Abstract An irreversible thermionic generator model utilizing the structure of van der Waals heterostructure is proposed, in which various irreversibilities are taken into account. Analytical expressions of efficiency and output power of the thermionic generator are derived by the combination of non-equilibrium thermodynamics and finite time thermodynamics. Relations among thermionic generator performances and key parameters, such as output voltages, Schottky barrier heights and various irreversibilities, are numerically investigated. The optimal performance regions of the thermionic generator are determined. To ensure that the thermionic generator works in the optimal performance regions, the output voltages need to be carefully modulated in practical designs.

中文翻译：

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基于范德华异质结的不可逆热离子发生器性能评价及参数优化设计

摘要 提出了一种利用范德华异质结结构的不可逆热离子发生器模型，其中考虑了各种不可逆性。结合非平衡热力学和有限时间热力学，推导出热离子发生器效率和输出功率的解析表达式。数值研究了热离子发生器性能与关键参数（如输出电压、肖特基势垒高度和各种不可逆性）之间的关系。确定了热离子发生器的最佳性能区域。为确保热离子发生器在最佳性能区域内工作，在实际设计中需要仔细调制输出电压。