NOVELTY - The device e.g. diode, has an electrode (1) e.g. flexible metal foil, that is flexible and another electrode (2) e.g. permanent magnet, facing each other, and a coating (5) with a low work function facilitating an electron tunneling between the electrodes. The electrode (2) generates a magnetic field which in combination with a free electron flow from a power supply (10) generates a repelling force that balances an attractive electrostatic force between the electrodes and achieves a constant and desired separation between the electrodes over a large area.    USE - Self-positioning electrode device e.g. diode, thermionic device, tunneling device, and thermophotovoltaic device, as thermal conversion generator in heat pump, thermo-tunneling and thermo-photovoltaic generators for converting heat energy from a heat source e.g. radiation source, heat from environment, geothermal energy, heat generated from internal combustion engine of automobile or animal metabolism, and living human body, to electricity, or as refrigerator for converting electricity for cooling.    ADVANTAGE - The magnetic field generated by the electrode in combination with the free electron flow from the power supply generates the repelling force that balances the attractive electrostatic force between the electrodes to achieve constant and desired separation between the electrodes over a large area, so that the heat energy is efficiently converted into electrical current and the self-positioning electrode device is less costly.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are also included for the following:    (1) a process for converting thermal energy to an electrical current or for converting electrical energy to refrigeration comprising supplying a self-positioning electrode device    (2) a process for converting heat to cooling or electrical energy using a self-positioning electrode device    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a self-positioning electrode device.    Electrodes (1, 2)    Insulating layer (4)    Coating (5)    Tip (6)    Wires (8a, 8b)    Connectors (9a, 9b)    Power supply (10)    Chamber (20)    Heat source (30)