termoelektrisenä

Termoelektrisena refers to the thermoelectric effect, a phenomenon where a temperature difference between two dissimilar conductors or semiconductors creates a voltage, or conversely, where an electric current flowing through them creates a temperature difference. This effect is based on the principles of heat and electricity transport within materials. When a temperature gradient exists across a thermoelectric material, charge carriers (electrons or holes) with higher kinetic energy in the hotter region diffuse towards the colder region. This differential movement of charge carriers results in a net accumulation of charge, generating an electric potential. The magnitude of this voltage is proportional to the temperature difference and the material's Seebeck coefficient.

Conversely, when an electric current is applied to a thermoelectric material, it can either heat or cool the material, depending on the direction of the current and the material's properties. This is known as the Peltier effect. The amount of heat absorbed or released is proportional to the current and the Peltier coefficient. These effects are fundamental to thermoelectric devices, which can be used for power generation from waste heat or for solid-state refrigeration without moving parts. The efficiency of thermoelectric devices is determined by the material's figure of merit, a dimensionless quantity that depends on the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity.