Thermoelectrics

Complete introduction to the field of thermoelectrics, covering materials, applications, recent developments, and more, with end-of-chapter problems included throughoutThermoelectrics 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 advancements happening within the TEC/TEG cooling community and include discussions 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 thermoelectronic transport properties, thermoelectric materials, and nanostructures.In the 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 a new thermoelectric material of magnesium antimonide as a substitute for the widely-used Bi2Te.  A companion website hosts a solution manual 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, and 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 Crystal structures, covering atomic mass, Avogadro's number, unit cells, Bravais lattices, and crystal planes Low-dimenional 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 resource for early career scientists and undergraduate and graduate students in related programs of study.