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This second edition is acomprehensive introduction to all aspects of thermoelectric energy conversion.It covers both theory and practice. The book is timely as it refers to the manyimprovements that have come about in the last few years through the use ofnanostructures. The concept of semiconductor thermoelements led to majoradvances during the second half of the twentieth century, making Peltier refrigerationa widely used technique. The latest materials herald thermoelectric generationas the preferred technique for exploiting low-grade heat. The book shows howprogress has been made by increasing the thermal resistivity of the latticeuntil it is almost as large as it is for glass. It points the way towards theattainment of similar improvements in the electronic parameters. It does notneglect practical considerations, such as the desirability of makingthermocouples from inexpensive and environmentally acceptable materials. Thesecond edition was extended to also include recent advances in thermoelectricenergy conversion, particularly the production of bulk nanostructures, newmaterials with higher thermoelectric figures to use the possibility of largescale thermoelectric generation, as part of the worldwide strategy for makingbetter use of energy resources. This book guides the newcomertowards the state of the art and shows the principles for further advancementto those who are already familiar with the subject. The author has been able todraw on his long experience to cover the science and technology in a balancedway while drawing on the expertise of others who have made major contributionsto the field.
List of contents
The Thermoelectric andRelated Effects.- Theory of Thermoelectric Refrigeration and Generation.- ThermoelectricProperties of Metals and Semiconductors.- Optimization and Selection ofSemiconductor Thermoelements.- Minimizing the Thermal Conductivity.- TheImprovement of a Specific Material - Bismuth Telluride.- Methods for theProduction of Materials.- Measurement Techniques.- Review of ThermoelectricMaterials.- Thermoelectric Modules and their Application.- Transverse Devices.-Properties of Nanostructured Materials.- Thermionic Energy Conversion.
Summary
This second edition is a
comprehensive introduction to all aspects of thermoelectric energy conversion.
It covers both theory and practice. The book is timely as it refers to the many
improvements that have come about in the last few years through the use of
nanostructures. The concept of semiconductor thermoelements led to major
advances during the second half of the twentieth century, making Peltier refrigeration
a widely used technique. The latest materials herald thermoelectric generation
as the preferred technique for exploiting low-grade heat. The book shows how
progress has been made by increasing the thermal resistivity of the lattice
until it is almost as large as it is for glass. It points the way towards the
attainment of similar improvements in the electronic parameters. It does not
neglect practical considerations, such as the desirability of making
thermocouples from inexpensive and environmentally acceptable materials. The
second edition was extended to also include recent advances in thermoelectric
energy conversion, particularly the production of bulk nanostructures, new
materials with higher thermoelectric figures to use the possibility of large
scale thermoelectric generation, as part of the worldwide strategy for making
better use of energy resources. This book guides the newcomer
towards the state of the art and shows the principles for further advancement
to those who are already familiar with the subject. The author has been able to
draw on his long experience to cover the science and technology in a balanced
way while drawing on the expertise of others who have made major contributions
to the field.
