lämpösähköiseen

Lämpösähköinen refers to phenomena and devices related to the conversion between thermal energy and electrical energy. This interconversion is governed by the principles of thermoelectricity.

The Seebeck effect is a fundamental thermoelectric phenomenon. When a temperature difference exists across a thermoelectric material, it generates an electric voltage. This principle allows for the creation of thermoelectric generators (TEGs), which can produce electricity from waste heat. Conversely, the Peltier effect describes the inverse phenomenon. When an electric current flows through a junction of two dissimilar thermoelectric materials, it causes a temperature difference to develop between the junctions. This effect is utilized in thermoelectric coolers (TECs), also known as Peltier coolers, which can be used for active cooling applications.

Thermoelectric materials are crucial for these effects. They need to possess good electrical conductivity to allow current flow, good thermoelectric coupling (high Seebeck coefficient), and low thermal conductivity to maintain the temperature gradient. Research continues to focus on discovering and engineering materials with improved thermoelectric performance, aiming for higher efficiencies in both power generation and cooling. Applications for thermoelectric devices range from waste heat recovery in industrial processes and automotive engines to solid-state cooling in electronics and portable refrigeration.