Thermoelectricity

This introductory treatment provides an understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles involved in the study of thermoelectricity in solids and of conduction in general. Aimed at graduate-level students and those interested in basic theory, it will be especially valuable to experimental physicists working in fields connected with electron transport and to theoreticians seeking a survey of thermoelectricity and related questions. Chronicling the early history of thermoelectricity from its discovery to modern times, this text features a considerable amount of experimental data and discusses these findings at length wherever they bear a particular relevance to theory. The author, a well-known authority in this field, draws heavily from his own work on thermoelectrical phenomena as they are observed in the study of metals. Numerous illustrative figures appear throughout the text.

Introduction to Thermoelectricity is the latest work by Professor Julian Goldsmid drawing on his 55 years experience in the field. The theory of the thermoelectric and related phenomena is presented in sufficient detail to enable researchers to understand their observations and develop improved thermoelectric materials. The methods for the selection of materials and their improvement are discussed. Thermoelectric materials for use in refrigeration and electrical generation are reviewed. Experimental techniques for the measurement of properties and for the production of thermoelements are described. Special emphasis is placed on nanotechnology which promises to yield great improvements in the efficiency of thermoelectric devices. Chapters are also devoted to transverse thermoelectric effects and thermionic energy conversion, both techniques offering the promise of important applications in the future.

Next-generation energy sources are crucial for combating the world’s energy crisis. One such alternative energy source is thermoelectricity, which is cost-efficient and environmentally friendly. This book presents a comprehensive overview of the progress made in thermoelectrics over the past few years with a focus on charge and heat carrier transport from both theoretical and experimental viewpoints. It also presents new strategies to improve thermoelectricity and discusses device physics and applications to guide the research community.

The disproportionate use of fossil fuels has turned into a serious environmental issue. Thus, we are encountering one of the biggest challenges of the twenty-first century, satisfying the energy demand with respect to the environment. Thermoelectricity is an emerging technology, which contributes to reducing the impact of the use of traditional technologies, harvesting the waste heat, and eliminating the use of refrigerants. The book Bringing Thermoelectricity into Reality covers the current thermoelectric investigations: the study of novel thermoelectric materials, the development of computational models, the design of proper assemblies, and the optimization of thermal designs, as well as novel thermoelectric generators, coolers, and heating applications. This book looks for the definitive thermoelectric applications applied to everyday life.

Thermoelectricity and Advanced Thermoelectric Materials reviews emerging thermoelectric materials, including skutterudites, clathrates, and half-Heusler alloys. In addition, the book discusses a number of oxides and silicides that have promising thermoelectric properties. Because 2D materials with high figures of merit have emerged as promising candidates for thermoelectric applications, this book presents an updated introduction to the field of thermoelectric materials, including recent advances in materials synthesis, device modeling, and design. Finally, the book addresses the theoretical difficulties and methodologies of computing the thermoelectric properties of materials that can be used to understand and predict highly efficient thermoelectric materials. This book is a key reference for materials scientists, physicists, and engineers in energy. Reviews the most relevant, emerging thermoelectric materials, including 2D materials, skutterudites, clathrates and half-Heusler alloys Focuses on how electronic structure engineering can lead to improved materials performance for thermoelectric energy conversion applications Includes the latest advances in the synthesis, modeling and design of advanced thermoelectric materials

In recent years, novel families of materials have been discovered and significant improvements in classical thermoelectric materials have been made. Thermoelectric generators are now being used to harvest industrial heat waste and convert it into electricity. This is being utilized in communal incinerators, large smelters, and cement plants. Leading car and truck companies are developing thermoelectric power generators to collect heat from the exhaust systems of gasoline and diesel engines. Additionally, thermoelectric coolers are being used in a variety of picnic boxes, vessels used to transport transplant organs, and in air-conditioned seats of mid-size cars. Consisting of twenty-one chapters written by top researchers in the field, this book explores the major advancements being made in the material aspects of thermoelectricity and provides a critical assessment in regards to the broadening of application opportunities for thermoelectric energy conversion.