This chapter is devoted to an analysis of the physics behind the conversion efficiency of thermoelectric generators. After recalling the basic theory of linear irreversible thermodynamics of thermoelectricity, we will focus on the materials and device factors ruling the conversion efficiency of thermoelectric generators. Moving from the well–known Ioffe–Altenkirch formula, the efficiency in the constant–property limit will be comparatively analyzed under Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions. Efficiency will be then reconsidered when large temperatire differences are applied, using both Snyder’s concept of compatibility and Ren’s engineering figure of merit. Perfect thermoelectric generators as instances of exo– and endo–reversible engines will also be briefly reviewed along with the yet widely unsolved problem of thermoelectric efficiency under transient conditions.
Narducci, D., Bermel, P., Lorenzi, B., Wang, N., Yazawa, K. (2018). A Primer on Thermoelectric Generators. In Hybrid and Fully Thermoelectric Solar Harvesting (pp. 11-43). Springer Verlag [10.1007/978-3-319-76427-6_2].
A Primer on Thermoelectric Generators
Narducci D.
;Lorenzi B.;
2018
Abstract
This chapter is devoted to an analysis of the physics behind the conversion efficiency of thermoelectric generators. After recalling the basic theory of linear irreversible thermodynamics of thermoelectricity, we will focus on the materials and device factors ruling the conversion efficiency of thermoelectric generators. Moving from the well–known Ioffe–Altenkirch formula, the efficiency in the constant–property limit will be comparatively analyzed under Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions. Efficiency will be then reconsidered when large temperatire differences are applied, using both Snyder’s concept of compatibility and Ren’s engineering figure of merit. Perfect thermoelectric generators as instances of exo– and endo–reversible engines will also be briefly reviewed along with the yet widely unsolved problem of thermoelectric efficiency under transient conditions.
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