Thermoelectric Materials And Devices

Thermoelectric Materials and Devices summarizes the latest research achievements over the past 20 years of thermoelectric material and devices, most notably including new theory and strategies of thermoelectric materials design and the new technology of device integration. The book's author has provided a bridge between the knowledge of basic physical/chemical principles and the fabrication technology of thermoelectric materials and devices, providing readers with research and development strategies for high performance thermoelectric materials and devices. It will be a vital resource for graduate students, researchers and technologists working in the field of energy conversion and the development of thermoelectric devices. Discusses the new theory and methods of thermoelectric materials design Combines scientific principles, along with synthesis and fabrication technologies in thermoelectric materials Presents the design optimization and interface technology for thermoelectric devices Introduces thermoelectric polymers and organic-inorganic thermoelectric composites

Authoritative account of recent developments in thermoelectric materials and devices for power energy harvesting applications, ideal for researchers and industrialists in materials science.

As concerns with the efficient use of energy resources, and the minimization of environmental damage have come to the fore, there has been a renewed interest in the role that thermoelectric devices could play in generating electricity from waste heat, enabling cooling via refrigerators with no moving parts, and many other more specialized applications. The main problem in realizing this ambition is the rather low efficiency of such devices for general applications. This book deals with the proceedings of a workshop addressed that problems by reviewing the latest experimental and theoretical work on suitable materials for device applications and by exploring various strategies that might increase their efficiency. The proceedings cover a broad range of approaches, from the experimental work of fabricating new compounds through to theoretical work in characterizing and understanding their properties. The effects of strong electron correlation, disorder, the proximity to metal-insulator transitions, the properties of layered composite materials, and the introduction of voids or cages into the structure to reduce the lattice thermal conductivity are all explored as ways of enhancing the efficiency of their use in thermoelectric devices.

This book presents and facilitates the interchange of new research and development results concerned with hot topics in thermoelectric generators (TEGs) research, development and production. Topics include prospective thermoelectric materials for manufacturing TEGs operating in low-, mid-, and high temperature ranges, thermal and mechanical degradation issues in prospective thermoelectric materials and TEG modules, theoretical study of novel inorganic and organic thermoelectric materials, novel methods and apparatus for measuring performance of thermoelectric materials and TEGs, and thermoelectric power generators simulation, modeling, design and practice.This book helps researchers tackle the challenges that still remain in creating cheap and effective TEGs and presents the latest trends and technologies in development and production of advanced thermoelectric generation devices. Provides a concentration of new research and development in the field of Thermoelectric energy generation; Facilitates the interchange of new ideas and results to react effectively to the challenges of Thermoelectric generators; Explains both the advancements and challenges in TEGs.

This book provides an overview on nanostructured thermoelectric materials and devices, covering fundamental concepts, synthesis techniques, device contacts and stability, and potential applications, especially in waste heat recovery and solar energy conversion. The contents focus on thermoelectric devices made from nanomaterials with high thermoelectric efficiency for use in large scale to generate megawatts electricity. Covers the latest discoveries, methods, technologies in materials, contacts, modules, and systems for thermoelectricity. Addresses practical details of how to improve the efficiency and power output of a generator by optimizing contacts and electrical conductivity. Gives tips on how to realize a realistic and usable device or module with attention to large scale industry synthesis and product development. Prof. Zhifeng Ren is M. D. Anderson Professor in the Department of Physics and the Texas Center for Superconductivity at the University of Houston. Prof. Yucheng Lan is an associate professor in Morgan State University. Prof. Qinyong Zhang is a professor in the Center for Advanced Materials and Energy at Xihua University of China.

This book will provide readers with deep insight into the intriguing science of thermoelectric thin films. It serves as a fundamental information source on the techniques and methodologies involved in thermoelectric thin film growth, characterization and device processing. This book involves widespread contributions on several categories of thermoelectric thin films: oxides, chalcogenides, iodates, nitrides and polymers. This will serve as an invaluable resource for experts to consolidate their knowledge and will provide insight and inspiration to beginners wishing to learn about thermoelectric thin films. Provides a single-source reference on a wide spectrum of topics related to thermoelectric thin films, from organic chemistry to devices, from physical chemistry to applied physics, from synthesis to device implementation; Covers several categories of thermoelectric thin films based on different material approaches such as oxides, chalcogenides, iodates, nitrides and polymers; Discusses synthesis, characterization, and device processing of thermoelectric thin films, as well as the nanoengineering approach to tailor the properties of the used materials at the nanoscale level.

Thermoelectrics: Design and Materials HoSung Lee, Western Michigan University, USA A comprehensive guide to the basic principles of thermoelectrics Thermoelectrics plays an important role in energy conversion and electronic temperature control. The book comprehensively covers the basic physical principles of thermoelectrics as well as recent developments and design strategies of materials and devices. The book is divided into two sections: the first section is concerned with design and begins with an introduction to the fast developing and multidisciplinary field of thermoelectrics. This section also covers thermoelectric generators and coolers (refrigerators) before examining optimal design with dimensional analysis. A number of applications are considered, including solar thermoelectric generators, thermoelectric air conditioners and refrigerators, thermoelectric coolers for electronic devices, thermoelectric compact heat exchangers, and biomedical thermoelectric energy harvesting systems. The second section focuses on materials, and covers the physics of electrons and phonons, theoretical modeling of thermoelectric transport properties, thermoelectric materials, and nanostructures. Key features: Provides an introduction to a fast developing and interdisciplinary field. Includes detailed, fundamental theories. Offers a platform for advanced study. Thermoelectrics: Design and Materials is a comprehensive reference ideal for engineering students, as well as researchers and practitioners working in thermodynamics. Cover designed by Yujin Lee

This book provides an overview on nanostructured thermoelectric materials and devices, covering fundamental concepts, synthesis techniques, device contacts and stability, and potential applications, especially in waste heat recovery and solar energy conversion. The contents focus on thermoelectric devices made from nanomaterials with high thermoelectric efficiency for use in large scale to generate megawatts electricity. Covers the latest discoveries, methods, technologies in materials, contacts, modules, and systems for thermoelectricity. Addresses practical details of how to improve the efficiency and power output of a generator by optimizing contacts and electrical conductivity. Gives tips on how to realize a realistic and usable device or module with attention to large scale industry synthesis and product development. Prof. Zhifeng Ren is M. D. Anderson Professor in the Department of Physics and the Texas Center for Superconductivity at the University of Houston. Prof. Yucheng Lan is an associate professor in Morgan State University. Prof. Qinyong Zhang is a professor in the Center for Advanced Materials and Energy at Xihua University of China.