Thermoelectric Generators or TEGs are generators that have the exceptional ability to convert heat into electricity that can be used to power things from cell phones or tablets to cars and buildings. They are classified as any device capable of converting thermal energy into usable electrical energy or vice versa. In order to produce electricity or energy, a thermoelectric generator uses the so-called "Seebeck effect". Thermoelectric generators have a low efficiency rate of between 5 and 8%, but because they use waste heat it helps optimize the amount of energy a power plant can produce. Many people believe that their efficiency will one day surpass the efficiency of mechanical generators. These generators first made history in 1821 when Thomas Seebeck discovered that when a circuit was made up of two metals each at a different temperature (one hot, one cold) an electric current could flow. Since then, thermoelectricity technology has been explored and greatly improved. There are many different types of thermoelectric generators in today's society. Some of the main ones are fossil fuel generators, solar generators and nuclear fuel generators. How it works This diagram demonstrates how electricity can be made from heat (thermoelectricity). When the two metals (one hot and one cold) are brought together the heat can be converted into electrical energy which can travel through the circuit that is formed. Electricity can then be used to power a variety of electronic devices. This is a great demonstration of the Seebeck effect. The diagram shown above is another great example of a thermoelectric generator. Although it is a little different from the generator mentioned above...... middle of paper ......asases are emitted into the atmosphere, causing global warming. Although this type of energy production has many disadvantages, it has great potential to become one of the major sources of energy nowadays. Conclusion Much progress has been made in the field of thermoelectric technology. Since the 1800s the overall efficiency of generators has been greatly increased. Many different aspects of thermoelectricity have been explored and implemented in modern society. Thanks to studies conducted in the thermoelectric field, it is possible to take advantage of the energy produced by fossil fuels, excess heat, the sun, nuclear radiation and many different heat sources. This is an amazing technology, and although much progress has been made in the field of thermoelectricity, there is still a long way to go to fully exploit the potential of this source of electricity.
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