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22PHYM12 Module3 Notes Summary

The document discusses thermoelectric materials and devices, focusing on key thermoelectric effects such as the Seebeck and Peltier effects, which involve the generation of electromotive force and heat transfer in dissimilar metals. It outlines various thermoelectric devices like thermocouples, thermopiles, thermoelectric generators, and coolers, along with their applications in automotive, space programs, and refrigeration. Additionally, it classifies thermoelectric materials based on operating temperature ranges.

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9 views3 pages

22PHYM12 Module3 Notes Summary

The document discusses thermoelectric materials and devices, focusing on key thermoelectric effects such as the Seebeck and Peltier effects, which involve the generation of electromotive force and heat transfer in dissimilar metals. It outlines various thermoelectric devices like thermocouples, thermopiles, thermoelectric generators, and coolers, along with their applications in automotive, space programs, and refrigeration. Additionally, it classifies thermoelectric materials based on operating temperature ranges.

Uploaded by

angelotommy006
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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APPLIED PHYSICS FOR ME STREAM

MODULE 3
THERMOELECTRIC MATERIALS AND DEVICES
Summary
1. Introduction to Thermoelectric Effects

 When two dissimilar metals form two junctions at different temperatures, an


electromotive force (emf) called thermo emf is generated, and a thermo current
flows.

 This phenomenon is explained by three key thermoelectric effects:

2. Seebeck Effect

 Definition: Production of emf by maintaining different temperatures at junctions of


two dissimilar metals.

 Formula:

 Seebeck Coefficient (α): Measures induced voltage per unit temperature gradient.

3. Peltier Effect

 Definition: Heat is absorbed at one junction and evolved at another when electric
current passes through two dissimilar metals.

 Peltier Coefficient (π):

where QQ is heat, II is current, and tt is time.


4. Thermoelectric EMF & Temperature

 EMF vs. temperature gives a parabolic curve.

 Neutral Temperature (Tn): EMF is maximum.

 Inversion Temperature (Ti): EMF becomes zero and then reverses.

 Seebeck Equation:

5. Thermoelectric Power

 Rate of change of emf with temperature:

Figure of Merit (Z):

where σ = electrical conductivity, K = thermal conductivity.

6. Laws of Thermoelectricity

 Homogeneous Circuit: No emf with a single metal.

 Intermediate Metals: No effect if junctions are at same temperature.


 Intermediate Temperature: EMF between T₁ and T₃ = EMF(T₁ to T₂) + EMF(T₂
to T₃).

7. Devices Based on Thermoelectric Effects

Thermocouple

 Converts thermal to electrical energy.


 Used for temperature measurement.

 Advantages: Wide temperature range, fast response, low cost.

 Disadvantages: Low output voltage, affected by magnetic fields, lower accuracy.

Thermopile

 Several thermocouples connected in series/parallel.

 Used for detecting IR radiation and non-contact temperature sensing.

Thermoelectric Generator (TEG)

 Converts waste heat to electricity using Seebeck effect.

 Used in cars, space programs (RTGs), and remote stations.

Thermoelectric Cooler

 Uses Peltier effect for solid-state cooling.

 Used in electronics, portable refrigerators, etc.

8. Thermoelectric Materials

Classified by Operating Temperature:

1. Low Temperature: Bismuth telluride (Bi₂Te₃), Bi–Sb alloys, polymers.

2. Mid Temperature: Lead telluride (PbTe), Mg₂Sn.

3. High Temperature: Silicon-germanium (Si-Ge) alloys, metal oxides like NaxCoO₂,


CaMnO₃.

9. Applications

 Automotive TEGs: Converts exhaust heat into electricity.

 Thermoelectric Refrigerators: Peltier-based cooling.


 Space Programs: RTGs use radioisotope decay and thermocouples to provide long-
duration power.

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