Thermoelectric is a word that refers to a property of materials that allow them to convert thermal energy into electrical energy or vice versa. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /θɜːməʊɪˈlɛktrɪk/ which breaks down into the following sounds: "th-" as in "thin," "er" as in "her," "m-" as in "me," "oh" as in "go," "i" as in "sit," "L" as in "la," "e" as in "pet," "k" as in "kit," "t" as in "top," "r" as in "run," "I" as in "pin," "k" as in "kit."
Thermoelectric is an adjective that relates to or denotes the conversion of heat energy into electrical energy, or vice versa, using the principles of thermoelectricity.
Thermoelectricity refers to the phenomenon where temperature differences between two dissimilar conductive materials create an electric voltage. This process is based on the Seebeck effect, discovered by Thomas Johann Seebeck in 1821. It describes how a temperature gradient induces an electric current between two materials with different thermal conductivity and electric conductivity.
In this context, a thermoelectric device, often referred to as a thermoelectric module or thermoelectric cooler (TEC), operates by exploiting the Peltier effect. The Peltier effect occurs when an electric current is passed through a junction of two dissimilar conductive materials, resulting in the transfer of heat from one side of the junction to the other, depending on the direction of the current flow.
Thermoelectric materials, which possess unique thermo-electric properties, exhibit both a high electrical conductivity and a low thermal conductivity. This combination facilitates the efficient conversion between heat and electricity or the refrigeration effect used in thermoelectric coolers.
Thermoelectric technology has found applications in various fields, including power generation from waste heat sources, solid-state refrigeration, and temperature sensing. Ongoing research and development aim to improve the efficiency and performance of thermoelectric materials and devices, making them increasingly attractive for sustainable energy solutions and innovative thermal management systems.
Relating to thermoelectricity.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "thermoelectric" is derived from two root words: "thermo" and "electric".
- "Thermo" comes from the Greek word "thermos", meaning "hot" or "heat".
- "Electric" comes from the Latin word "electrum", which originally referred to amber, a material that when rubbed with cloth would create static electricity. The word later evolved to refer to electricity in general.
When combined, "thermo" and "electric" form the word "thermoelectric", which refers to the conversion of heat energy into electrical energy or vice versa.