Semiconductor Thermoelectric Generators

Erscheinungsjahr 2009
ISBN: 978-0-87849-163-6
Verlag: Trans Tech Publications

Sonstiges, Englisch, 140 Seiten, Format (B × H): 125 mm x 142 mm, Gewicht: 200 g

It is well-known that fossil fuels are being rapidly depleted, and that atomic power is rejected by many people. As a consequence, there is a strong trend towards alternative sources such as wind, photovoltaics, solar heat and biomass. Strangely enough, quite another power source is generally neglected: namely, the thermoelectric generator (a device which converts heat, i.e. thermal energy, directly into electrical energy). The reason for this neglect is probably the low conversion efficiency, which is of the order of a few percent at most. However, there are two arguments in favor of the thermoelectric generator. Firstly, we might in effect be at the same point as we were in the early stages of photovoltaics use (it was only in 1954 that the first attractive solar cells, with efficiencies of around 4% were produced). Today, even large modules attain 20%. Secondly, the potential applications of thermoelectric generators are very tempting. Wherever heat is generated, it is amenable to electrical conversion. Energy harvesting via a thermoelectric generator may be accompanied by a further benefit: The use of a solar module inevitably leads to a drastic temperature rise. A thermoelectric generator reduces the temperature rise and therefore offers a double benefit.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Fahrner, Wolfgang R.

Schwertheim, Stefan

Fachgebiete

• Technische Wissenschaften Maschinenbau | Werkstoffkunde Technische Mechanik | Werkstoffkunde

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1 Introduction2.1 The discovery of the thermoelectric effect by Thomas Johann Seebeck2.2 Historical development of the thermogenerator3.1 The Seebeck effect3.2 Characterization of thermoelectric generators4.1 Thermogenerators as produced with thin film technology4.2 Thermogenerators as produced with thick film technology5.1 Measurement of the Seebeck coefficient5.2 Measurement of the Thermal Conductivity5.3 Four Point Measurement of the Electric Conductivity6.1 Temperature Dependency of the Figure of Merit6.2 Segmented and cascaded thermogenerators7.1 Nanomaterials7.2 Industrial concepts8.1 Micro / nanothermogenerators8.2 Superlattice thin film thermogenerators8.3 Thermogenerator of layers deposited by electroplating9.1 Thin film thermogenerators9.2 Thick film thermogenerators10.1 Future perspectives of thermoelectrics10.2 The patent situation of thermoelectrics10.3 Applications of Thermoelectrics10.4 Companies and markets for thermoelectrics