How would you calculate the energy generated by a thermocouple?

In summary, the potential electricity generated by a thermocouple with dimensions 2" wide by half a meter long and a temperature gradient of 2000 degrees Celsius depends on the material it is made of. It is also possible to use a non-metal plasma as a secondary conductor, but further information is needed to determine the exact potential difference. It is recommended to refer to the manufacturer's specifications or research the thermoelectric effect for more information.
  • #1
Warpspeed13
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Say you had a thermocouple 2" wide by half a meter long and the temperature gradient was 2000 degrees Celsius how much electricity would it generate? If it was hot enough could a non metal plasma be used as the secondary conductor rather than a second type of metal?
 
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  • #2
You would look up the manufacturers specs.
The relationship between the temperature gradient and the potential difference depends on what the material is made of, and will also be different for different temperatures.
There is just not enough information from what you have given.

You may be thinking of:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_effect
 

1. How does a thermocouple generate energy?

A thermocouple generates energy through the Seebeck effect, which is the conversion of temperature differences into electrical voltage.

2. What factors affect the energy generated by a thermocouple?

The energy generated by a thermocouple is affected by the temperature difference between the two junctions, the type of materials used, and the size and configuration of the thermocouple.

3. How would you calculate the temperature difference between the two junctions?

To calculate the temperature difference between the two junctions, you would need to use a temperature measuring device, such as a thermocouple thermometer or an infrared thermometer.

4. What is the formula for calculating the energy generated by a thermocouple?

The formula for calculating the energy generated by a thermocouple is E = αΔT, where E is the energy, α is the Seebeck coefficient, and ΔT is the temperature difference between the two junctions.

5. Are there any limitations to using a thermocouple to generate energy?

Yes, there are limitations to using a thermocouple to generate energy. One limitation is that the energy produced is directly proportional to the temperature difference between the two junctions, so a small temperature difference will result in a small amount of energy. Additionally, thermocouples have a limited temperature range and may not be suitable for extreme temperature conditions.

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