Abstract

Thermoelectric energy conversion is the science of the interchange of thermal and electrical energy in simple solid-state devices, generally heavily doped semiconductors. Thermoelectric devices can be used to generate electrical power, to refrigerate, or to transfer large amounts of heat without the use of freons or compressors or any rotating machinery. As well as providing the historical background and summaries on materials and technology, this article discusses such topics as thermoelectric effects, power generation, and cooling. It also provides summary descriptions of a number of applications of thermoelectric power supplies and coolers. These include spacecraft power supplies, remote location power systems on earth and newer commercial devices which could benefit the environment.