Thermoelectric generator

A device that converts a temperature difference directly into electrical voltage through the Seebeck effect, without moving parts.

Seebeck effect: The production of an electric voltage across a material when its ends are at different temperatures. It is the physical effect that converts the generator’s temperature difference into voltage.
Thermoelectric couple: A pair of p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements electrically connected in series and thermally in parallel. Couples combine the small voltages of individual elements into a useful generator output.
Radioisotope thermoelectric generator: A generator that converts heat from radioactive decay into electricity using thermoelectric materials. It powers spacecraft where long life and operation far from sunlight outweigh low conversion efficiency.
Organic Rankine cycle: A heat-engine cycle that uses an organic working fluid to drive a turbine and generate electricity. It can convert larger heat flows efficiently but requires moving machinery and more complex systems.
Peltier effect: The heating or cooling produced at a junction when electric current passes between different conductors. It is the reverse thermoelectric effect, using current to move heat rather than heat to generate voltage.
P-type semiconductor: A semiconductor in which positively charged holes are the dominant mobile charge carriers. It supplies one carrier type in the paired legs of a common thermoelectric couple.
Waste heat recovery: The capture and reuse of heat that would otherwise be discharged into the environment. Thermoelectric generators can turn accessible waste-heat gradients into supplemental electrical power.
Stirling engine: A regenerative heat engine that produces mechanical work from cyclic compression and expansion of a working gas. It can use external heat sources but relies on moving parts absent from thermoelectric generators.
Thermoelectric material: A material that converts temperature differences and electrical energy through thermoelectric effects. Its electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient set generator performance.
N-type semiconductor: A semiconductor in which negatively charged electrons are the dominant mobile charge carriers. It pairs with p-type material to increase voltage while conducting current through the module.

Linked from 10 pages