| Thermoelectric power generation is conducted, as in the diagram, by using a unit element that has a connected P-type semiconductor and N-type semiconductor. If one side of the unit is maintained at high temperature, and the other at low temperature, a heat flow will develop across the unit from the high temperature side to the low. In other words, heat energy will flow into the element from the high temperature side and be discharged from the low temperature side. At this point, part of the heat energy flowing through the element will not be discharged but transformed into electrical energy, and can be taken as electric power by an external load as shown on the diagram. In this way, by connecting multiple unit elements of this kind, it is possible to obtain a greater amount of electric power. |
 |
Features of Thermoelectric Power Generation
Thermoelectric power generation displays the following features not found in previous methods of power generation.
1Uses a clean eco-friendly energy source
Doesn't depend on fossil fuels or radioactive isotopes, generates power just from a temperature difference.
2It is possible to obtain energy from every heat source on the Earth.
-Heat sources in nature (solar heat, ocean heat, geothermal heat, body heat etc)
-Heat source arising from human activity (Industrial waste heat, automobile waste heat, garbage incinerator waste heat, power station waste heat, waste heat from fuel sells and etc)
3It is possible to obtain energy from a comparatively small heat difference.
its possible to generate power with a heat difference of just a few tens of degrees.
4Durableness
Parts move and wear out little in this generating system.
| ■Examples of source for power generation ●In the natural world ・Solar heat ・Ocean heat ・Earth heat ・Heat from human bodies ●Waste heat ・At incinerating of garbage ・From automobiles ・Industrial waste heat ・From power stations ・From fuel sells ●Fuel heat ・At burning of fossil fuel ●Atomic energy ・Radioisotope ●Cold source ・Liquefied gas |
