- Thermogenerator
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 semiconductorp-n junction s and can have thicknesses in the millimeter range. These are solid state devices and unlikedynamo s have no moving parts other than sometimes a fan.Fuel such asnatural gas ,propane orkerosene can thus be used to generate DC electricity, which can be converted to AC by aninverter .Applications
The use of waste heat in combustion engines promises to be a high volume application field. Not only the exhaust but also cooling agents are targeted. [Recodrive News [http://www.recodrive.eu/window.phtml?id=1089#293 source] ]
ee also
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Bismuth telluride an efficient thermoelectric material
*Energy harvesting
*Automotive Thermoelectric Generators
*Thermoelectrics
*Radioisotope thermoelectric generator
*Thermoelectric cooling or Peltier cooler
*Thermoelectric effect
*Electrical generator External links
* [http://www.tellurex.com/12most2.html FAQ]
* [http://www.tellurex.com/cthermo.html Thermoelectric module by Tellurex]
* [http://www.tdc.co.uk/index.php?key=ect100 Evaluation kit for useful voltage from Thermoelectric power]
* [http://www.nextreme.com/pages/applications/power_generation.html Nextreme thermoelectric generators]
* [http://www.micropelt.com/products/thermogenerator.php Micropelt]
* [http://www.perpetuapower.com Perpetua Power Source Technologies]
* [http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20020507S0012 Smart clothing]
* [http://www.epower4.com/ TEG 5000, 5 kW Thermo Generator]
* [http://oldradio.onego.ru/ARTICLES/RADIO/tgk_real_l.htm TGK-3 Thermogenerator for old Russian radio]
* [http://www.dself.dsl.pipex.com/MUSEUM/POWER/thermoelectric/thermoelectric.htm Museum of thermogenerators]References
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