Thermodynamics of Thermoelectric Phenomena and Applications
Abstract
Fifty years ago, the optimization of thermoelectric devices was analyzed by considering the relation between optimal performances and local entropy production. Entropy is produced by the irreversible processes in thermoelectric devices. If these processes could be eliminated, entropy production would be reduced to zero, and the limiting Carnot efficiency or coefficient of performance would be obtained. In the present review, we start with some fundamental thermodynamic considerations relevant for thermoelectrics. Based on a historical overview, we reconsider the interrelation between optimal performances and local entropy production by using the compatibility approach together with the thermodynamic arguments. Using the relative current density and the thermoelectric potential, we show that minimum entropy production can be obtained when the thermoelectric potential is a specific, optimal value.
Additional Information
© 2011 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. Received: 2 July 2011; in revised form: 15 July 2011. Accepted: 29 July 2011. Published: 15 August 2011. The first author would like to thank the French CNRS "Programme Interdisciplinaire Energie", and the ANR "Efficacité Energétique des Systèmes Industriels" for their support.Attached Files
Published - Goupil2011p15724Entropy-Switz.pdf
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Additional details
- Eprint ID
- 25354
- Resolver ID
- CaltechAUTHORS:20110916-115100552
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) (France)
- Agence Nationale pour la Recherche (ANR) (France)
- Created
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2011-09-19Created from EPrint's datestamp field
- Updated
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2021-11-09Created from EPrint's last_modified field