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Thermoelectric energy based process - Coggle Diagram
Thermoelectric energy based process
Thermoelectric Energy Conversion Principles:*
Seebeck Effect
:
The Seebeck effect is the fundamental principle behind thermoelectric energy conversion. It states that when two different conductors or semiconductors are joined at two different temperatures, an electric voltage (or electromotive force, EMF) is generated between them.
The magnitude of the generated voltage is directly proportional to the temperature difference between the hot and cold junctions.
The Seebeck effect is used in thermoelectric generators (TEGs), where heat is applied to one side (the hot junction) and cooled on the other side (the cold junction), generating electricity.
Peltier Effect
:
The Peltier effect is the reverse of the Seebeck effect. When electric current is passed through two different conductors or semiconductors, it can transfer heat from one junction to the other. One side becomes cool (absorbing heat), and the other side becomes hot (releasing heat).
Thermoelectric Sensors
:
Thermoelectric materials are used in various sensors to detect temperature differences. These sensors rely on the Seebeck effect to measure temperature or heat flow by generating an electrical signal proportional to the temperature difference.
Waste Heat Recovery
:
Thermoelectric materials are increasingly being explored for capturing waste heat from industrial processes, automotive exhaust, and even human body heat, converting it into electricity. This can improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.
Thermoelectric Energy-based Processes*:
Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs)
:
Function
: TEGs convert waste heat (such as from engines, industrial processes, or solar thermal energy) into electricity.
Applications
: They are used in space probes (e.g., Voyager), remote sensors, waste heat recovery in industrial plants, and some renewable energy applications.
Efficiency
: While TEGs are not yet highly efficient compared to other power generation methods, they provide a promising option for low-power applications and waste heat recovery.
Thermoelectric Sensors
:
Thermoelectric materials are used in various sensors to detect temperature differences. These sensors rely on the Seebeck effect to measure temperature or heat flow by generating an electrical signal proportional to the temperature difference.
Waste Heat Recovery
:
Thermoelectric materials are increasingly being explored for capturing waste heat from industrial processes, automotive exhaust, and even human body heat, converting it into electricity. This can improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.
Summary
:
Thermoelectric energy-based processes harness the conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy (and vice versa) through the Seebeck and Peltier effects. These processes offer promising applications in waste heat recovery, cooling systems, and power generation, although challenges related to material efficiency and cost need to be addressed for broader adoption.
Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs)
– Seebeck effect (Converts heat to electricity).
Thermoelectric Coolers (TECs)
– Peltier effect (Cooling and heating).
Thermoelectric Heat Pumps
– Peltier effect (Heating and cooling in compact systems).
Thermoelectric Sensors
– Seebeck effect (Temperature measurement).
Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting
– Seebeck effect (Harvests ambient heat).
Thermoelectric Waste Heat Recovery
– Seebeck effect (Recovers waste heat for power generation).
Material Limitations
: Thermoelectric materials currently lack high efficiency. The efficiency of thermoelectric devices is described by the
figure of merit (ZT)
, which is typically low for most available materials.
Cost
: The materials needed for thermoelectric devices, such as bismuth telluride and other semiconductors, can be expensive and have limited availability.
Advancements
: Research into new thermoelectric materials and nanostructured materials is ongoing, with the goal of improving efficiency and making thermoelectric devices more cost-effective and practical for widespread use.