termoelektrické

Termoelektrické refers to phenomena and devices related to the interconversion of thermal and electrical energy. This effect is based on the Seebeck effect, discovered by Thomas Johann Seebeck in 1821. The Seebeck effect describes how a voltage is created when there is a temperature difference between two different conductors or semiconductors. Conversely, the Peltier effect, discovered by Jean Charles Athanase Peltier in 1834, describes how heating or cooling occurs at the junction of two different conductors when an electric current flows through them.

Thermoelectric devices, such as thermoelectric generators (TEGs) and thermoelectric coolers (TECs), utilize these effects. TEGs convert waste heat directly into electricity, offering a solid-state solution for power generation without moving parts. This makes them suitable for applications where reliability and longevity are paramount, such as in remote power systems or industrial heat recovery. TECs, on the other hand, use electricity to create a temperature difference, enabling cooling or heating. They are commonly found in small-scale refrigeration, portable coolers, and electronic component cooling.

The efficiency of thermoelectric devices is often a limiting factor in their widespread adoption, though ongoing research aims to improve material properties and device design. Materials science plays a crucial role in developing new thermoelectric compounds with higher figures of merit, which dictate the device's performance. Despite current limitations, thermoelectric technology holds promise for niche applications and for contributing to energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions.