Converting Waste Heat to Electricity: An Assignment Exploration

[tormentor123]

As an assignment i need to figure out the most efficient way to convert heat to electricity and so i searched through the internet and came across Prof. Hagelstein's work which is called semiconductor technology. In short, the technology is based on the principle of thermionics by replacing a semiconductor instead of vacuum gap between the two parallel conducting plates. According to him this technology is more efficient as compared to the thermocouples and thermopiles and the operating temperature would range from 200-450 degrees C. I am dying to know the best fit semiconductor or other material to be used in this technology. Also I do not know the relationship between thermal conductivity and current production in solid state devices. Please help me, i need some references for my assignment and i m also open for other technologies for the same purpose (converting waste heat into electricity) that are both efficient and economical. i need a lot of input from those with the knowledge in this field. Thx a lot for reading !

 

[ZapperZ]

As an assignment i need to figure out the most efficient way to convert heat to electricity and so i searched through the internet and came across Prof. Hagelstein's work which is called semiconductor technology. In short, the technology is based on the principle of thermionics by replacing a semiconductor instead of vacuum gap between the two parallel conducting plates. According to him this technology is more efficient as compared to the thermocouples and thermopiles and the operating temperature would range from 200-450 degrees C. I am dying to know the best fit semiconductor or other material to be used in this technology. Also I do not know the relationship between thermal conductivity and current production in solid state devices. Please help me, i need some references for my assignment and i m also open for other technologies for the same purpose (converting waste heat into electricity) that are both efficient and economical. i need a lot of input from those with the knowledge in this field. Thx a lot for reading !

When you are asking for something like this based on something you found, you must provide complete citation of your source. If you read this in a journal, you must give the full reference. If you found this on a website, assuming that it is a legitimate website (i.e. not a personal or crackpot website), then you must provide the url.

If not, we can only base this on what you understood, which may not necessarily be correct.

Zz.

 

[tormentor123]

m sooo sorry :SSS
here is the source of a journal :-
http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2001/electricity-1205.html
- the article is very old and i have no idea about the further progresses.

 

[helenzrar]

thanks

 

[pmacias]

Hello,

It's great to see that you are exploring ways to convert waste heat into electricity! This is an important area of research, as it has the potential to not only reduce waste but also provide a sustainable source of energy.

Prof. Hagelstein's work on semiconductor technology is indeed a promising approach to converting waste heat into electricity. The use of semiconductors instead of vacuum gaps can increase the efficiency of the process. In terms of the best fit semiconductor or material to be used, it would depend on various factors such as the operating temperature, cost, and availability. Some commonly used semiconductors for thermionic conversion include silicon, germanium, and gallium arsenide.

In terms of the relationship between thermal conductivity and current production in solid-state devices, it is important to note that higher thermal conductivity can lead to better heat transfer, resulting in increased current production. However, it is also necessary to consider other factors such as the thermoelectric properties of the material, which determine its ability to convert heat into electricity.

Aside from semiconductor technology, there are other methods for converting waste heat into electricity that you may want to explore. These include thermoelectric generators, Stirling engines, and organic Rankine cycles. Each of these technologies has its own advantages and limitations, so it would be helpful to research and compare them for your assignment.

I recommend checking out scientific journals and publications for more in-depth information on these technologies. Some reputable sources include the Journal of Power Sources, Applied Thermal Engineering, and Energy Conversion and Management.

Best of luck with your assignment, and I hope this information helps you in your research!