Thermoelectric Devices

Background:

Thermoelectric device is made from thermoelectric modules. It produces voltage with the temperature of each side of the device. An example of thermoeletric device is thermoelectric generator. In simple words it converts temperature into electrical power.

Thermoelectric Generators:

The heat source drives electrons from the n-type element toward the cool side, creating a current. Holes in the p-type will flow in the direction to the current. With the utilization of that current, the current itself powers a load. This in turn converts thermal to electrical energy. Charge flows through the n-type element, crosses the metallic interconnect, and passes the p-type element.

Daily Life:

Everyday, a lot of energy is lost in the form of thermal energy produced by cars, factories, nuclear plant and many others.  However, some companies such as BMW are making a good use of it by developing new models of car exploiting thermoeletric devices as cooling system for the cars’ inside. It allows a smaller alternator to reduce the roll friction, leading to an increase in fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.

Conclusion:

Thermoelectric energy is a source of power that hopefully will be developed more in close future to provide a additional source of energy and an alternative to the penury of fossil fuels.