The potential impact of ZT=4 thermoelectric materials on solar thermal energy conversion technologies.
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.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC)
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-06CH11357
- OSTI ID:
- 993385
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/MDS/JA-65853; TRN: US201023%%318
- Journal Information:
- J. Phys. Chem. B, Vol. 114, Issue Mar. 2, 2010
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- ENGLISH
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