Thermoelectric generators are all solid-state devices that convert heat into electricity. Unlike traditional dynamic heat engines, thermoelectric generators contain no moving parts and are completely silent. Such generators have been used reliably for over 30 years of maintenance-free operation in deep space probes such as the Voyager missions of NASA. Compared to large, traditional heat engines, thermoelectric generators have lower efficiency. But for small applications, thermoelectrics can become competitive because they are compact, simple (inexpensive) and scaleable. Thermoelectric systems can be easily designed to operate with small heat sources and small temperature differences. Such small generators could be mass produced for use in automotive waste heat recovery or home co-generation of heat and electricity. Thermoelectrics have even been miniaturized to harvest body heat for powering a wristwatch.
展开▼
