Thermoelectric generators convert heat directly into electrical energy using the Seebeck effect, with efficiencies around 5-10%. Older devices used bimetallic junctions while modern ones use bismuth telluride semiconductor p-n junctions as thin as millimeters. These solid state devices have no moving parts except occasionally a fan. Radioisotope thermoelectric generators power spacecraft, and automotive thermoelectric generators could recover energy from car waste heat.

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ElectricalpowergenerationusingwasteHeat
Abstract-
hermoelectric generators (also called thermogenerators) are devices which convert heat
(temperature differences) directly into electrical energy, using a phenomenon called the
"Seebeck effect" (or "thermoelectric effect"). Their typical efficiencies are around 5-10%. Older
Seebeck-based devices used bimetallic junctions and were bulky while more recent devices
use bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) semiconductor p-n junctions and can have thicknesses in the
millimeter range. These are solid state devices and unlike dynamos have no moving parts,
with the occasional exception of a fan.
Radioisotopethermoelectricgenerators canprovide electric powerfor spacecraft. Automotive
thermoelectric generators are proposed to recover usable energy from automobile waste heat.