Thermoelectric Generator
Thermoelectric generators (also called Seebeck generators) are devices that convert heat (temperature differences) directly into electrical energy, using a phenomenon called the "Seebeck effect" (or "thermoelectric effect"). Their typical efficiencies are around 5–8%. Older Seebeck-based devices used bimetallic junctions and were bulky. More recent devices use semiconductor p–n junctions made from bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3), lead telluride (PbTe), calcium manganese oxide, or combinations thereof, depending on temperature. These are solid-state devices and unlike dynamos have no moving parts, with the occasional exception of a fan or pump.
Radioisotope thermoelectric generators can provide electric power for spacecraft. Automotive thermoelectric generators are proposed to recover usable energy from automobile waste heat.
Read more about Thermoelectric Generator: Uses, Efficiency, Limitations, See Also
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