 |
|
Clemson physicist addresses international forum on thermoelectric energy
October 04, 2007Energy lost from hot engines could save billions of dollars if it could be captured and converted into electricity via thermoelectric devices, Clemson University physicist Terry Tritt told scientists gathered in Dallas for the world-renowned NanoTX '07 conference.
Tritt delivered an address at the Alan MacDairmid Memorial Nano Energy Summit on challenges in alternative energy, specifically thermoelectricity used to generate electrical energy from waste heat.
"Thermoelectric generators are currently used in NASA's deep-space probes to convert the heat of radioactive elements to electrical energy, powering these systems for over 30 years," Tritt said. "Thermoelectric energy conversion is a solid-state technology that is environmentally friendly. One of the more promising 'down-to-earth' applications lies in waste-heat recovery in cars."
Tritt said more than 60 percent of the energy that goes into an automotive combustion cycle is lost, primarily to waste heat through the exhaust or radiator system.
"Even at the current efficiencies of thermoelectric devices, 7 to 8 percent, more than 1.5 billion gallons of diesel could be saved each year in the U.S. if thermoelectric generators were used on the exhaust of heavy trucks. That translates into billions of dollars saved," Tritt said.
Clemson research focuses on developing higher-efficiency thermoelectric materials that could increase savings significantly. Research on the electrical and thermal properties of new materials could reduce the world's reliance on fossil fuels and has shown promise with two classes of materials: low-dimensional systems for enhanced electrical properties and increased phonon scattering that leads to inherently low thermal conductivity.
Tritt heads up the Department of Energy's Center of Excellence in Thermoelectric Materials Research at Clemson, one of the leading laboratories for thermoelectric materials in the world. The national center focuses on the next generation of thermoelectric materials for power conversion and refrigeration. Researchers in physics, materials science and chemistry screen promising new classes of materials in order to achieve higher-performance thermoelectric materials. DOE recently renewed the program with more than $1 million a year in research funding for the next three years.
NanoTX, presented by Semiconductor Industry Association, highlights advances in nanoscience and explains how nanotechnology is being used today and how it will impact a broad range of industries tomorrow, including electronics, energy, aerospace, defense, biomedicine, robotics, chemicals and more.
Part of the conference included a Nobel Laureates reception in honor of the discovery of the buckeyball which opened up nanotechnology to the world.
Clemson University
Tritt said more than 60 percent of the energy that goes into an automotive combustion cycle is lost, primarily to waste heat through the exhaust or radiator system.
"Even at the current efficiencies of thermoelectric devices, 7 to 8 percent, more than 1.5 billion gallons of diesel could be saved each year in the U.S. if thermoelectric generators were used on the exhaust of heavy trucks. That translates into billions of dollars saved," Tritt said.
Clemson research focuses on developing higher-efficiency thermoelectric materials that could increase savings significantly. Research on the electrical and thermal properties of new materials could reduce the world's reliance on fossil fuels and has shown promise with two classes of materials: low-dimensional systems for enhanced electrical properties and increased phonon scattering that leads to inherently low thermal conductivity.
Tritt heads up the Department of Energy's Center of Excellence in Thermoelectric Materials Research at Clemson, one of the leading laboratories for thermoelectric materials in the world. The national center focuses on the next generation of thermoelectric materials for power conversion and refrigeration. Researchers in physics, materials science and chemistry screen promising new classes of materials in order to achieve higher-performance thermoelectric materials. DOE recently renewed the program with more than $1 million a year in research funding for the next three years.
NanoTX, presented by Semiconductor Industry Association, highlights advances in nanoscience and explains how nanotechnology is being used today and how it will impact a broad range of industries tomorrow, including electronics, energy, aerospace, defense, biomedicine, robotics, chemicals and more.
Part of the conference included a Nobel Laureates reception in honor of the discovery of the buckeyball which opened up nanotechnology to the world.
Clemson University
Thermoelectric Current Events and Thermoelectric News RSSMIT: Better way to harness waste heat
New MIT research points the way to a technology that might make it possible to harvest much of the wasted heat produced by everything from computer processor chips to car engines to electric powerplants, and turn it into usable electricity.
