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Summary
- Thermoelectric materials convert wasted energy into reusable electric current.
- While thermoelectric power generators would be beneficial for reducing greenhouse emissions, they produce excessive heat.
- Ohio State University researchers recently revealed that a single material, layered crystal consisting of rhenium and silicon, is the “gold standard” of transverse thermoelectric devices.
Thermoelectric generators convert heat flux directly into electrical energy. These generators function like heat engines. While they are more feasible because of their lesser weight, thermoelectric generators are often considered to be more expensive and less efficient.
Recently, researchers from the Ohio State University have taken a significant step towards proving that engines made with single material can outpower conventional technology. This can be the gold standard of transverse thermoelectric devices. Notably, this is perhaps the first time that such a device has ever been shown to be feasible.
Let’s understand the basics of thermoelectric generators and skim through the Ohio State University research findings.
Significance of thermoelectric generators for the environment
Unfortunately, energy is wasted almost everywhere. For example, all machines produce heat while operating, but that heat is wasted and written as a loss.
Here comes the role of thermoelectric materials. They are used to convert the so-called wasted energy into reusable electric current. These materials are assembled in the generator and soak up the heat to produce electricity. This heat would otherwise have been wasted.
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The issue with thermoelectric generators
While thermoelectric power generators would be very beneficial for reducing greenhouse emissions, there is the problem of excessive heat.
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Devices need to make electric contact with one side of the generator to produce electricity. However, that side is too hot, so the devices fail over time because of excessive heat.
This is where a new revolution comes into the picture. A new “gold standard” compound can be used to generate electricity from heat and solve the problems of excessive heat.
The new “gold standard”.
Devices known as transverse thermoelectrics are used to solve the overheating and heat wastage problems. They create sideways voltage so that the heat density is decreased. Up until a few days back, such devices were regarded to be inefficient.
Recently, Ohio State University researchers released a new study that reveals that a single material, layered crystal consisting of the elements rhenium and silicon, turns out to be the “gold standard” of transverse thermoelectric devices.
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Benefits of the “gold standard”
Scientists suggest that this single compound will function as a highly effective thermoelectric generator. Researchers also suggest that this solution is optimum for smaller-scale solutions. Besides, the compound would be commercially suitable and more feasible and reliable.
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Theoretically, any generator made with the new compound could be used at any place where heat is generated and wasted. This finding is a steppingstone for thermodynamics. Before this finding, it was not even believed that such a compound could exist.
The “gold standard” revolution would minimise the heat that is wasted in the process of energy generation. Inventions of this kind are a true milestone in times when clean energy and sustainability are concepts that are not only the need of the hour but are also garnering global interest.
