Thermoelectric Devices: Cooling and Power Generation

TL;DR

This paper reviews thermoelectric phenomena, device types, and recent advancements in materials and structures aimed at improving performance for cooling and power generation applications.

Contribution

It provides an overview of thermoelectric principles, device architectures, and discusses innovative low-dimensional materials to enhance efficiency.

Findings

Discussion of thermoelectric principles and applications

Overview of bulk semiconductor thermoelectric devices

Analysis of new low-dimensional materials for improved performance

Abstract

Thermoelectricity is the direct conversion of temperature gradient to electric voltage, and vice-versa. There are several potential applications of thermoelectricity, ranging from clean noiseless cooling, to waste-power harvesting in automotives. The performance of thermoelectric devices is still a challenge, and many approaches have been researched to overcome such obstacle. This paper seeks to give an overview of the thermoelectric phenomenon, the bulk semiconductor thermoelectric devices, and the new ways to increase performance of thermoelectric devices using new material structures and going to low-dimensional materials.