Waste not, want not
Tapping industrial waste heat could reduce fossil fuel demands in the short term and improve efficiency of countless manufacturing processes, according to scientists in Japan writing in the International Journal of Exergy.
Promising new material that could improve gas mileage
With gasoline at high prices, it's disheartening to know that up to three-quarters of the potential energy you are paying for is wasted. A good deal of it goes right out the tailpipe instead of powering your car.
"Nanosculpture" Could Enable New Types of Heat Pumps and Energy Converters
A new technique for growing single-crystal nanorods and controlling their shape using biomolecules could enable the development of smaller, more powerful heat pumps and devices that harvest electricity from heat.
Engineers demonstrate first room-temperature semiconductor source of coherent Terahertz radiation
Engineers and applied physicists from Harvard University have demonstrated the first room-temperature electrically-pumped semiconductor source of coherent Terahertz (THz) radiation, also known as T-rays. The breakthrough in laser technology, based upon commercially available nanotechnology, has the potential to become a standard Terahertz source to support applications ranging from security screening to chemical sensing.
A greener way to power cars
Cardiff University researchers are exploring how waste heat from car exhausts could provide a new greener power supply for vehicles.
Feeling the Heat: Berkeley Researchers Make Thermoelectric Breakthrough in Silicon Nanowires
Energy now lost as heat during the production of electricity could be harnessed through the use of silicon nanowires synthesized via a technique developed by researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) and the University of California (UC) at Berkeley.
Scientists convert heat to power using organic molecules, may lead to new energy source
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have successfully generated electricity from heat by trapping organic molecules between metal nanoparticles, an achievement that could pave the way toward the development of a new source for energy.
Never-before-made material similar to diamonds and ice, says UH professor
Not since the use of germanium in the first transistor radios and the discovery of its crucial role in semiconductor research more than 50 years ago has the study of this element garnered so much attention.
A more silent and ecological refrigerator with more precise temperature maintenance
The Thermal Engineering group of researchers at the Public University of Navarre is working on the design of a domestic thermoelectric refrigerator. Unlike the conventional system of producing a cold environment - by vapour compression - the thermoelectricity used in the design of this refrigerator allows the manufacture of more compact and quieter units which respect the environment more. This first prototype of the thermoelectric domestic refrigerator, commissioned by the multinational BSH Siemens, will be ready in January 2004. Moreover, in current domestic refrigerators the motor cuts in and cuts out, something which does not happen with thermoelectricity and, thus, maintaining the tempe
More Thermoelectric Current Events and Thermoelectric News Articles
 |
Thermoelectrics Handbook: Macro to Nano by D.M. Rowe (Editor) Ten years ago, D.M. Rowe introduced the bestselling CRC Handbook of Thermoelectrics to wide acclaim. Since then, increasing environmental concerns, desire for long-life electrical power sources, and continued progress in miniaturization of electronics has led to a substantial increase in research activity involving thermoelectrics. Reflecting the latest trends and developments, the Thermoelectrics Handbook: Macro to Nano is an extension of the earlier work and covers the entire range of thermoelectrics disciplines. Serving as a convenient reference as well as a thorough introduction to thermoelectrics, this book includes contributions from 99 leading authorities from around the world. Its coverage spans from general principles and theoretical concepts to material preparation and... |
 |
Peltier Thermo-Electric Cooling Module 3 Amp by Velleman Peltier cooling modules are solid-state active heat pumps that transfer heat from one side to the other based on the Peltier effect. Applying DC voltage to a cooling module transfers heat efficiently from a component to a heat sink which is then cooled by ambient air or forced air from a fan (heat sink and fan not included). Peltier devices are commonly used in portable coolers and for cooling electronic components. Note: Condensation may occur when cool side of module is lower than ambient air temperature. Attaching the hot side to a heatsink is required for proper operation (sold separately). Specifications: *Module type: CP1.0-127-06L *Maximum input voltage: 15.4 VDC *Maximum current: 3A *Delta T max: 149°F (65°C) *Q max: 25.7 watts *Number of couples: 127 *Dimensions: 1.2" H x 1.2"... |
 |
