A comprehensive review of thermoelectric technology, micro-electrical and power generation properties

Power production from phase change in MEMS and micro devices, a review

“…A thermal efficiency of 1.25% was shown by Yamamoto et al in a low-temperature Organic Rankine Cycle [23]. The best thermoelectrics have exhibited energy in to energy out efficiency on the order of 5e10% [51]. As with phase change devices, research continues and the thermoelectric figure of merit, zT, is continually improving.…”

Managing Temperature Effects in Nanoscale Adaptive Systems

“…The Peltier effect (or Peltier-Seebeck effect) is now commonly used in electronic heat-transfer and cooling systems, including small electric refrigerators. The Peltier and Seebeck effects have also been examined for regulating chip temperature and recycling thermal energy back into electrical energy [12]. One of the most important temperature-related material discoveries was in 1833, when Michael Faraday discovered that silver sulphide was conductive at high temperatures and nearly insulating at low temperatures [13].…”

Commentary: Thermoelectric and solar-energy materials

“…Contemporary problems surrounding climate change will act as a stimulus for the development of thermoelectrics, and the technology is successful in cooling, refrigeration and space-craft power, with potential for growth in power generation applications [1].Thermoelectric technology can be used in power generation, heating and cooling applications, with commercial thermoelectric modules constructed out of P-type and N-type Bismuth Telluride thermoelements, which are connected electrically in series and thermally in parallel between two ceramic plates. Solar-energy, or photovoltaic technology, is established as an alternative energy source, and in common with wind, biomass, wave and geothermal, is considered a renewable energy source.…”

“…Contemporary problems surrounding climate change will act as a stimulus for the development of thermoelectrics, and the technology is successful in cooling, refrigeration and space-craft power, with potential for growth in power generation applications [1]. Solar-energy, or photovoltaic technology, is established as an alternative energy source, and in common with wind, biomass, wave and geothermal, is considered a renewable energy source.…”