termoelektricitet

Thermoelectricity refers to the direct conversion of temperature differences into electric voltage and vice versa. This phenomenon is based on the thermoelectric effect, which is the name given to three related thermodynamic phenomena: the Seebeck effect, the Peltier effect, and the Thomson effect.

The Seebeck effect describes the production of an electric potential difference across a conductor when there is a temperature gradient. This is the basis for thermoelectric generators, which can convert waste heat into electricity. When two dissimilar conductors are joined at two junctions, and these junctions are kept at different temperatures, an electric current will flow.

The Peltier effect is the inverse of the Seebeck effect. It involves the absorption or release of heat at the junction of two different conductors when an electric current flows through them. This effect is used in thermoelectric coolers, which can be used for refrigeration or temperature control.

The Thomson effect describes the heating or cooling of a conductor when an electric current flows through it and there is also a temperature gradient along the conductor. This effect is often less significant than the Seebeck and Peltier effects in practical applications but is an important part of the overall thermodynamic understanding of thermoelectricity.

Thermoelectric materials are crucial for harnessing these effects. They need to have good electrical conductivity, good thermal conductivity, and a large Seebeck coefficient. Research is ongoing to develop more efficient thermoelectric materials and devices for applications ranging from power generation and cooling to sensors and energy harvesting.