With the rapid development of technology, thermoelectric materials have gradually become an important part of the search for renewable energy solutions.These materials can generate voltage when temperature differences are different, or create temperature differences when current is applied.This phenomenon can not only be widely used in power generation, but also be used to improve energy utilization, especially in waste heat recovery.
The energy technologies of the future will likely rely on these high-efficiency thermoelectric materials to revolutionize the way we use energy.
Among thermoelectric materials, the most common one is the material based on bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3).Such materials are particularly suitable for use in thermoelectric systems with small scale applications, and their potential for air conditioning and refrigeration has received widespread attention.Because of these functions, research on thermoelectric materials is still underway and focuses on material development and characteristic optimization.
The efficiency of thermoelectric materials is an important indicator for evaluating their application value.To understand this, we need to understand the performance indicators of thermoelectric materials, also known as thermoelectric superiority.This advantage reflects the maximum efficiency of a material in energy conversion at a specific temperature.It can be said that it is described by electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient.
In the current study, finding materials that can improve these performance indicators has become a major challenge.
Efficiency calculations are usually based on some thermal physical properties.Here, instead of presenting complex mathematical formulas, we focus on how the effectiveness of thermoelectric materials is affected by these properties.Efficiency is the ratio of the energy supplied to the load to the heat energy absorbed at the thermal contact point.In this way, we can obtain a mapping model that predicts the performance of these materials under different conditions.
When choosing thermoelectric materials, several key factors need to be considered: high conductivity, low thermal conductivity and high Seebeck coefficient.These are the basis for ensuring the efficiency of the material.Nothing is indispensable.Generally, semiconductor materials perform better in this regard because their electron state density can promote efficient energy transfer.
The application of thermoelectric materials is not limited to power generation or cooling, but also many potential uses are being explored.With the advancement of technology, these materials have the potential to be mass-produced in low-cost ways, thus playing an important role in energy recovery, vehicle cooling systems, etc.
The success of large-scale applications will depend on continuous material innovation and efficiency improvement, which requires joint efforts from all parties.
In addition to the material properties of current thermoelectric materials, future research and development may also include the use of new alloys and composite materials to achieve higher thermoelectric efficiency.Strategically reduce lattice thermal conductivity, paving the way for future thermoelectric technologies.
In the process, we can’t help but wonder, as these materials develop further, will there be thermoelectric devices that completely change the way we use energy?