Dr. Igor Bargatin
Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University
Postdoctoral Researcher
February 15, 2011 | 12:00 to 01:00 | 540 Cory Hall, DOP Center Conference Room
Host: Roya Maboudian
An interdisciplinary team of Stanford researchers is currently building MEMS-based prototypes of new heat-to-electricity and solar-to-electricity energy converters. The first type of device converts very high temperature heat (>1000 C) to electricity via the evaporation of electrons from solid surfaces (thermionic effect). The second device simultaneously transforms light and heat energy provided by the sun into electricity and is based on the recently demonstrated effect of photon-enhanced thermionic emission (PETE). Both types of converters may be used to dramatically improve the efficiency of future solar thermal power plants. I will describe the principle of operation, the initial experiments, and the maximum theoretical efficiency of both of these high temperature MEMS devices.
Interested in nominating someone to speak at the BSAC Technology Seminar? We welcome you to submit a speaker nomination here