Thermogenerator
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Thermogenerators are devices which convert heat (temperature differences) directly into electrical energy. For the most part, this term is synonymous with "thermoelectric generator" and rarely used in English. They most commonly work on the principle of the Seebeck effect, with typical efficiencies of around 5-10%. Older Seebeck-based devices used bimetallic junctions and were bulky while more recent devices use semiconductor p-n junctions and can have thicknesses in the millimeter range. These are solid state devices and unlike dynamos have no moving parts other than sometimes a fan. Fuel such as natural gas, propane or kerosene can thus be used to generate DC electricity, which can be converted to AC by an inverter.
[edit] See also
- Bismuth telluridean efficient thermoelectric material
- Energy harvesting
- Thermoelectrics
- Radioisotope thermoelectric generator
- Thermoelectric cooling or Peltier cooler
- Thermoelectric effect
- Electrical generator
