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Thermoelectric Generators.docx
1. Thermoelectric Generators :
A technique for creating energy from a temperature difference in a material is called thermoelectric
generation. The method is based on Thomas Seebeck's 1821 discovery of the Seebeck effect, which
describes how a temperature differential causes a voltage difference to form between two different
materials. Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) exploit this effect to turn waste heat into electricity or to
power sensors and other tiny gadgets.
Components of Thermocouple :
A thermocouple, which is made of two distinct materials linked at two locations, is used by
thermoelectric generators to generate heat. A voltage differential is produced across the
thermocouple when there is a temperature difference between the two junctions. An electrical load
can be powered by this voltage.
The absence of moving components in thermoelectric generators makes them dependable and low-
maintenance, which is one of their benefits. They are perfect for usage in isolated areas or in space
since they have a long lifespan and can function in hostile settings.
The comparatively poor efficiency of thermoelectric generators, however, is one of their drawbacks.
The proportion of electrical power produced to heat power input is referred to as a thermoelectric
generator's conversion efficiency. Depending on the materials used and the temperature difference
between the hot and cold sides of the device, a thermoelectric generator's efficiency is typically low,
ranging from 5% to 10%.
Uses :
2. Using materials with a high thermoelectric figure of merit, or ZT, is one technique to increase the
efficiency of thermoelectric generators. The efficiency of a substance in turning heat into electricity
is determined by its figure of merit. ZT = S2T/, where S is the Seebeck coefficient, is the electrical
conductivity, is the thermal conductivity, and T is the temperature, provides the answer. High ZT
materials have a strong Seebeck coefficient, low thermal conductivity, and high electrical
conductivity.
Thermoelectric generators can be made from many materials, including silicon germanium, bismuth
telluride, and lead telluride. When compared to other materials, these materials have a comparatively
high ZT value of about 1.
Using a cascaded thermoelectric generator, which consists of numerous stages of thermoelectric
couples, is another technique to increase the effectiveness of thermoelectric generators. The hottest
stage is at the top, while the coldest stage is at the bottom. Each stage functions at a different
temperature. The top stage's heat rejection serves as the heat input for the subsequent stage, and so
on. This raises the device's average temperature differential and boosts the generator's effectiveness.
There are numerous uses for thermoelectric generators. They can transform the heat produced by
radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) into power and are utilized in space missions. They
can recover waste heat from the engine and transform it into electricity to operate auxiliary systems
in automotive applications. Thermoelectric generators are also utilized in small-scale applications,
such as the remote powering of electronic equipment and sensors.
Conclusion :
As a result, the technology of thermoelectric generating holds great promise for transforming waste
heat into power. There are techniques to increase thermoelectric generator efficiency, such as
employing materials with a high ZT value and cascading thermoelectric generators, even though it is
currently quite low. Thermoelectric generators have the potential to evolve into a significant clean
energy source in the future with additional study and development.