Thermoelectrics: Basic Principles and New Materials Developments

ISBN-13: 9783540412458 / Angielski / Twarda / 2001 / 293 str.

George Nolas; G. S. Nolas; J. Sharp

Opis

The field of thermoelectrics has grown dramatically in recent years. In particular new and novel materials research has been undertaken and device applications have increased. In spite of this resurgence of interest there are very few books available that outline the basic concepts in this field. Thus it is necessary that a book be written that encompasses the basic theory and introduces some of the resent research into improved materials for solid-state cooling and power generation. Therefore the aim of this book is threefold. First, to present the basic theory of thermoelectricity. Both theoretical concepts and experimental aspects of the field of solid-state cooling and power generation are discussed. Second, to bridge the gap between theory and application. To this end, the techniques for producing good thermoelectric materials and module design issues are reviewed. Third, to present some of the research into new and novel materials that has drawn the attention of the scientific community. The book is intended as a reference to experimentalists working in the field; however, it will also prove useful to scientists corning into the field from other areas of research. It can also serve as a useful text for graduate students.

Recenzje

From the reviews of the first edition:

"Beginning around 1990 concerns regarding refrigerant fluids and interest in cooling electronics led to renewed activity in the science and technology of alternative refrigeration. Thermoelectric cooling mechanisms, thermomagnetic effects and thermionic emission including the fundamentals of the implementation of these basic mechanisms comprise the book's subject. ... Therefore the book can serve as a reference to experimentalists ... ." (Vladimir Sládek, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 999, 2002)

Spis treści

1 Historical Development.- 2 Transport of Heat and Electricity in Solids.- 3 Selection and Optimization Criteria.- 4 Measurement and Characterization.- 5 Review of Established Materials and Devices.- 6 The Phonon—Glass Electron-Crystal Approach to Thermoelectric Materials Research.- 7 Complex Chalcogenide Structures.- 8 Low-Dimensional Thermoelectric Materials.- 9 Thermionic Refrigeration.- References.

Blurb

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.