Look up "thermoelectric materials".physior said:hello
is there a good article or reference to outline the available methods to harvest ambient or solid thermal energy and their efficiency and limitations?
thanks!
doe.gov -- Department of Energy (Department of Energy)physior said:what's the DOE website?
Thermal energy harvesting is the process of capturing and converting thermal energy into usable forms of energy, such as electricity. It is important because it allows us to harness energy from waste heat and reduce our reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Thermal energy harvesting works by using thermoelectric materials, which generate electricity when there is a temperature difference between two sides of the material. This temperature difference can be created by utilizing waste heat from industrial processes, buildings, or even the human body.
The most common methods for harvesting thermal energy include thermoelectric generators, thermoelectric coolers, and heat pumps. Other methods include thermionic and thermomagnetic generators, as well as pyroelectric and thermophotovoltaic systems.
There are several benefits of using thermal energy harvesting, including reducing energy costs, decreasing carbon emissions, and providing a renewable source of energy. It also allows for more efficient use of waste heat, which would otherwise be lost.
One of the main challenges in harvesting thermal energy efficiently is the low efficiency of current thermoelectric materials. Another challenge is the high cost of implementing thermal energy harvesting systems, which can make it difficult for some industries to adopt this technology.