(Seebeck Coefficient): The magnitude of an induced thermoelectric voltage in response to a temperature difference.
ZT=S2σTκcap Z cap T equals the fraction with numerator cap S squared sigma cap T and denominator kappa end-fraction Where each variable represents a vital physical property: This includes both lattice vibrations (phonons) and charge
The keyword "" (or zT ) primarily refers to the dimensionless figure of merit , a critical metric used to evaluate the efficiency of thermoelectric materials . These materials are unique because they can convert waste heat directly into electricity (the Seebeck effect) or use electricity to provide cooling (the Peltier effect). Understanding the ZT Formula This includes both lattice vibrations (phonons) and charge
(Absolute Temperature): The operating temperature in Kelvin. This includes both lattice vibrations (phonons) and charge
The efficiency of a thermoelectric material is defined by the following equation:
(Electrical Conductivity): The material's ability to allow the flow of electric current.
(Thermal Conductivity): The material's ability to conduct heat. This includes both lattice vibrations (phonons) and charge carriers (electrons/holes). The Challenges of Maximizing ZT