Potential Impact of ZT = 4 Thermoelectric Materials on Solar Thermal Energy Conversion Technologies

Abstract

State-of-the-art methodologies for the conversion of solar thermal power to electricity are based on conventional electromagnetic induction techniques. If appropriate ZT = 4 thermoelectric materials were available, it is likely that conversion efficiencies of 30-40% could be achieved. The availability of all solid state electricity generation would be a long awaited development in part because of the elimination of moving parts. This paper presents a preliminary examination of the potential performance of ZT = 4 power generators in comparison with Stirling engines taking into account specific mass, volume and cost as well as system reliability. High-performance thermoelectrics appear to have distinct advantages over magnetic induction technologies.

Developments in semiconductor thermoelectric materials

“…The potential effect of thermoelectric materials with a ZT value of 4 on solar thermal energy conversation technologies was also discussed by Xie and Gruen [102].…”

High power Co3O4/ZnO p–n type piezoelectric transducer

“…With the development of cutting-edge wireless communication systems and low-power electronic devices, the power consumption of sensors embedded in the systems of such devices has been significantly decreased. Therefore, the conventionally insufficient environmental energy sources such as solar energy [1,2], thermal energy [3,4] or kinetic energy [5] can be converted into electricity to supply power with advanced transducers. Currently, converting mechanical energy such as vibration into electrical energy is one of the most commonly used energy harvesting technologies for powering the low-powered electronic devices including wireless and selfpowered microsystems [6].…”

A simple phase transformation strategy for converting silicon nanowires into metal silicide nanowires: Magnesium silicide

“…Additionally, materials that are non-toxic and composed of only earth-abundant elements are desired for thermoelectric module fabrication and wide-spread deployment [8]. One material system that satisfies all the above criteria is magnesium silicide (Mg 2 Si) nanowires.…”