Thermoelectrics: Basic Principles and New Materials Developments by G.S. Nolas (Author), J. Sharp (Author), J. Goldsmid (Author) This book is intended to serve as an in-depth analysis of thermoelectric theory, an overview of present day thermoelectric materials and devices, and as an updated source of information on the most studied recent thermoelectric materials developments. The main emphasis is on a basic understanding of the concepts and experimental techniques needed to propel researchers towards new and novel classes of thermoelectric materials with enhanced properties. The aim is to assist researchers in the field. The text is an expanded edition of a previous text "Electronic Refrigeration" by one of the authors, Julian Goldsmid. Half of the text is devoted to research that has taken place since the publication of that text. In addition, emphasis is placed on new materials research and developments. |
 |
Thermoelectric Motor Cooler Black MMRMRTMCK by Muchmore Racing This is the Thermoelectric Motor Cooler in Black from Muchmore Racing. / / **Additional Technical Info Will Be Added When It Becomes Available.** / / FEATURES: Works like a heat pump to dissipate heat from RC motors / When 12V current is applied to module, heat transfers from one side / of the thermoelectric module to the other-cold side is attached to / the heat sink / Capable of reducing motor temperatures to near sub-zero levels / / INCLUDES: Thermoelectric Motor Cooler in Black / / REQUIRES: 12V power source / / SPECS: Size: : / Weight: / / jxs 3/11/08 |
 |
Koolatron Voyager Thermoelectric Cooler - P-27 by Koolatron The mid-sized koolatron P-27 voyager handles the long hours on the road with ease and holds up to 48 12-oz. cans! No more costly stops for soda and snacks. In fact, you'll probably pay for your koolatron P-27 voyager with the money you save by eliminating those time-consuming and expensive restaurant stops. Your koolatron P-27 voyager will serve your favorite foods...24 hours a day! At the cottage, keep traffic out of your main fridge by placing your koolatron P-27 voyager outside on the deck or patio. |
 |
Koolatron Compact Kooler by Koolatron Tall, slim, sleek design |
 |
Thermoelectricity: An Introduction to the Principles by D. K. C. MacDonald (Author) Aimed at graduate-level students and those interested in basic theory, MacDonald's survey concentrates on conduction in solids, mainly metals. It supplies a highly readable history of thermoelectricity and includes an impressive amount of experimental data. 1962 edition. |
 |
Thermoelectric Device by Arbor Scientific This fascinating accessory demonstrates the Peltier effect - the absorption or emission of heat energy when electrons move from one state to another across dissimilar semiconductor junctions. Just connect it to the Genecon or other voltage source, turn the handle in one direction, and the plate heats up. Reverse direction (or reverse the leads) and the plate cools down! Thermoelectric circuits such as this allow temperature control when size or economics make normal cooling techniques impractical. They are used on circuit boards to cool components and in picnic coolers powered by car cigarette lighters. For an added challenge, ask your students to suggest more important or diverse applications for the device. |
 |
CRC Handbook of Thermoelectrics by D.M. Rowe (Author) Thermoelectrics is the science and technology associated with thermoelectric converters, that is, the generation of electrical power by the Seebeck effect and refrigeration by the Peltier effect. Thermoelectric generators are being used in increasing numbers to provide electrical power in medical, military, and deep space applications where combinations of their desirable properties outweigh their relatively high cost and low generating efficiency. In recent years there also has been an increase in the requirement for thermoelectric coolers (Peltier devices) for use in infrared detectors and in optical communications. Information on thermoelectrics is not readily available as it is widely scattered throughout the literature. The Handbook centralizes this information in a convenient format... |
 |
Coleman PowerChill Thermoelectric Cooler with Power Supply (40-Quart) by Coleman Perfect for the office, dorm, RV, truck or car, the Coleman PowerChill Thermoelectric Cooler is fully portable, plugging into your vehicle's cigarette lighter -- or plug the included 120V power supply into a standard household outlet. The PowerChill's new motor design provides quiet, long-lasting performance, cooling the contents down to 40-degreeF BELOW the surrounding temperature. The PowerChill is designed with many convenient features, including a patented, adjustable door that can open on the right or left side. The cooler can be used in two positions, either as an upright or a chest cooler. An adjustable shelf divider helps keep things organized inside. The PowerChill Cooler's molded handles make it easy to lift and carry. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |