is constructed using very low work function electrodes. A negative potential bias is applied to the cathode relative to the anode, and electrons are emitted. In the process of emission the electrons carry off kinetic energy, carrying heat away from the cathode and dissipating it at an opposing anode. The resulting heat pump is more efficient than conventional cooling methods, as well as being substantially scalable over a wide range of applications. Fabrication using conventional microelectronic fabrication techniques is possible.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.