lämpöjalostus

Lämpöjalostus, also known as thermoelectric generation, is a process that converts heat directly into electrical energy. This process is based on the Seebeck effect, discovered by Thomas Johann Seebeck in 1821. The Seebeck effect describes the phenomenon where a temperature difference between two different electrical conductors or semiconductors generates a voltage difference between the two junctions.

In a typical thermoelectric generator, heat is applied to one side of a thermoelectric module, while the other side is kept cooler. This temperature gradient creates a voltage difference, which can be harnessed to produce electrical energy. The efficiency of thermoelectric generation is relatively low compared to other forms of energy conversion, such as combustion engines or steam turbines. However, it has several advantages, including the ability to operate silently, with no moving parts, and the potential to use waste heat from other processes.

Thermoelectric generation has various applications, including power generation from waste heat, portable power sources, and cooling systems. It is particularly useful in situations where traditional power generation methods are impractical or inefficient. For example, thermoelectric generators can be used to power spacecraft and remote sensors, where reliable and low-maintenance power sources are essential.

Despite its advantages, thermoelectric generation faces challenges related to its low efficiency and the need for high-quality materials. Ongoing research aims to improve the performance of thermoelectric materials and optimize the design of thermoelectric generators to make this technology more viable for widespread use.