Thermoelectric Generators: Function, Applications, and Future Implementation

Thermoelectric generators have the ability to create electricity when a temperature gradient is created across a thermoelectric material that has high electrical conductivity, and low thermal conductivity. This process is known as the Seebeck effect which was discovered in 1821 by Thomas Johann Seebeck. Since then, thermoelectric generators have been used in various industries to convert excess heat into reusable energy. While thermoelectric generators have proven to be useful, they haven’t been utilized to their full potential due to high material costs and low efficiency. Potential areas that could utilize this technology are within our residential heating systems, industrial machining, and data centers to take advantage of energy lost to heat. With additional research and expanded manufacturing capabilities, we could significantly reduce the price of the materials used and make it economical to implement thermoelectric generators where excess heat is generated. This would enable our society to utilize this technology and reduce our overall energy consumption.