temperatureaffects

Temperature affects, also known as thermoelectric effects, are phenomena where a temperature difference between two junctions of a material causes an electric voltage or current. These effects are fundamental to the operation of thermoelectric devices, which convert heat into electrical energy or vice versa. The primary thermoelectric effects include the Seebeck effect, Peltier effect, and Thomson effect.

The Seebeck effect, discovered by Thomas Johann Seebeck in 1821, describes the generation of an electric voltage across a junction of two different conductors when there is a temperature difference between the junctions. This effect is the basis for thermocouples, which are widely used for temperature measurement.

The Peltier effect, named after Jean Charles Athanase Peltier, occurs when an electric current flows through a junction of two different conductors, causing a temperature difference between the junctions. This effect is utilized in Peltier coolers and heaters, which are used for temperature control in various applications.

The Thomson effect, discovered by William Thomson (Lord Kelvin), describes the heating or cooling of a current-carrying conductor with a temperature gradient. This effect is less commonly utilized but is important in the study of thermoelectric materials.

Temperature affects are influenced by the properties of the materials used, such as their electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient. The efficiency of thermoelectric devices is typically measured by the figure of merit, which takes into account the electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient of the material.

Applications of temperature affects include thermoelectric generators for waste heat recovery, Peltier coolers for refrigeration, and thermoelectric modules for temperature control in electronic devices. Ongoing research aims to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of thermoelectric materials and devices.