ACTIVITIES IN CONNECTION WITH BASIC AND TECHNICAL WORK PERTAINING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THERMOCOUPLES FOR USE IN THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS
Abstract
A general analysis is made of factors affecting the efficiency of a thermoelectric generator. This analysis brings out the dominant importance of finding materials having the highest possible value of the parameter equal to the thermoelectric power squared divided by the ratio of thermal conductivity to electrical conductivity. An approach to the problem of relating this parameter to atomic theory is indicated. Two lines of experimental work are reported. In one, the efficiency analysis is checked by heating a wire thermocouple electrically and measuring the electromotive force obtained. In the other experiment, simultaneous measurements of thermal emf, thermal and electrical conductivity of silicon are made.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 31, 1947
- Accession Number
- AD0493465
Entities
People
- R. P. Coleman