Potential impact of ZT = 4 thermoelectric materials on solar thermal energy conversion technologies
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-8-2010
Abstract
State-of-the-art methodologies for the conversion of solar thermal power to electricity are based on conventional electromagnetic induction techniques. If appropriate ZT = 4 thermoelectric materials were available, it is likely that conversion efficiencies of 30-40% could be achieved. The availability of all solid state electricity generation would be a long awaited development in part because of the elimination of moving parts. This paper presents a preliminary examination of the potential performance of ZT = 4 power generators in comparison with Stirling engines taking into account specific mass, volume and cost as well as system reliability. High-performance thermoelectrics appear to have distinct advantages over magnetic induction technologies. © 2010 American Chemical Society.
Publication Title
Journal of Physical Chemistry B
Recommended Citation
Xie, M.,
&
Gruen, D.
(2010).
Potential impact of ZT = 4 thermoelectric materials on solar thermal energy conversion technologies.
Journal of Physical Chemistry B,
114(45), 14339-14342.
http://doi.org/10.1021/jp9117387
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p/8140