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. This book is the result of a long teaching and research history in the field of semiconductors. On the one hand, it is intended to be a help to students specializing in semiconductor processing technology. On the other hand, it might also be interesting to engineers working in neighbouring fields (where thermal management problems may be encountered, or where autonomous power supplies (batteryless watches) or simply energy-saving devices are required.


    Access

    Download

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Semiconductor Thermoelectric Generators


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    2009


    Size :

    1 Online-Ressource (129 Seiten)


    Remarks:

    Illustrationen
    Campusweiter Zugriff (Universität Hannover) - Vervielfältigungen (z.B. Kopien, Downloads) sind nur von einzelnen Kapiteln oder Seiten und nur zum eigenen wissenschaftlichen Gebrauch erlaubt. Keine Weitergabe an Dritte. Kein systematisches Downloaden durch Robots
    Includes bibliographical references and index. - Print version record



    Type of media :

    Book


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Classification :

    DDC:    621.31243
    BKL:    53.36 Energiedirektumwandler, elektrische Energiespeicher



    Semiconductor thermoelectric generators

    Fahrner, Wolfgang / Schwertheim, Stefan | TIBKAT | 2009


    Thermoelectric generators

    Rowe, David Michael | Tema Archive | 2009


    Portable Thermoelectric Generators

    Neild, A. Bayne | SAE Technical Papers | 1963


    Small thermoelectric generators

    Allen, D. / Haugeto, R. / Kajor, M. et al. | Tema Archive | 2002


    Advanced Thermoelectric Materials for Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators

    Caillat, Thierry / Huang, C. -K. / Cheng, B. et al. | NTRS | 2008