Abstract: A solar generator can include a photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator with a cathode to receive solar radiation. The photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator can include an anode that in conjunction with the cathode generates a first current and waste heat from the solar radiation. A thermoelectric generator can be thermally coupled to the anode and can convert the waste heat from the anode into a second current. A circuit can connect to the photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator and to the thermoelectric generator and can combine the first and the second currents into an output current.

Abstract: A solar generator can include a photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator with a cathode to receive solar radiation. The photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator can include an anode that in conjunction with the cathode generates a first current and waste heat from the solar radiation. A thermoelectric generator can be thermally coupled to the anode and can convert the waste heat from the anode into a second current. A circuit can connect to the photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator and to the thermoelectric generator and can combine the first and the second currents into an output current.

Abstract: A solar generator can include a photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator with a cathode to receive solar radiation. The photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator can include an anode that in conjunction with the cathode generates a first current and waste heat from the solar radiation. A thermoelectric generator can be thermally coupled to the anode and can convert the waste heat from the anode into a second current. A circuit can connect to the photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator and to the thermoelectric generator and can combine the first and the second currents into an output current.

Abstract: Systems and methods for power generation for an aircraft are provided. In one example embodiment, a power generation system for an aircraft includes a thermionic generator arranged to receive heat from at least one heat source. The thermionic generator is configured to generate electrical power for one or more aircraft systems based at least in part on the heat received from the at least one heat source. The power generation system further includes a thermoelectric generator arranged to receive waste heat from the thermionic generator. The thermoelectric generator is configured to generate electrical power for one or more aircraft systems based at least in part on the waste heat received from the thermionic generator.

Abstract: A solar generator can include a photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator with a cathode to receive solar radiation. The photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator can include an anode that in conjunction with the cathode generates a first current and waste heat from the solar radiation. A thermoelectric generator can be thermally coupled to the anode and can convert the waste heat from the anode into a second current. A circuit can connect to the photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator and to the thermoelectric generator and can combine the first and the second currents into an output current.

Abstract: Systems and methods for power generation for an aircraft are provided. In one example embodiment, a power generation system for an aircraft includes a thermionic generator arranged to receive heat from at least one heat source. The thermionic generator is configured to generate electrical power for one or more aircraft systems based at least in part on the heat received from the at least one heat source. The power generation system further includes a thermoelectric generator arranged to receive waste heat from the thermionic generator. The thermoelectric generator is configured to generate electrical power for one or more aircraft systems based at least in part on the waste heat received from the thermionic generator.