Thermiskeelektriske

Thermiskeelektriske refers to phenomena and devices that involve the interconversion of heat and electricity. This effect is primarily observed in certain materials and is based on the principle that temperature differences can create an electrical voltage, and conversely, an electrical current can generate a temperature difference.

The most well-known thermiskeelektriske effects are the Seebeck effect, the Peltier effect, and the Thomson effect. The Seebeck effect describes the generation of an electromotive force (voltage) across a conductor when there is a temperature gradient along it. This is the basis for thermoelectric generators, which can convert waste heat directly into electrical power.

The Peltier effect, in contrast, describes the heating or cooling that occurs at the junction of two different conductors when an electric current flows through them. This effect is utilized in thermoelectric coolers, commonly found in small refrigerators, portable coolers, and cooling systems for electronic components.

The Thomson effect refers to the absorption or liberation of heat in a single conductor when an electric current flows through it and there is a temperature gradient along the conductor. While less commonly exploited than the Seebeck and Peltier effects, it is an important consideration in understanding the complete thermiskeelektriske behavior of materials.

Thermoelektriske materials are crucial for these applications. They need to exhibit good electrical conductivity, low thermal conductivity, and a high Seebeck coefficient to be efficient. Research continues to focus on discovering and engineering new thermiskeelektriske materials with improved performance and lower cost for wider adoption in renewable energy, waste heat recovery, and cooling technologies.