Localized Radiofrequency Heating for Enhanced Thermoelectric Energy Generation Using Natural Galena Ore

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that localized radiofrequency heating significantly enhances the thermoelectric performance of natural Galena ore by inducing large temperature gradients and increasing the Seebeck voltage, with potential for ambient energy harvesting.

Contribution

It introduces a novel application of RF heating to improve thermoelectric efficiency in earth-abundant natural ore, supported by experimental and molecular dynamics simulation results.

Findings

Achieved a 32 K temperature gradient in PbS using RF heating.

Generated a Seebeck voltage 13 times greater than the conventional coefficient.

Realized a 15% RF to thermoelectric conversion efficiency.

Abstract

The efficiency of thermoelectric devices can be significantly enhanced by maintaining a stable temperature gradient, which can be achieved through localized heating. Radio waves serve as an ideal heat source for this purpose. In this study, we demonstrate the enhancement of thermoelectric performance in earth-abundant natural ore Galena (PbS) through localized radio frequency (RF) heating. RF heating experiments conducted at frequencies between \SI{35}{MHz} and \SI{45}{MHz} induced substantial localized heating in PbS, generating a temperature gradient of \SI{32}{K}. This resulted in a Seebeck voltage of \SI{-5.8}{mV/K}, approximately 13 times greater than the conventional Seebeck coefficient of PbS (\SI{440}{\micro V/K}). Additionally, a power factor of \SI{151}{mWm^{-1}K^{-2}} and an overall RF to thermoelectric conversion efficiency of 15\% were achieved. Molecular dynamics simulations corroborate the experimental findings, providing insights into the mechanism of thermal transport and RF-induced heating in PbS. These results highlight the potential of localized RF heating as an effective strategy for enhancing thermoelectric performance, with promising implications for ambient thermoelectric energy harvesting applications.