Thermoelectrics: Design and Materials

Complete introduction to the field of thermoelectrics, covering materials, applications, recent developments, and more, with end-of-chapter problems included throughout

Thermoelectrics provides an introduction to the fundamental theories in the fast developing and interdisciplinary field of thermoelectrics. The topics covered are in sync with contemporary technology advancement happenings within the TEC/TEG electronics cooling community and include discussion of challenges and concerns surrounding practical applications.

The first section covers thermoelectric generators and coolers (refrigerators) before examining optimal design with dimensional analysis. A number of applications are considered, including solar thermoelectric generators, thermoelectric air conditioners and refrigerators, thermoelectric coolers for electronic devices, thermoelectric compact heat exchangers, and biomedical thermoelectric energy harvesting systems. The second section focuses on materials and covers the physics of electrons and phonons, theoretical modeling of thermoelectric transport properties, thermoelectric materials, and nanostructures.

In this Second Edition, many new examples and end-of-chapter problems have been added. New results from the theories have been added in certain chapters, along with new design charts and many examples showing how to use the chars. A companion website hosts solution manuals and appendices.

Sample topics covered in Thermoelectrics include:

• Thermoelectric effects, including the Seebeck, Peltier, and Thomson effects as well as Thomson/Kelvin relationships
• Performance, maximum, abnormal parameters for thermoelectric modules as well as effective material properties
• Thermal and electrical contact resistances for micro and macro devices, with information on modeling and validation
• Thermoelectric transport properties, covering Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, lattice and electronic thermal conductivities.
• Low-dimensional nanostructures, covering quantum wells, wires, and dots and supporting proof-of-principle studies

Thermoelectrics is an ideal resource on the fundamentals of the subject for professionals in the electronics cooling industry, solid state physicists, and materials scientists and engineers. It is also a valuable reference for early career scientists and undergraduate and graduate students in related programs of study.

HoSung Lee is Professor Emeritus of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Western Michigan University.