Thermodynamics of Thermoelectric Phenomena and Applications
Fifty years ago, the optimization of thermoelectric devices was analyzed by considering the relation between optimal performances and local entropy production. Entropy is produced by the irreversible processes in thermoelectric devices. If these processes could be eliminated, entropy production woul...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2011-08-01
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| Series: | Entropy |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.mdpi.com/1099-4300/13/8/1481/ |
| _version_ | 1798040684635095040 |
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| author | Eckhart Müller G. Jeffrey Snyder Wolfgang Seifert Knud Zabrocki Christophe Goupil |
| author_facet | Eckhart Müller G. Jeffrey Snyder Wolfgang Seifert Knud Zabrocki Christophe Goupil |
| author_sort | Eckhart Müller |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Fifty years ago, the optimization of thermoelectric devices was analyzed by considering the relation between optimal performances and local entropy production. Entropy is produced by the irreversible processes in thermoelectric devices. If these processes could be eliminated, entropy production would be reduced to zero, and the limiting Carnot efficiency or coefficient of performance would be obtained. In the present review, we start with some fundamental thermodynamic considerations relevant for thermoelectrics. Based on a historical overview, we reconsider the interrelation between optimal performances and local entropy production by using the compatibility approach together with the thermodynamic arguments. Using the relative current density and the thermoelectric potential, we show that minimum entropy production can be obtained when the thermoelectric potential is a specific, optimal value. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-11T22:10:59Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-a6f81e69339f4c27b668014e2dd8222d |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1099-4300 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-11T22:10:59Z |
| publishDate | 2011-08-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Entropy |
| spelling | doaj.art-a6f81e69339f4c27b668014e2dd8222d2022-12-22T04:00:34ZengMDPI AGEntropy1099-43002011-08-011381481151710.3390/e13081481Thermodynamics of Thermoelectric Phenomena and ApplicationsEckhart MüllerG. Jeffrey SnyderWolfgang SeifertKnud ZabrockiChristophe GoupilFifty years ago, the optimization of thermoelectric devices was analyzed by considering the relation between optimal performances and local entropy production. Entropy is produced by the irreversible processes in thermoelectric devices. If these processes could be eliminated, entropy production would be reduced to zero, and the limiting Carnot efficiency or coefficient of performance would be obtained. In the present review, we start with some fundamental thermodynamic considerations relevant for thermoelectrics. Based on a historical overview, we reconsider the interrelation between optimal performances and local entropy production by using the compatibility approach together with the thermodynamic arguments. Using the relative current density and the thermoelectric potential, we show that minimum entropy production can be obtained when the thermoelectric potential is a specific, optimal value.http://www.mdpi.com/1099-4300/13/8/1481/thermoelectricityoptimum device designentropy productioncompatibility approachthermoelectric potential |
| spellingShingle | Eckhart Müller G. Jeffrey Snyder Wolfgang Seifert Knud Zabrocki Christophe Goupil Thermodynamics of Thermoelectric Phenomena and Applications Entropy thermoelectricity optimum device design entropy production compatibility approach thermoelectric potential |
| title | Thermodynamics of Thermoelectric Phenomena and Applications |
| title_full | Thermodynamics of Thermoelectric Phenomena and Applications |
| title_fullStr | Thermodynamics of Thermoelectric Phenomena and Applications |
| title_full_unstemmed | Thermodynamics of Thermoelectric Phenomena and Applications |
| title_short | Thermodynamics of Thermoelectric Phenomena and Applications |
| title_sort | thermodynamics of thermoelectric phenomena and applications |
| topic | thermoelectricity optimum device design entropy production compatibility approach thermoelectric potential |
| url | http://www.mdpi.com/1099-4300/13/8/1481/ |
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