Applications of Thermoelectric Energy: A Review (original) (raw)

Thermoelectrics: a review of present and potential applications

Applied Thermal Engineering, 2003

Thermoelectric devices are solid state devices. They are reliable energy converters and have no noise or vibration as there are no mechanical moving parts. They have small size and are light in weight. As refrigerators, they are friendly to the environment as CFC gas or any other refrigerant gas is not used. Due to these advantages, the thermoelectric devices have found a large range of applications. In this paper, basic knowledge of the thermoelectric devices and an overview of these applications are given. The prospects of the applications of the thermoelectric devices are also discussed.

Review on Design and Theoretical Model of Thermoelectric

IJSRD, 2013

This paper presents the theoretical development of the equations that allow to evaluate the performance of an air conditioning system based on the thermoelectric effect. The cooling system is based on a phenomena discovered by Jean Charles Athanase Peltier, in 1834. According to this when electricity runs through a junction between two semiconductors with different properties, heat is dissipated or absorbed. Thus, thermoelectric modules are made by semiconductors materials sealed between two plates through which a continuous current flows and keeps one plate hot and the other cold. The most important parameters to evaluate the performance of the device thermoelectric refrigeration are the coefficient of performance, the heat pumping rate and the maximum temperature difference between the hot side and the cold side of the thermoelectric module.

IJMTER-2015, All rights Reserved Review on Thermoelectric Refrigeration: Applications and Technology

Refrigerator and air conditioners are the most energy consuming home appliances and for this reason many researchers had performed work to enhance performance of the refrigeration systems. Most of the research work done so far deals with an objective of low energy consumption and refrigeration effect enhancement. Thermoelectric refrigeration is one of the techniques used for producing refrigeration effect. Thermoelectric devices are developed based on Peltier and Seebeck effect which has experienced a major advances and developments in recent years. The coefficient of performance of the thermoelectric refrigeration is less when it is used alone, hence thermoelectric refrigeration is often used with other methods of refrigeration. This paper presents a review of some work been done on the thermoelectric refrigeration over the years. Some of the research and development work carried out by different researchers on TER system has been thoroughly reviewed in this paper. The study envelopes the various applications of TER system and development of devices. This paper summarizes the advancement in thermoelectric refrigeration, thermoelectric materials, design methodologies, application in domestic appliances and performance enhancement techniques based on the literature.

An Overview of the Applications and Performance Characteristics of the Thermoelectric Devices

2017

Thermoelectric power generation has proven to be the best technology for small scale power generation for portable power systems. Looking at the advantages of the thermoelectric power generation there is a need to review applications and fundamentals of the power generation through thermoelectric set up. Present review emphasizes mainly on applications and parameters affecting performance of the thermoelectric device, which includes materials of thermoelectric, geometry of the thermo electric material and heat source, temperatures obtained from heat source, efficiency of the heat source, efficiency of the thermoelectric device on low temperature and high temperatures, connectivity issues etc. Findings from all the points mentioned above are sorted after every point and collective conclusions are drawn at last. Future modifications/recommendations are suggested in the existing power generating systems.

Review on Thermoelectric Refrigeration: Applications and Technology

International Journal of Modern Trends in Engineering and Research, 2015

Refrigerator and air conditioners are the most energy consuming home appliances and for this reason many researchers had performed work to enhance performance of the refrigeration systems. Most of the research work done so far deals with an objective of low energy consumption and refrigeration effect enhancement. Thermoelectric refrigeration is one of the techniques used for producing refrigeration effect. Thermoelectric devices are developed based on Peltier and Seebeck effect which has experienced a major advances and developments in recent years. The coefficient of performance of the thermoelectric refrigeration is less when it is used alone, hence thermoelectric refrigeration is often used with other methods of refrigeration. This paper presents a review of some work been done on the thermoelectric refrigeration over the years. Some of the research and development work carried out by different researchers on TER system has been thoroughly reviewed in this paper. The study envelo...

A Review on Thermoelectric Generators: Progress and Applications

Energies

A thermoelectric effect is a physical phenomenon consisting of the direct conversion of heat into electrical energy (Seebeck effect) or inversely from electrical current into heat (Peltier effect) without moving mechanical parts. The low efficiency of thermoelectric devices has limited their applications to certain areas, such as refrigeration, heat recovery, power generation and renewable energy. However, for specific applications like space probes, laboratory equipment and medical applications, where cost and efficiency are not as important as availability, reliability and predictability, thermoelectricity offers noteworthy potential. The challenge of making thermoelectricity a future leader in waste heat recovery and renewable energy is intensified by the integration of nanotechnology. In this review, state-of-the-art thermoelectric generators, applications and recent progress are reported. Fundamental knowledge of the thermoelectric effect, basic laws, and parameters affecting t...

A Review on Developments of Thermoelectric Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems: A Novel Potential Green Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology

2013

In recent years, with the increase awareness towards environmental degradation due to the production, use and disposal of ChloroFluoro Carbons (CFCs) and Hydro Chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) as heat carrier fluids in conventional refrigeration and air conditioning systems has become a subject of great concern and resulted in extensive research into development of novel refrigeration and space conditioning technologies. Thermoelectric cooling provides a promising alternative R&AC technology due to their distinct advantages. A brief introduction of thermoelectricity, principal of thermoelectric cooling and thermoelectric materials has been presented in this paper. The research and development work carried out by different researchers on development of novel thermoelectric R&AC system has been thoroughly reviewed in this paper. The cost-effectiveness of this technology has been also discussed in this paper. The authors are also conducting research for development of renewable energy based...

REVIEW OF THERMOELECTRIC MATERIALS AND ITS PROPERTIES WITH APPLICATIONS

Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research, 2019

From several decades, thermoelectric materials have been proved to be potential means of energy conversion due its capability of directly converting heat energy in electricity form. However, due to its complication in construction & fabrication in addition with lower efficiency in performance, thermoelectric devices have limitations when it comes to their application in commercial sector. Electricity from heat or thermoelectricity has been accepted as the means of energy conversion technology which is eco-friendly since it does not harm the environment and carries out the conversion process for long period of time. The present paper depicts the studies and investigation performed in introducing the basic principles of thermoelectric materials including thermoelectric properties various applications of thermoelectric material and its construction process.

A review on the progress and development of thermoelectric air conditioning system

Taylor & Francis, 2023

Thermoelectric coolers (TECs) have a high potential to dominate traditional air conditioning and become the future of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). TECs offer several advantages over traditional air conditioning systems, most notably in terms of zero greenhouse gas emissions, a leakfree environment, and cost efficiency. Despite all these concerns, efficient cooling performance and energy consumption are two major barriers for the rapid adoption of TECs. This article provides a comprehensive literature review of recent developments and challenges in implementing TECs to increase energy consumption and cooling performance. In particular, through the development of components and physical parameters such as thermoelectric material, the effect of fluid flow and the geometry of the heat sink of the thermoelectric cooling system. In addition, the articles will highlight the significant opportunities for thermoelectric applications to achieve economic and environmental benefits. Thermoelectric cooling with the latest conversion efficiency is technically practical and economical for small and micro applications in the current scenario. If thermoelectric cooling is applied on a large and medium scale in commercial practice, it would further develop green technology that improves environmental conditions as well as the energy supply.